Business Telephone lines

Non-geographical numbers (0800, 045, 0870) are “normally” diverted/forwarded to a standard telephone line/number as to your choice.

I say normally because there are some network operators who can supply services (i.e. ISDN) with an attached 0870 number etc

But for most cases you have a standard telephone number (example) 01234 567890, a freephone number 0800 0123456 is forwarded to this, so the phone attached to the 01234 number, rings when the 0800 number is called, as it is freephone, it cannot be billed to the Calling Party, the user of the number (you) ends up paying for the call – very competitive market with lots of different rates on offer – have a search through the “offers for startups” section to find some comparisons.

The example 01234 number (normal phone line or DDI etc) can still be used for outgoing calls and accept incoming calls via its geographic STD-code number (01234 567890 etc).

So for your needs – [1] 0800 number, find a good supplier and rates (BT are reliable but not cheap), and decide where you want this number to be forwarded. You can get these numbers for free, sometimes with a small rental charge (sometimes includes some free minutes of usage) and perhaps you would pay 6 p a minute when the number is used (would be more to divert to a mobile).

[2] The premium rate number works the same way, forwards to any number you desire (could be the same one) but I think you could encounter some difficulties getting the exact service you require, you will need to have a chat with some premium-rate operators to find a suitable solution as I do not know any that can be freephone for first 10 mins and then billed at 20p a minute (but some do offer bespoke solutions so may be able to get something near to your needs). The premium-rate operator takes a cut off the call, there are different rates but as an example if the number was a £1 a minute to call, you perhaps might make 70p profit per minute when it was called. There is normally a setup charge for the service and registry with ICSTIS.

[3] Outgoing calls, any line you desire including the ones used for the incoming 0800 or premium-rate numbers if needed.

A bigger organisation would perhaps have ISDN2 line(s) or an ISDN30 circuit with DDI (Direct Dial-In) numbers (come in blocks of 10 and up) – the 0800 and premium-rate number would be mapped to a DDI which would then map through the ISPBX (ISDN phone system) to the relevant department group or extensions to handle the call for 0800-sales or premium-rate IT support etc.
This could even be all to one extension with a display indicating whether the call was for IT Support or Sales so you could answer appropriately.

Regards

Si

Si

Thanks for the info. Very much appreciated.

I noticed you're based in Surrey - would Cardiff/Bristol be to far outside of your 'territory'?  If not then I would like to set-up a meeting with yourself.  If it is to far then do you have any contacts in Cardiff/Bristol who can help us with this?

Hello Alex, no probs - let me know if you need more info but I do not sell any of these numbers.

I did have a chat with you on email recently and have not forgotten, am trying to find you a good contact in your area, I have been recommended a small firm in Weston Super Mare, still trying to get their contact details from a friend, hopefully will let you know shortly.

Si

Si

Yes, of course... online forms!  Sorry, I've been active in a number of forums recently so I tend to loose track. 

Yes, please send me the contact details when you get them.  Much appreciated.

Hi - saw your post. We sell 0845 0870 and 0800 numbers and are much cheaper than BT, so our website will hopefully be of interest to you:

http://www.planet-numbers.co.uk

See our list of existing customers here: http://www.planet-numbers.co.uk/clients.jsp

If we can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to call us on 08450 666666
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