Intelesis

2012-02-22T11:21:00.001-08:00

@intelesis - 70% of all mobile users are IOS Apple - fact !

2011-12-25T06:42:00.001-08:00

Peter Andre single handedly disproves the Darwin hypothesis !

2011-12-24T15:07:00.001-08:00

Merry Xmas everyone - what a great year its been... so far !

2011-12-20T02:19:00.001-08:00

Apparently Kim Jong-il shot a thirty eight (38) under par once. Hol Lin-wun?

2011-12-18T13:18:00.001-08:00

Enjoy.......http://ping.fm/7M65m

2011-12-05T09:40:00.001-08:00

Loves papaprosdokians sent to me this 'arvo

2011-11-19T10:58:00.001-08:00

Free means free- Ofcom announce free calls to 0800 numbers in 2011. http://ping.fm/d3xLe

2011-11-18T15:07:00.001-08:00

Super-fast broadband boost for South Yorkshire jobs - VIDEO - Jobs - The Star http://ping.fm/aQjsI

2011-10-24T02:11:00.001-07:00

In the very unlikely case that you would need to phone Manchester United they have change their telephone number to 0161 61 61 61

2011-10-18T10:49:00.001-07:00

www.intelesis.co.uk/08-0800.php : http://ping.fm/nEc5k

2011-10-18T10:42:00.001-07:00

Warning: Giving your passwords out for social networks could result in 4 years hard labour !

2011-10-12T05:25:00.001-07:00

I'd rather have blackberry crumble than apple crumble !

2011-09-17T11:34:00.001-07:00

www.intelesis.co.uk/08-0800.php - Avoid costly 0800 number charges from mobiles by using the new app from 0800buster - cool !

2011-09-15T00:47:00.001-07:00

Osbourne capitulates over Banking sector, yet again again. Let us in the Telecoms sector run the country - we know what we're doing - don't we?

2011-09-07T23:10:00.001-07:00

Mobile callers paying £1.70 for 'free' 0800 number on an average call - Vodafone charge 35p. For a full list see: http://ping.fm/xdYfo

2011-09-07T09:52:00.001-07:00

BT phone book: Front Cover of Sheffield Edition. Derek Ibbotson (1956 Bronze) from Huddersfield. They could have used David Law (Hallamshire) World Record holder !!!!

2011-09-06T13:44:00.001-07:00

Taxi for Earnshaw?

2011-08-24T15:59:00.001-07:00

Can you believe England's football team moved up to 4th in the FIFA rankings after riots cancel the game with the Netherlands - One minor plus then !!!

2011-08-17T13:40:00.001-07:00

www.intelesis.co.uk/08-0800.php. BT wins appeal against mobile phone companies on the 0800 number, 0845 and 0870 number ranges.

2011-08-04T13:13:00.001-07:00

So I take a well deserved day off and what happens, I get roped in to a bike ride from birmingham to notts .... Ah well only 100km, nowt for a super fit guy!!

2011-07-31T08:39:00.001-07:00

Skip your old phone system today - use ours!! We have launched hosted telephony platform (save up to 60% with our Voice Over IP service for South Yorkshire based businesses - www.billsavers.co.uk

2011-07-24T14:32:00.001-07:00

Major bike ride coming up, Aussie evans eat ya heart out - green jersey for me next year!

2011-07-17T03:44:00.001-07:00

Just got my Google+ account .... Thats another social network to manage....Thanks Ivor

2011-06-24T06:38:00.001-07:00

C'mon Laura Robson & Elena Baltacha !!! Let's hope your numbers not up just yet !!

2011-06-17T06:45:00.001-07:00

Blackberry Playbook takes a nose dive with O2 - thats RIM out of the game then?

2011-05-26T08:03:00.001-07:00

Microsoft buy pig in a poke: http://ping.fm/Qj3O6

2011-05-20T12:15:00.001-07:00

Should be interesting to see if the South Yorkshire PCT accept our proposals for digital region this week for 0845 number swop

2011-05-14T09:39:00.001-07:00

Did anyone see the slo-mo HD punch in the Leicester v northampton union game - awesome yet horrifying !

2011-05-10T21:19:00.001-07:00

Just got in, its 5am on a school night, either I'm motivated or stupid ..... but I got a lot done today !

2011-04-13T10:41:00.001-07:00

Mind blowing! http://ping.fm/MnWNo

2011-04-08T14:53:00.001-07:00

Calgary Bay in the 3 O'clock at Aintree - 33's cant be bad .... Bet it comes in third and I have it on the nose

2011-04-06T13:46:00.001-07:00

Would love to know what the cost was to Chelsea was over the 'nailed-on' penalty tonight - only time will tell!

2011-04-04T04:06:00.001-07:00

You Guv poll reveals that iPhone users are poorer than Blackberry users on average - How good is that publicity for RIM ! 1 in 5 owners of iPhone say their bank balances are overdrawn - right RIM for me ! :-)

2011-03-12T03:17:00.001-08:00

www.intelesis.co.uk - GP surgeries have until 31 March 2011 in order to change their telephone numbers from 'premium' rate 0845/0844 to equivilent 0345/0300 telephone numbers.

2011-03-09T03:09:00.001-08:00

Van Persie sent off for not hearing the whistle and now a player sent off for tackling an (illegal) streaker - c'mon referees, this is plain idiocy !

2011-03-06T04:53:00.001-08:00

Stewart Broads bowling was awesome in the World Cup - talk about close !!!! Now then, common Liverpool!

2011-02-28T16:14:00.001-08:00

Despite congressional criticism, Facebook is planning to resume the aborted rollout of a feature that allowed the optional sharing of addresses and mobile phone numbers.

Read more: http://ping.fm/PqKlr

2011-02-27T10:33:00.001-08:00

What a result for Birmingham city - though I didn't see Man U or Chelsea in the final - did you?

2011-02-26T16:02:00.001-08:00

Hello 929: City to get new area code - New York has too many mobiles so they need more numbers

2011-02-24T12:25:00.001-08:00

www.intelesis.co.uk launches pay-as-you-go switchboard - its great !

2011-02-17T02:00:00.001-08:00

intelesis.co.uk/08-0800.php releases article http://ping.fm/RWjSR?&id=5880162

2011-02-15T04:54:00.001-08:00

www.intelesis.co.uk/08-0800.php - NHS Direct scrap plans to implement 03 numbers which are free to call from mobiles. Plans to replace 0845 number with 0345 number have been replaced with a cost neutral 111 number

2011-02-04T08:40:00.001-08:00

www.intelesis.co.uk releases article: http://ping.fm/Mfg1f

2011-02-02T06:08:00.001-08:00

www.intelesis.co.uk - New numbering rules for phones in Australia/US and UK - you can now take your existing landline telephone number anywhere in the world.

2011-01-31T02:21:00.001-08:00

New rules from February 1st 2011 sees repeated silent calls abolished.

Predictive diallers used by the contact centre industry cause silent calls and companies can now be fined up to £2M.

2011-01-30T05:38:00.001-08:00

Ofcom aims to simply charging structures for Non-Geographic number ranges
Ofcom has announced that it intends to simplify the charge controls on all Non-Geograpgic number ranges, but these proposals may not come into effect for another 2 years, according to the telecoms industry regulator. These proposals are in response to consumer confusion on certain types of numbers and its aim is to attempt to improve consumer confidence when dialling certain numbers.
The principle change centres around the 08 number range. These numbers are currently labelled as Freephone numbers, but when called from a mobile phone network, they are classed as premium rate numbers with some networks charging as much as £2.50 / minute.
Freecall numbers such as Cable & Wireless 0500 numbers and 0808 business telephone numbers are also to be incorporated under these proposals.
The principle changes on numbers are as follows:-
01/02/03 – the first two are classified as geographic numbers and 03 number ranges are non-geographic number ranges but are linked to the geographic number ranges (01/02 number).
07 numbers – mobile rates;
0800 number – free to dial from landlines and mobile numbers and networks;
0842, 0843, 0844 and 0845 numbers and 0871, 0872 and 0873 - business rates, charged at lower cost; and
090/ 091/098 - premium rated numbers, these are a higher cost.

2011-01-28T16:50:00.001-08:00

Leslie Ash's mobile telephone number is hacked - But what do they need with a spitting image puppet's phone content?

2011-01-27T06:38:00.001-08:00

Phone hacking scandals - is nothing secure these days?

2011-01-26T14:03:00.001-08:00

Google makes telephone numbers non-geographical and permanent with Google Voice 26/1/11. Once you subscribe to this service your number will be into the search engines and people will never forget your number again - magic ! n

2011-01-25T01:52:00.001-08:00

My funny video: http://ping.fm/oE2NS

2011-01-24T14:38:00.001-08:00

Non-Geographic Numbers unleashed with SIP -see our article @ http://ping.fm/BZIoz(SIP)-Over-PSTN-for-Number-Presentation&id=5732664

2011-01-24T09:49:00.001-08:00

Lucky No. 7 - Cognitive psychologists state that using 'chunking' consumers are more likely to remember recurring patterns of numbers which is a good reason to purchase a memorable 0845 number for your business from http://ping.fm/bPILY

2011-01-21T03:25:00.001-08:00

Google drops video-conferencing protocol (H.264). This is a protocol for video so it looks like they want to take on Cisco in their own back yard - www.intelesis.co.uk/

2011-01-20T15:26:00.001-08:00

Some guy called bill arthur louis philip louis sax-coburg is getting hitched this year and I get 11 days holiday - brilliant !

2011-01-19T03:55:00.001-08:00

Ofcom intends to protect the interests of smaller mobile communications providers - http://ping.fm/Tdt5j

2011-01-18T15:21:00.001-08:00

According to HR Magazine BT saves £2.2 million per year through home working and flexible working: http://ping.fm/f0Vzw

2011-01-11T15:22:00.001-08:00

Ofcom announce proposals to make 0800 numbers free calls from mobile networks - see www.intelesis.co.uk/08-0800.php

2011-01-11T15:20:00.001-08:00

January Sale - Highly memorable Platinum grade 0844 numbers @ www.intelesis.co.uk/08-0844.php - e.g. 0844 844 45XX. Call us on 08448 444 555

2010-12-31T07:51:00.001-08:00

www.intelesis.co.uk/08-0800.php looking for a very good Google Adwords professional - anyone out there? Call us on 0844 844 4 555

2010-12-01T13:01:00.001-08:00

Feeling like Ferris Buella today!!

2010-12-01T12:57:00.001-08:00

Man city have recruited tom daly on a free!

2010-11-30T03:34:00.001-08:00

Thanks to everyone for my birthday wishes. I might try snowboarding this arvo'!

2010-11-28T14:34:00.001-08:00

Why do they let that northern Irish geezer present MOTD2 - truly dreadful!

2010-11-26T16:31:00.003-08:00

The snow is coming down slowly in Sheffield looks like we'll be camped 'til mid- week

2010-11-26T16:31:00.001-08:00

The snow is coming down slowly in Sheffield looks like we'll be camped 'til mid- week

2010-11-26T16:30:00.001-08:00

The snow is coming down slowly in Sheffield looks like we'll be camped 'til mid- week

2010-11-26T16:28:00.001-08:00

The snow is coming down slowly in Sheffield looks like we'll be camped 'til mid- week

2010-11-23T23:34:00.001-08:00

I'm gonna work really smart today so I can cock off @ 3, smart move!

2010-11-12T14:13:00.001-08:00

Lanzarote tomorrow, escape this awful weather

2010-11-07T12:13:00.001-08:00

X-FACTOR CHER to WIN

2010-11-06T13:16:00.001-07:00

If you want to know everything about emerging technology in the Telecoms arena, then you can now stalk us @ www.intelesis.co.uk. We will contribute 10p to Plan International for everyone who follows us on twitter @intelesis0845

2010-07-03T12:30:00.001-07:00

Spain in for a drubbing tonight - think a San Miguel's in order

2010-06-22T04:37:00.001-07:00

Hi all, I am looking to take part in the Great Eastern Half Marathon on 10/10/10 @ 10:10am and would greatly appreciate any donations to my page @ http://ping.fm/tjAtB or call us @ http://ping.fm/UIKIC

2010-06-17T09:47:00.001-07:00

C'mon Algeria - Sweepstakes don't you just love them - I didn't even get the chance to pull it out

2010-06-15T15:35:00.001-07:00

Brazil's first goal - defo a cross

2010-06-10T12:57:00.001-07:00

Put 10 @ 15-1 on 5-0, c'mon Rooney!

2010-06-09T06:10:00.001-07:00

Joining the 'Prawn Sandwich Brigade' at Wembley for the second England Game, courtesy of www.intelesis.co.uk

2010-05-15T05:45:00.001-07:00

Sheffield based Telecoms Company wins contract to Supply Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) services to R&D Tax reclaim company (a href="http://ping.fm/9mcKY">HowarthLynch

2010-05-06T15:48:00.001-07:00

Should we allow people to vote after 10pm - like zimbabwe - dont think so !

James Bond selects 03 Telephone Number

2010-04-01T02:00:00.000-07:00

James Bond Movie Makers select DRTV & Telecoms specialists Intelesis Limited for the selection of their new 03 Telephone Number (0333 007 007) in a £4M deal over 7 years. Makers of the new James Bond movie were emphatic in their praise of the company.

“With lightening speed and like the Man with the golden gun, they were able to select and connect a number which suited us down to the ground. Previously it had taken weeks to find a decent number “.

The number will be used across all of the Direct Response Television Advertising (DRTV) and Bill posters for the upcoming film released in the spring. It is also anticipated that the new James Bond character wil be able to dial it free from his mobile number, when abroad on missions.

The 03 telephone number was to be sold to a private individual but he decided at the last minute not to go for the number, so high flying movie moguls stepped in at the last minute.

Managing Director of Sheffield based Intelesis Limited, Noel Liverton was naturally delighted: This is a major coup for us, we have completed many of these types of contracts but to pull this one off is a real fillip for the company.
Intelesis is a telecoms reseller, regulated by Otelo and is based in Sheffield, supplying 0800 numbers, 0808 numbers, 0845 numbers.

2010-03-25T11:08:00.001-07:00

Good news, we've updated the base of our home page so you can follow us (if you wish!) @ http://ping.fm/Go9eW

2010-03-05T04:47:00.001-08:00

Your new Prime Minister ......

http://ping.fm/8AgdR

2010-02-27T06:19:00.001-08:00

Is embarking on his CISCO sales exams !

2010-02-21T11:01:00.001-08:00

We are offering a Free fax-to-email service (0845) for users who offer a backlink from their company web-site - see http://ping.fm/ie73U

2010-02-08T05:45:00.001-08:00

am in London on 12/2 - anyone want to hook up for a drink?

2010-01-24T23:59:00.001-08:00

Enjoying (or do I mean enduring) East Coast WiFi (anyone remember 14.4K modems?)

2010-01-20T15:34:00.001-08:00

Mobile phone International Roaming charges causing you a headache - We've got an app for that: @ http://ping.fm/RILJQ

2010-01-16T15:59:00.001-08:00

Contradiction in terms:- skoda superb

2010-01-12T00:16:00.001-08:00

505 Directory Enquiries (118) providers - which is the cheapest? See:- http://ping.fm/LimR5

Cheapest 118 Directory Enquiry services - Ofcom call costs announced 31/12/09

2010-01-12T00:07:00.001-08:00

Cheapest 118 Directory Enquiry services - Ofcom call costs announced 31/12/09

Since the deregulation of the former 192 service, there have been over 505 applications to host a service from a total possible 999. Some providers have not launched and some have gone out of business.

The full list is available @ http://www.telecom-tariff.co.uk/dialdirq.htm

Incidentally, 999 for the emergency services was in fact the first non-geographic number to be allocated in 1937 but it wasn't available for everyone to ring until 1963. Now there are a whole suite of Non-Geographic Telephone Numbers such as 0800, 0845, 0844, etc and 111 was launched recently in November 2009 for charities

So, without further a do, the results are in and it would appear that the winner happens to be 118214, a service costing just 20p/min. Of course its a little difficult to compare some services as they happen to have different set up costs and in some cases some providers can be up to twice as much as BT.

Awareness of different providers is relatively and advertisng expenditure is always very high to improve awareness. A recent study by the regulating body Ofcom revealed the folowing

1) While spontaneous awareness of DQ providers/numbers has fallen overall, it has increased amongst DQ users. Prompted awareness is unchanged

2) All other DQ providers are mentioned by 10% or less of respondents.
Self reported use of DQ services continues to decline

3) Over nine out of ten consumers only use one DQ number.

4) The Number's 118 118 (41%) and BT's 118 500 (26%) are the two most commonly used DQ providers.

5) Most consumers (62%) are satisfied with their chosen provider. A minority (12%) are dissatisfied.

6) Mobile customers are more satisfied than fixed customers (77% and 62%).

7) BT 118 500 landline users are more satisfied than landline users of The Number's 118 118 (Fixed line: 73% vs 62%)

41% of fixed line DQ users do not know what their chosen DQ provider charges to provide a UK telephone number.

Among those that mention a price, the average is 48p - close to the actual weighted average price of 50p.

Just over a half of UK adults are aware that prices vary between DQ providers, and just over a third that some DQ providers offer different services to others - unchanged since April 2004.

Of the additional services provided, none show growth in self-reported usage but consumers do show more potential interest in future usage of these

The main reasons mentioned for using a particular DQ provider are:

1. advertising recall (24%)
2. ease of remembering the number (17%)
3. perception that the number used was the new BT service (17%)
4. it is the only known service (16%)
5. The service provision itself is a secondary consideration:
6. cheap (3%)
7. the best (4%)
8. accurate (2%)
9. Accuracy of 118 DQ services broadly unchanged

118 numbers are perceived to be more costly per call than 192 (57% fixed line users/44% mobile users), especially in the case of fixed line calls. This is in part driven by a perception amongst consumers of calls to 192 being cheaper than they actually were (perceived cost to call 192 being 30p compared to the actual cost of 40p).

2010-01-09T19:37:00.001-08:00

Intelesis launches 0842 and 0843 numbers

2010-01-06T05:12:00.001-08:00

Critical times ahead for Mitel? See: http://ping.fm/tMKsZ

Critical Times ahead for Mitel?

2010-01-06T05:09:00.000-08:00

Mitel’s long-term future depends on it generating enough cash to cover its debts according to Canalys.

At the end of December, Mitel announced its intention to file for an IPO to generate up to $230 million (€161 million) in cash. This is its second attempt to go public, following an abortive effort in 2006, when it cited challenging stock market conditions as its reason for halting the process. The main objective of the latest IPO attempt is to address its worryingly large level of debt, which it incurred through the acquisition of Inter-Tel for $729 million (€508 million) in 2007. Its balance sheet for its last fiscal year, ending in April 2009, showed that Mitel had debt exceeding $428 million (€299 million), while its cash flow was only $28 million (€20 million). Consequently, the credit rating agency, Moody’s, downgraded Mitel’s status to the third lowest tier, labelled as a substantial risk. If it fails to service its debts appropriately, clauses in the loan agreements will trigger early repayment terms. This will force the Canadian vendor to seek alternative credit sources at less favourable rates due to its poor credit rating, or spin off parts of its business at below market prices, such as the Lake unit and the North American managed services operations.

New and existing customers could be perturbed by its current balance sheet and credit rating issues, especially in light of Nortel’s demise. Customers need assurance of Mitel’s financial viability and to be guaranteed support throughout the lifespan of their investment. Its channel also needs the same assurance of its viability as a long-term technology partner. Without this assurance, which Mitel can potentially get through a successful IPO, it will struggle as businesses increasingly scrutinise their suppliers’ financial position as part of risk assessments. Analysis of its operating results and loss of market share, however, will not make good reading for potential investors. For its latest fiscal year, Mitel reported revenue of $735 million (€513 million), up 6.2% from a year earlier, but this is distorted as the previous fiscal year’s results only include eight and a half months of Inter-Tel activity. It also reported a net income loss of $194 million (€135 million), though this was impacted by a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $285 million (€199 million), some of which was offset by other gains. In terms of telephony call control shipment performance, Mitel has lost share over the last four quarters. In Q3 2009, Canalys estimated its worldwide line shipments declined 27.9% year-on-year, compared with the market average of 17.8%. Its market share also fell from 3.6% to 3.1% in the same period, driven by a strong decline in its main markets in North America.

A successful IPO is vital for Mitel’s future. But this will be challenging, especially with its current credit rating, financial and market position, as well as the general economic conditions. Mitel is not the only vendor in this position. There are still over 50 vendors active in the telephony call control market worldwide, many of which have small market shares. The top five vendors, including Cisco, the combined activities of Avaya and Nortel, NEC, Alcatel-Lucent and Siemens, control nearly 60% of the market, and with Microsoft, IBM and Google emerging, as well as open source vendors gaining momentum, the future of many is uncertain. What is certain is that customers will be carrying out more risk assessments on investments following the events of the last 18 months. Vendors and also the channel, therefore, will have to focus on the strength of their balance sheets and increasingly be open about their financial positions.

2010-01-03T12:15:00.001-08:00

.tel's are great! Never have to send a change of address to anyone ever again -just email them the link......

www.intelesis.tel

National Loan Shark Helpline chooses 03 numbers - 0333 555 2222

2010-01-02T05:35:00.000-08:00

National Loan Shark Helpline Number is 0333 555 2222

What are 03 numbers?

03 numbers can be used from payphones and mobiles at a rate equivalent to that which the caller pays for 01 & 02 numbers.

• These 03 numbers come with statistics on the location of the caller;
• They can be used for business continuity purposes i.e. if the Loan Shark Helpline telephone lines were to fail for any reason;
03 numbers are normally free from mobile phones where inclusive landline minutes are part of the package which is an increasing number of tariffs in the UK. The same applies for payphones which are currently a minimum of 40p a call;
• 03Numbers offers divert on busy, no answer services when the call is unable to be taken. This has the effect of ensuring no missed calls. It can be coupled with data capture or voicemail type services that are not hosted on the company PBX.
When looking for
03 Numbers, it is important to ensure that you choose the right provider, not one necessarily that offer the cheapest rate, as there is always hidden charges with these providers. What happens for instance if you want to change the underlying number for the position of the
03 numbers? Will the provider charge you an arm and a leg. In short, don’t get caught out; read the small print in the contract.
03 numbers, as opposed to 0845/0870 will be future proofed on their charging structure as they are tied to 01/02 and not a ‘local’/’national’ definition
It is possible for businesses who get in early to choose the best numbers from niche players.
It is easy to set up and can be provided across all types of numbers such your local business number and also to mobiles and international numbers.
03 Numbers can be offered with free call recording on all inbound calls, unlike some other number ranges where it is not possible to do so.

The03 numbers range is likely to overtake 0845 as the fastest growing number as the caller is not charged at the same rate as an 0845 i.e. up to 4p/min. as with client who take their 0845 from BT.

It is also possible to port the numbers between providers in much the same way as you might with 08 type numbers. This way, if the rates that you receive are not sufficiently good enough then its possible to change with minimum fuss. Clearly, all the features of the intelligent network need to be considered before a change is effected but there should be no reason for staying with a poor deal.
All in all we feel that 03 numbers should be adopted more readily as it shows better commitment from organisations towards customer service.

Intelesis is the leading authority on 03 numbers in the UK

03 number portability

2009-12-31T05:15:00.000-08:00

03 Number portability

0300, 0333 and 0330 numbers - also referred to as Non-Geographic UK-WIde numbers, are the latest non geographic numbers to be made available.
0300, 0333 and 0330 numbers offer full flexibility of a Non Geographic including call recording, call queuing and divert to mobiles. 03 numbers have received much publicity and have been introduced to allow flexibility of non geographic numbers.
Portability
03 numbers can be diverted to any phone number in the world. You use your existing phone number as normal and calls will be directed to you as required.
Your 03 Number will automatically follow any diverts set up on your landline. For example if you routinely divert incoming calls to your mobile when you leave your office then inbound calls to your landline made on your local phone number will follow the divert to your mobile.
• Good customer awareness of 0300 and 0330 numbers encourages customers to call.
• 0300 are more cost effective than 0800 or 0808 non geographic numbers for both you and your customer.
• Free numbers show your customers that you value speaking with them.
• Flexible calling plans allows for full number management.

What do 0300 cost?

• No set up charge unless memorable (golden number)
• Calls diverted to Orange, Vodafone,T Mobile and O2 at 13.5p per minute.
• Choose from a selection of 0300, 0333 or 0303 numbers Free of Charge
• Line rental Free of Charge (subject to terms, see full price list for details).
• Calls routed to standard UK landline numbers at 1.5p per minute.

• Calls routed to other UK standard mobile at 20.0p per minute.

GPs 084 numbers are now illegal

2009-12-29T12:46:00.000-08:00

GPs across England and Wales are being asked to stop using all 0844 numbers for answering calls to their patients.

Nye Bevan's desire in 1922 to make the NHS free at the point of entry almost should extend to the provision of telephone calls, the government have decreed.

Read the Government’s response

The Department of Health proposes to ban the use of premium rate numbers by NHS organisations. It has recently consulted on the use of 084 numbers in the NHS. The Department’s response to the consultation was published on 14 September, and is available on its website at: www.dh.gov.uk by typing ‘084 consultation response’ into the search bar.

The Department received approximately 3,000 responses to the consultation exercise; 2,000 from members of the public, a further 1,000 from the NHS, and a small number of responses from industry and other stakeholder organisations.

The consultation demonstrated that there is overwhelming support for the banning of numbers which cost the patient more to call than if they had called a normal geographical number (for example, numbers beginning 01 or 02). As a result of the consultation, the Department intends to amend legislation to stop the use of any telephone numbers which charge patients more to contact the NHS than the equivalent call to a geographical number. This will be enforced through amendments to the GP contract regulations, and the issuing of Directions to NHS Trusts and Primary Care Trusts (PCTs).

The ban will be enforced as soon as the necessary legislative changes can be made. This will be early next year for GP Practices, but as soon as practically possible for NHS Trusts and PCTs. The Department’s ongoing position on this issue has been that patients should not be expected to pay more than the equivalent cost of calling a geographical number, and, in the meantime, Ministers expect NHS organisations to continue to take this into account.

0800 numbers from mobiles

2009-12-29T11:23:00.000-08:00

0800 numbers from mobiles are very expensive. Ofcom research into this area of the market appears to suggest that most people were aware that 0800 numbers means free.

However, when dialling 0800 numbers from mobiles, it is not very well known that it can cost up to 50p/min., arguably the same costs as it would cost to dial a premium rate number.

Orange used to allow business customers the opportunity to dial 0800 numbers from their mobile network without charge but this is no longer allowed and indeed all mobile operators now charge to make calls from their networks to 0800 numbers.

The general awareness of 03 numbers as being free to dial from mobiles has been less well documented and highlighted by the regulating body, even though they were first issued in March 2007.

Research has shown that most people now understand that 0845 numbers are not considered local as they have not kept with the pace of change on geographic local and national calls which can, in many instances, be free of charge

There has been a rise in the number of 0800 number directory, but when you consider that over 40% of voice calls now emanate from mobile phones, surely a big push towards using 03 numbers should be on the agenda.

Ofcom were due to review the revenue sharing aspects of 0845 numbers in late 2009 once the dust had settled on the whole issue of revenue sharing on 0870 and to date have not made any formal announcements on 0845 but are due to deliberate on 0845 very soon.

However, it should be noted that one of the main reasons that 0870 revenue sharing was abolished was because the 0870 call was considerably more than the cost of a call to a local or national number. Fundamentally, Ofcom should review the tariffs mobile operators charge to carry the 0800 traffic across their network and moreover international roaming charges.

0808 numbers are also the same cost and often a 10 minute call can cost about £5.00 which seems completely unacceptable to most of the public.

0500 numbers are not exempt either and when you consider that BBC's crimewatch programme used these numbers on their DRTV advertising it almosts beggars belief when you consider that it is the poor and marginalisedsectors of society who are askedto pay these charges.

0800 numbers are, however, great from the perspective that they can be routed to mobiles at very short notice that means plumbers, electricians, etc. who cannot affordto man their offices 24/7 can go out and divert their calls to their 0800 numbers to mobiles without fear that they potentially miss an important telephone call.

0800 numbers for small businesses can also decrease the barriers to people calling them for their services and if a 5 minute call costs 50p then that is potentially
money well spent as their average order value may be £200.00 in some cases.

0800 numbers can also offer the illusion to the end customer/potential customer that the company has large and nationwide presence.

Free call recording of all calls can be achieved with 0800 numbers and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) services can be tagged onto the back ofthe numberto improve a customers customer service experience, thereby increasing client retention rates.

What are 03 numbers?

2009-12-26T06:48:00.000-08:00

It is possible that you have seen these 03 numbers in the press or on the TV via Direct Response Television Campaigns (DRTV) but we expain what they are in this article

What are 03 numbers?
03 numbers were introduced alternative to chargeable 08 numbers, such Ofcom introduced UK-wide

Revenue sharing

Calls to 03 numbers cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and must count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls.
These rules apply to calls from any type of line including mobile, other fixed line or public payphone.

Revenue sharing is not permitted on 03 numbers. – where the dialled party receives a share of what the consumer pays to transmit the call – is also not allowed on calls to 03 numbers.

In response to high-profile customer complaints over the various costs associated to 08 numbers, Ofcom introduced the new 03 number range. The release of the 03 range is intended to improve customer confidence by providing a simple, transparent charging for both callers and providers.

Classified as "UK Wide", calls to the new 03 number ranges are charged at exactly the same rates as calls to 01 numbers or 02 numbers.

Unlike any other non geographic number range, calls to 03 numbers must also be included in any inclusive call minute packages or discount schemes offered by fixed and mobile network operators and may be called from payphones at no additional

Which 03 numbers?

0300 Numbers Public Sector and Not for Profit Organisations
0300 Numbers are reserved exclusively for Pubic Sector services and Not for Profit Organisations.

A list of organisations eligible for allocation of 0300 numbers is published.

0333 Numbers for Business
0333 Numbers are available for all organisations to use, and will be predominantly chosen by commercial organizations.
0370 Numbers and 0345 Numbers Migration Ranges

The 0370 and 0345 ranges are reserved for organisations with an existing 0870 and 0845 number. Each 0845 numbers and 0870 has an equivalent 0370 and 0345.

0345 numbers and 0370 numbers!

With a huge number of 0870 and 0845 still unallocated and unused there is the opportunity to take up a new distinctive 0370 or 0345 number which closely aligns with your business name or a specific product, service or promotion by reserving the equivalent 0845 or 0870.

Benefits of 03 numbers?

1) Similar to 08 numbers they can be used to provide a nationwide presence
2) They can be used to provide inbound call statistics
3) They have a range of numbers that operations can choose from
4) They can be used in conjunction with IVR services so that callers can begreeted with 1 for service, 2 for sales 3 for accounts, etc
5) They can be diverted to mobiles and international numbers at the drop of a hat

Free 0845 and 0870 calls for BT Business customers

2009-12-24T09:59:00.000-08:00

BT extend their 0845
and 0870
inclusive call packages to Businessses with effect from October 26th 2009.

On January 16th, 2009 announced this offer to residential customers as long as they paid a monthly fee under their 'anytime plan'. It does not include 0844
and 0871
numbers which many businesses have migrated to but it does offer some welcome savings.

The alternative option to 0845 is, of course, 03 numbers, which are free to call from landlines and mobiles numbers.

This is a welcome move for businesses who are struggling n the current climate. The rise of 08 numbers have been dramatic and the costs of calling them have not really been in line with the cost of calling 01/02 numbers.

The benefits of using 0845 numbers are, of course, significant and include but are not limited to:-

A) 0845 numbers are great for new business start ups who may be moving into or out of premises as it means they can keep the same number whiout worrying about the significant costs of changing as the underlying number changes.

B) 0845 numbers are nationally base and are not restricted by Geography. This is great for companies who are attempting to measure the impact of their marketng efforts, when different 0845 numbers are used for different campaigns, etc.

C) 0845 numbers are very flexible in that they can be diverted to mobiles and international numbers at the drop of a hat.

D) 0845 numbers can be used to map against web site and other marketing materials.

E) By using 0845 numbers callers can use auto-attendant or virtual reception services i.e. press for 1 sales, 2 for service, 3 for accounts, etc which gives a far more professional feel to their operation.

F) Organisations can opt for memorable numbers which can be chosen at short notice to dovetail with tight advertising print deadlines.