0870 numbers go with the flow

Click here to instantly activate your new 0870 Number – Free Trial

0870 numbers are great for businesses whose employees are on the go. This kind of non geographic number is not tied to a single circuit so they can easily be redirected to any telephone line, including mobile and landline numbers in other countries.  These fluid numbers can be sent to other phone numbers simultaneously and can follow a relocating company to its new location anywhere in the world.

Consumers also view bt 0870 numbers as a sign of prestige for an organization similar to how Americans view 800 numbers in the US. In fact, if a UK consumer sees a company’s 0870 telephone number and a listed standard number, they will call 0870 numbers despite the per minute charge. Due to current economic conditions, some customers do give consideration to the fact that 0870 numbers cost them money, however many people still use them on a frequent basis.

Unlike standard geographic numbers, marketers can use 0870 number ads to track sales accurately.  Because some customers balk at calling a business’ 0870 number cost them a considerable amount of money only those who are truly interested in a service or product will contact an organization. This provides marketing with true sales numbers for a particular geographic area or niche targeted with 0870 numbers.

Vanity 0870 numbers are also available that allow companies to create memorable numbers and telephonic jingles for customers and are a useful marketing tool.  If a number is easier to remember customers will call it, even if it costs them money.

The possibility of having free 0870 numbers for customers may be closer to reality than those who are against them would like you to believe. In the past, telecommunication companies did not include toll numbers in their call packages that the sold to their customers.  Over a year ago, however, British Telecomm, one of the largest phone providers in the UK, changed their policy and made non geographic phone numbers free for their customers who have phone packages with BT. While other phone companies have yet to follow the lead of the British telecommunication giant, things may change as the heated debate over these numbers continue.

Many organizations find that the flexibility and market tracking benefits of using 0870 numbers far outweigh the disadvantages. The added benefit of shared revenue with these numbers in the range of 40% – 60% makes them even more appealing. So despite the controversy it may be beneficial to consider using a 0870 number.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

0870 number cost

Click here to instantly activate your new 0870 Number – Free Trial

In January of 2009, British Telecom made a landmark decision in how they handle 0870 numbers and the costs incurred by outraged consumers. Also known as non geographical numbers these toll numbers can cost up to £5.0 per minute and have been the focus of negative press for a long time in the UK.
Similar to 900 numbers used in the US, these per minute charges are not included in many of the phone packages touted by UK phone companies, until recently. British Telecom, the largest phone provider in Great Britain, decided to make 0870 numbers free for customers who purchase their telephone packages. The idea of having free 0870 numbers does not seem to have quelled public debate, however it should help consumers who want to call companies who have non geographic numbers but do not want to incur such outrageous charges.
Part of the problem may be how prolific the use of 0870 numbers in the UK. The British intervened on behalf of its citizens due to the fact that even doctors’ offices were using these toll numbers and patients felt it wasn’t proper to charge someone seeking medical advice. Why so prominent? Mainly because 0870 charges incurred by consumers create revenue for the businesses that use them. Revenue sharing in the range of 40%-60% per call is issued to the companies who are using them; an incentive for many that over rides the negative publicity.
Another factor for the continued the debate is that even though what BT did may be seen as sounding the call, other telecommunication companies have yet to answer. If these companies offered a similar plan to absorb the cost of toll numbers a win- win situation could exist for businesses and consumers similar to toll-free numbers.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment