CallPlus offers 'call-back' service to cut mobile-to-0800 costs
CallPlus has launched what is says is an affordable option for businesses wishing to support mobile to 0800 number calling
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New Zealand telecommunications provider CallPlus has launched 0800 CallBack, a service it says makes mobile phone calls to toll free numbers affordable for businesses.
0800 CallBack is a toll free platform that picks up customers’ calls and prompts the caller to hang up and await an immediate call back from the business.
The system then calls the mobile back and depending upon what the business offers, connects the customer with either an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, or with a company representative.
NBR tried the demo line and found the call back extremely prompt.
CallPlus general manager Kelvin Hussey told NBR the service took advantage of recent reductions in landline to mobile rates, since the system rang a customer back from a landline rather than the business being charged for a conversation on mobile to toll-free rates.
“So it actually makes it affordable for the business to connect to mobile now.”
Mr Hussey said a number of businesses would not allow mobile to 0800 calls, due to termination costs but 0800 CallBack opened up toll-free numbers to the large number of mobile users in New Zealand.
“We think it’s a bit of a game changer really.”
The New Zealand Automobile Association chief information officer Doug Wilson said 0800 CallBack looked like a development that the AA would be keen look at but that the devil would be in the detail.
“We have to take mobile calls, because most people are using mobiles when they break down, and it is very expensive.”
Mr Wilson said many businesses did not accept 0800 calls from mobiles, because it was too expensive.
He said the AA planned to offer a call back service so people did not have to wait on hold for a representative.
Alex Walls
Wed, 10 Aug 2011
Wed, 10 Aug 2011
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CallPlus offers 'call-back' service to cut mobile-to-0800 costs
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