Why 0870 0844 virtual switchboards are free in the UK
So You'll Never Miss Another Call
hese days all the functionality of a traditional PBX can be replicated by an intelligent telecom exchange switch. As switch equipment comes down in price, more and more companies are offering virtual switchboard services to their customers.
What that means is that it is no longer necessary to purchase a traditional switch along with its installation and maintenance costs. Instead a business can rent a virtual switchboard from their telephone company.
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First number free to users in the UK (NOTE: 0844 numbers do not receive calls from outside the UK) |
But in the UK, many companies go one better. In the mid-nineties free phone and local call rate numbers where supplemented by national call rate numbers that rebate a part of the call revenue to the phone company. This has enabled companies to use the rebate to fund the operation of virtual switchboard services that are then offered free of charge to end users.
This is a terrific facility for any small business and especially the increasing army of people who work from home who can have free access to such facilities as music-on-hold, call queuing, announcement of queue position to the caller, ability to route calls to several offices and voicemail. All at no charge.
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Your Virtual Switchboard Now
First number free to users in the UK (NOTE: 0844 numbers do not receive calls from outside the UK) |
Sadly the prospect of a rebate has been abused by large service companies including utilities, insurance companies, low cost airlines and the customer service departments of appliance manufacturers who have been accused of understaffing call centres and keeping callers on hold in order to save costs and increase phone revenue. As a result Ofcom, the UK regulatory authority, has ruled that the cost of calling 0870 numbers will be reduced and the rebates abandoned from the end of 2007. However, this does not apply to 0844 numbers, which is why we have switched to using them instead.
Get
Your Virtual Switchboard Now
First number free to users in the UK (NOTE: 0844 numbers do not receive calls from outside the UK) |
Virtual Switchboard articles:
Why virtual switchboards are free in the UK
How A Free Virtual Switchboard Can Accurately Track Telephone Response To Advertisements
How A Free Virtual Switchboard Lets Home Workers Answer Calls Effectively
How A Free Virtual Switchboard Can Help Increase Your Profit
What user's say:
"Our I.T. consultant introduced us to the switchboard and explained what it could offer us; we understood how we could benefit from this right away. Since using the Switchboard, we have been able to answer three times as many calls as we had anticipated.
We have also increased revenue from returning missed calls that we would have otherwise lost! We have expand faster than we thought possible with the help of the wonderful product"
Ryan Martin,
Managing Director www.EasyPostUK.com
"I spend most of my time explaining to clients why tracking the result of marketing is so important - without it you're just wasting money. Until now, I've never come across a practical way for businesses to track in-bound telephone responses.
This system has changed that. Not only can you run a powerful tracking system, you can access this technology with no expense. This will revolutionise marketing for businesses. It is is a must if you spend money on marketing and want responses by telephone!"
Nial Adams
www.Positive-Response.net
"Running a successful small chauffeuring business keeps me out of the office for long periods. With this service I never lose that important call! It's like having your own 24/7 receptionist! It really has helped us to grow our business."
Justin Rhys
Sterling Chauffeurs
"Foundation group has been using this amazing service since April '05 and we are extremely impressed. The system has simplified and transformed all of our multiple communication requirements.
We manage any changes we need to make from the web based client page, which is easy to understand and operate. Most importantly our clients are delighted with the service provided."
Huw Perkins
Foundation Group
"As a small consultancy every call counts and running a virtual office was proving difficult. This easy to use product has made the difference, keeping us in touch with our clients and ensuring we provide a much higher level of service."
Monika Kacela
MK Consulting