Phone Numbers 01 02 Numbers

Sometimes we think that advanced technological minds much prefer to sit and ponder the future of technology rather than actually fuel it. Some tech watchers are now saying that the end for phone numbers is nigh and it’s all thanks to the more convenient juggling of IP based telecoms and social networking.

With predictions declaring that the beloved phone number may have less than five years left in circulation before becoming obsolete, or facing severe decline, Nikhyl Singhal, co-founder and chief executive of voice-application startup SayNow, stated that people have lost the importance of the traditional phonecall, and kids are growing up without ever having to pick up a Yellow Pages.

He blames the wonder of social interaction over the internet, saying that the advantages of such methods far outweigh the traditional phone call, e.g. being able to send out group messages on Facebook.

VoIP services such as Skype are also adding to the vulnerability of the phone number, which offer cheaper calls than landlines.



 

 

 

 

 

 

We don’t believe in the demise of the phone number, as we think they will always be essential for businesses and a company's image, especially with regards to freephone numbers and other non-geographic numbers. However, whether this will soon be adopted by companies via VoIP rather than a traditional phone system is relatively unknown. (But there are lots of predictions).

Singhal says smartphones will be the essential communication device for contacting people however, but instead of punching numbers, users will be able to contact their friends through their social network accounts as accessed via their phones.

What do you think?

Research has shown that almost one in three businesses have a phone number presence in a city they are not actually located in. Known as geographic phone numbers – or 01 and 02 numbers to be more exact, these phone numbers give a local presence to businesses which can increase customer interest and revenue.

Around 38% of phone numbers that are sold have no relation to the area the numbers relate to. Research also shows that the majority of businesses go for a central London 02 number, which gives their business credibility. No wonder London always looks extremely cramped when you view the statistics – most businesses from around the country will have an “office” there! These days, a phone number is just another marketing tool.

Ofcom has just released a statement relating to a recent consultation on conserving geographic telephone numbers. The consultation which was published on 30^th November 2009, detailed the growing problem of geographic phone number shortages in certain areas.

Ofcom proposed to change the way in which phone numbers were allocated to communication providers (CPs) in order to conserve phone numbers. This involved selling geographic phone numbers in blocks of 1,000 rather than 10,000. As per the consultation, conservation status has now been awarded to 336 geographic area codes as well as 265. To read the full statement, visit: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/conserve/statement/

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) based in America has written to Google amid claims that the Google Voice application blocks certain calls.

Shortly after AT&T accused Google Voice of violating open internet policies, Google is now to be investigated. Rules that allow rural phone companies to charge more to connect calls to rural phone numbers in order to survive are the issue here it seems – companies like AT&T have to connect to the local phone companies whereas Google have apparently decided to side-step the costs completely and just block calls to rural locations. The FCC have written asking for more information.

Ofcom Numbers

Ofcom are holding up local 01/02 phone numbers as an example of what 08 numbers should strive for. 01/02 phone numbers are localised numbers that are charged at a normal rate as opposed to a premium rate which has seen Ofcom form new rules for 08 phone numbers so as to better inform customers.