Services Related to 0845 Numbers

The 0845 numbers used in the UK are NGNs charged at special rates. NGN indicates non-geographic, so there’s no location-based information. Special rate indicates a flat rate throughout the UK. In many cases, the provider charges it at the local rate, but a business can use it for pay calls at higher rates.

Most of the focus on 0845 numbers tends to center on their long-term value to a business, and 0845 are indeed excellent long-term investments. However, in this piece we’re going to examine the ancillary business services that most providers offer as part of their 0845 packages. In some cases, they include these services standard and others at an additional fee.

• Call Data Tracking and Analysis

Typically included standard, providers of 0845 numbers track both incoming and outgoing calls and store that data in a database. They can then use that data to anticipate a business’ needs. A business can use the data itself to analyze the effectiveness of marketing, lead generation and similar factors.

• Call Recording

In addition to tracking and analyzing calls, most providers of 0845 numbers can record the call itself. This is vital for companies that may need to inspect the calls later, such as when a client and a representative contradict each other.

• Inbound Call Management

Inbound call management is a host of services that at the very least includes call queuing and basic routing. It may also include caller greeting and other virtual receptionist services. Advanced routing options include time-of-day and day-of-week routing.

• Zone Routing

Zone routing is an important capability for large businesses that employ satellite call centers or who handle calls at the local level. For example, a department store chain may accept calls on their 0845 numbers and then route them to the appropriate local department store.

• Fax to Email

Fax-to-Email is a popular service that allows a business to use their 0845 numbers as a traditional fax machine but have all transmissions converted to email and sent to their servers. The number doesn’t even have to be an exclusive fax number. The service can detect a fax transmission and then route accordingly.