0800 numbers - 0844 numbers
Both 0800 "Freecall" and 0844 "LoCall" numbers are available via our Inbound Call Routing service.
0800 numbers
These numbers are widely advertised as being "free" to the caller. Actually 0800 numbers have pretty much run out now and we're issuing 0808 numbers - but these work exactly the same way.
0871 and 0844 numbers
These numbers are a "flat rate" number irrespective of geographic location. You can choose what the call costs the caller - you pay the rest. Call charges from 10p down to 6p per minute are given 0871 numbers, calls costing 5p a minute down to 1p/minute are 0844 numbers.
How it works
We set up the requested number on our Inbound Call Management system. This gives you a web portal through which you can choose what target number is called when someone dials the 08xx number. You can set up rules which change where the call goes depending on time of day. In fact, all the features of the Inbound call management system are available to you if you need them, including call centre queueing, call recording, voicemail, voice menu system...
How long does it take?
Once you have an account on the system a new number can be added to it in less than five minutes. To get your account set up takes only a few minutes longer.
How short a period can I keep a number?
One month.
How long a period can I keep a number?
As long as you want it. If you're not using it, you can just disable it in the portal and still keep the number so long as you pay the monthly rental fee - when you wnt to start using it again just set up your new call handling rule and start handing out the number.
How much does it cost?
Depending which services you want added above the basic system, from as little as £5 per month per number, plus calls.
How much do calls cost?
You pay for the incomnig call depending which tarrif you've chosen. You also pay for the onward leg of the call unless the destionation is one of our IP Phone services.
For example - you set up an 0808 number. A caller from a UK landline calls at lunchtime. You will pay 1.87 pence a minute for the inbound call, and then typically around .75p a minute for the call to be forwarded to your existing landline. Similarly, if you use an 08454 number at 1p/min, the inbound call costs you nothing, and the onward call still 1.87p/min. If the call is delivered to, say, one of our FeaturePlus phones, you don't pay anything for the onward leg.
Are there any call setup fees or minimum call charges?
No - we just bill you for the actual duration of the call at the rate indicated. There are no minimum call durations added to that, no call setup fees, just the time you talk times the rate shown.
Services which attract the free onward-leg rate are FeaturePlus, Communicator, and IPDC SipTrunk services.