0871 Fixed Rate numbers

Premium Rate Service

From the 1st August 2009, 087 numbers were reclassified as Controlled Premium Rate Services (PRS) and the day-to-day regulation of these numbers was taken up by PhonepayPlus.

What does that look like?

In practice, this means there are a number of aspects that you need to take into consideration if you’re looking to make use of an 0871 Fixed Rate number:

• Prior Permission – Certain services need prior permission from PhonepayPlus before they can start operating with an 0871 number (it's best to check the Statement of Application for the full list).
• Pricing – Wherever the number is displayed, the cost per minute must also be displayed clearly, close to the number and prominently. This relates to everything: your websites, printed material, listings and even print on the side of vehicles.
• Undue Delay – You’ll need to ensure that there isn’t any unnecessary delay in providing the expected service once the call is connected. If there’s a queuing system then the customer needs to know how long they will be kept waiting or their position in the queue.
• Customer Care – You would also need to provide a number if there are any concerns or complaints regarding the service. This could be the same number or an alternative 087 number.

For more information on this number range you can get this direct from PhonepayPlus.

Using 'virtual' numbers

All of our numbers are 'virtual' numbers meaning they're not attached to a physical phone line or local exchange. We forward calls made to these numbers to your chosen destination - this could be a landline, mobile or international number.

The main benefits of using a virtual number are:

• No need to install a phone line, so no line rental to pay.
• More flexible than a fixed line number, simply take your number with you if you move premises.
• Change where your calls are forwarded to at any time; free of charge.
• Use to forward calls to your mobile number for a low rate.
• Improve your customer experience by attaching Call Management services to your number such as Call Whisper, Voicemail or interactive voice menu's

Memorable Numbers

Memorable numbers are all about being easy to recognise and remember - that's why taxi companies use them all of the time. Our Gold, Platinum and Diamond price bands are where you'll find our most memorable numbers. Any type of business, regardless of size or industry can benefit from having a memorable (or 'special') number - it all works towards making the most of opportunities and encouraging your inbound calls.

A memorable number can be made up of numbers or letters. A numerical memorable number could look something like this:

0131 610 6000 or 0333 444 3 444 or 0808 192 9 192

An alpha number (where numbers can be shown as letters) could look something like this:

0845 468 MINT (0845 468 6468) or 0115 882 TAXI (0115 882 8294)

Call Management

Every account comes with the free Essential Package. Add more Call Management services to your account by adding one of our other Packages or add Bolt Ons individually to a number. These include services like Virtual Receptionist, Call Whisper and Voicemail.

• Develop your brand, improve your professional image and develop your customer experience.
• Add a Package to your account from just £7 a month.
• With a Package, any number in your account can use those services
• Add Bolt Ons individually to a number from just £2 a month.
• Bolt Ons allow you to just add the services you want, and pay for what you need.