Non-Geographic Phone Numbers

0871, 0844, 0800, 0808, 0870 Phone Numbers

Non-geographic numbers are geographically independent of an area in the UK. The non-geographic number points to an existing UK landline number or a hosted service such as X-on's Virtual Switchboard service. For the UK the term ‘non-geographic numbers' broadly refers to phone numbers that start with the digits 08.

Non-Geographic 0871, 0844, 0800, 0808, 0870 phone numbers have the advantage of creating a national corporate presence and can self-liquidate or generate revenue depending on the tariff of the chosen number.

Where the NGN points to an existing number the receiving telephone number is not affected anyway and the usual call handling procedures such as call routing and diversion remain intact.

Non-Geographic Number Advantages

Professional Image

Use of an NGN disassociates a company from any particular location, creating the impression of a National presence. 0870 and 0871 numbers have long been associated with larger corporations with public awareness now firmly established.

Portability

When a business move premises it's not always feasible to retain existing telephone numbers. This can cause problems including new company literature and signage plus having to contact existing customers with notification of the number change.

Once a NGN is in place a business need never change your telephone number again, only the number to which the NGN points need be altered.

Increased Sales

Use of a Freephone number can generate a substantial increase in the number of sales calls received as callers are more likely to choose a number that is less costly than that of your competitors. A Freephone number also creates an impression of substance as the company is prepared to back it's products by covering the cost of sales enquiries.

Revenue Generation

The tariffs on 0870 and 0844 numbers can generate revenue making them ideal for technical support lines, consumer and social advice lines and data response services where the use of a premium rate 09 number is not suitable.

Call Routing

In conjunction with a Virtual Switchboard service, such as PhonePresence, calls taken via a NGN can be distributed to any number of agents or departments across multiple sites and including a pool of home workers.

Monitor Marketing

Multiple Non-Geographic Numbers can point to just one telephone number providing the option to use a different number for various publications and promotions. By use of a NGN number for a series of magazine advertisements, the company's marketing department will be more easily able to monitor the effectiveness of the campaign.

Business Continuity

Where the existing landline number or in-house phone system develops a fault the NGN can be diverted to another number, voicemail service, or a hosted DR solution, such as that provided by 999Alert. This allows calls to continue being taken for continuity of business.

Non-Geographic Number Tariffs

Non-Geographic Numbers are available in various tariffs and appropriate uses:

0871 10ppm Flat Rate National Number

0871 numbers are charged to the caller at 8.5p a minute plus VAT, or 10p a minute including VAT at all times. This is slightly more than a BT National Rate call (current peak rate 7.91p). An 0871 number is not a premium rate number and can be dialled from all landlines and mobile phones. Surveys show that customers are equally prepared to dial an 0871 number as any other 08 or national rate number. More information...

0871 numbers can be dialled from the UK and some European countries. Where business receives a number of international calls a +44870 number should be considered.

0844 5ppm Flat Rate Lo-Call National Number

0844 numbers are charged to the caller at 4.25p a minute plus VAT, or 5p a minute including VAT at all times. 0844 is the number of choice for organizations such as Health Authorities and Utilities where a low flat cost is considered a fair option for the consumer.

0844 numbers can be dialled from the UK and some European countries. Where business receives a number of international calls a +44870 number should be considered.

0800 and 0808 0ppm Freephone Number

080 Freephone numbers are free to the caller, although some operators charge for dialling an 080 from a mobile. The business offering the Freephone number pays all the call charges. 080 numbers show commitment to customer service and are often used as sales numbers.

080 Freephone numbers can only be dialled from the UK. Where business receives a number of international calls a +44870 number, or an international Freephone number, should be considered.

+44870 Internationally Accessible UK National Rate Number

Where business receives call traffic from overseas a +44870 number is a useful option. 0870 numbers are accessible throughout the world by first dialling the UK National Prefix +44. Different rates may apply from different countries. The rates for dialling 0870 numbers in the UK are changing in 2008.

0207 London Number

For business requiring a London presence, X-on can provide a London number regardless of actual location. This allows business to access the UK or London market without having an actual presence or offices in London. Customers can call an 0207 London Number from anywhere in the world with the call directed to any landline or mobile similarly located anywhere in the world.

Diverted Phone Calls

Calls taken on Non-Geographic Phone Numbers can be diverted to any existing phone number, or to a hosted switchboard or call centre service, making them ideal for business wishing to create a Professional and National Presence.

For further information on the Non-Geographic Numbers please Contact Us
or Call Sales on 0870 345 5577.