HELLO & WELCOME

[Issiespri]

I need to setup a support call number for the application we support. What I need to do is provide an 0870 or premium rate number to our clients so when that number rings it then calls a mobile phone number / if that person cannot pick up then the service calls the next person mobile phone number and so on until someone picks up the call.

Can this be done with the virtual pbx?

[GoofyCyborg]

That's called a hunt group. It's a bit old fashioned and works that way because non-voip technology could only generate one call at a time.

In practice, customers will hang up well before the hunt tried the third or even second number.

A better way is to take the number of PBX extensions that you have mobiles for and make them into a call group. That way ALL the phones will be called simultaneously - the first person to answer will get the call.

(You will need to disable the mobile's Voicemail or this will prevent it working correctly.)

[Issiespri]

Thats interesting.

So could you setup a premium support number that when called would ring our mobiles but we would have some sort of caller ID so we know someone has rang our technical support.

Also how much would this cost?

Would we be only charged for 1 call - whoever picks the call up or for 3 calls?

[SteveAtVoIP2Go]

Not sure about the Caller ID, but it should be possible.

Simultaneous Ring is usually included as part of the service.

You would be charged for just a single call.

[WelshPaul]

Thats interesting.

isn't it :-)

So could you setup a premium support number that when called would ring our mobiles but we would have some sort of caller ID so we know someone has rang our technical support.

Also how much would this cost?

Prices vary from one VoIP provider to the next, Voipfone would cost you - 3 PBX extensions 3x99p = £2.97 per month ex VAT - Caller ID can be set to display either the CLI of the caller or the CLI of the number they dialled.

Voipfone don't offer premium numbers - although they do have free 0870 ones. (But read the announcement about 0870)

There are some hoops you have to jump through to get a premium phone number here in the UK, they are not simply handed out freely. This is to prevent fraud and other malicious types of activity and is controlled by ofcom.

Would we be only charged for 1 call - whoever picks the call up or for 3 calls?

Yes, you will be charged at 12p per minute for the call to only one mobile.