Non-Geographic Numbers

What are Non-Geographic Numbers?

Non-Geographic Numbers (NGNs) are telephone numbers that do not stipulate the geographical location of the called party. Whereas the 01 and 02 prefixes are UK specific and help identify the region in which the number lies, for example 0113 for Leeds based numbers, NGNs do not do this. They offer the 08 prefix, most commonly followed by 44, which is then routed to any existing landline or mobile anywhere in the country.

There are many types of NGNs being used today, ranging from Freephone (0800) to numbers that cost up to 5 pence per minute to call (0844). All of these are commonly used by businesses in the present market. Alternatively, the non-geographical numbers can also be represented as a 0330 prefix. This is a relatively new form of number and is charged at a standard local rate to the consumer and minutes are included in many mobile tariffs – unlike other NGNs. As the mobile industry grows, this is a trait that becomes more and more attractive as calling 08 numbers from mobiles can be charged at a significantly higher in price. 0800 numbers on the other hand are free of charge to the caller and the number owner incurs the charges. These are generally used for acquisition as they encourage customers to call.

Who would use an NGN?

Due to the variety of NGNs available, all kinds of companies choose to use them as the primary contact number for their business. The benefits that are felt by companies are the same regardless of the size of the company and this is part of the reason they are becoming the most popular form of generic contact number and more recognisable to consumers. Removing the geographic region identity from your phone can be appealing to small companies as it is a means of displaying a more national image, which can be translated into a larger business and therefore successful and professional. Sometimes consumers are deterred from calling a business if they perceive it to be small and perhaps only interested in local custom; using an NGN in this respect can lead to an increase in calls and help a business to grow. The majority of large companies now use NGNs as they are able to use one single number for a centralised contact centre and then disperse calls to their desired destination usually by incorporating Interactive Voice Response Systems (IVRs), in order to filter or divert calls.

Examples of users:

• Businesses operating nationally
• Customer Service and Support lines
• Call Centres
• Companies wishing to conceal their geographic location

How Much Revenue Can Companies Expect To Receive?

0845/4/3 NGNs pay out to the customer in the form of a percentage of the revenue generated from the call. The cost of the phone call is usually 5p per minute and the pay-out varies depending on the volume of calls that travel through the number. 0330 numbers benefit the customer with low cost – often included in contracted minutes of mobile phone – calls, but do not generate a revenue stream as they are charged at the local rate. 0800 numbers are free to all callers and therefore there is no revenue to be made from them; the charges for the phone call and incurred by the company however.

The pay-out to the owner depends on:

a)      The charge to the caller

b)      The amount of minutes generated per month on the number

Different volumes and charges will pay out higher or lower accordingly, but we can offer the best rates possible in all cases.

Why EuroDigiTel?

Here at EuroDigiTel we offer a wealth of expertise in the telecoms business with highly trained staff and the resources to get what the customer needs. We can tailor our numbers to suit your business and advise the best way to go about promoting.

More importantly however is the product we offer. We exceed the competition in pay-out rates, speed of payment and better platform connectivity.