What does a non-geographic number mean?
A non-geographic number or virtual number, or NGN number, is a phone number that is not linked to any specific location. When someone dials a non-geographic number, the decision is automatically transferred to the subscriber’s telephone, wherever that set is found. The destination telephone is often hard-wired (so-called landline) or wireless (cellular or satellite).
There are various sorts of non-geographic numbers, supported the tactic of billing. The caller pays all charges, the called party pays all charges, or the fees are often shared. Typical rates are 4 to 10 cents per minute in total.
Charges may derive from quite one network, for instance, an area exchange and the non-geographic network itself. The system can provide the user with statistical data concerning the number of calls received during a billing period, where the calls have originated, the typical call duration, and even the typical number of rings that occur before answering.
Non-geographic numbers are incredibly convenient for travelers. When used with a telephone, a non-geographic number can provide unlimited roaming capability within the country where the amount is assigned. The extension of non-geographic numbers to hide the whole world is especially an administrative and diplomatic challenge because it is currently in situ. The last word goal of communications companies and subscribers is establishing a good, reliable, worldwide non-geographic telephone network.
There are many reasons why businesses prefer to have a non-geographic number. One of the first incentives of non-geographic numbers is that the ability to make a national presence.
Because the amount doesn’t correspond to any given area, it can foster the perception that a business may be a UK-wide company with a national phone presence. This will boost the corporation’s credibility within consumers’ eyes and, in turn, help to get new business and extra revenue.
Freephone (0800) numbers are fashionable customers because they’re not charged for calls to those numbers. Therefore, the utilization of those numbers can increase sales calls as the potential cost of the decision doesn’t deter potential customers. Because customers appreciate the choice to call a corporation freed from charge, freephone numbers can create positive customer relations and an honest reputation. So, albeit freephone numbers aren’t directly revenue-generating numbers, they will indirectly serve this purpose.
However, it’s essential to think that the value of those calls will be charged to the corporate being called, usually at a rate of between 2 and 5 pence per minute.
Premium rate (0844, 0871, and 09) numbers are often an excellent source of additional income as they’re wont to generate revenue. The tariffs for premium-rate numbers include a margin for distribution and, therefore, the value to the caller is considerably above other non-geographic numbers.
The revenue raised is often wont to boost profits or to offset the prices of additional telephone services.
Non-geographic numbers are flexible and ensure business continuity. Since they’re not tied to any geographical area, a business doesn’t change their number once they move offices. These numbers also can be wont to connect with offices on multiple sites. This will save time and money because the corporate doesn’t get to change its phone number on all of its literature.
How do non-geographic numbers work?
The way that non-geographic numbers work is simple: the amount is pointed, or translated, to an existing phone number. This needs no changes to the prevailing number or telephone services whatsoever. Any current call handling and management features like voicemail services, call diversion, etc., won’t be affected and can still function normally when called from a non-geographic number.
Businesses will need to pay a fee for non-geographic numbers, which can vary, counting on the sort of non-geographic number and any additional services included within the package.