How Premium Phone Numbers Can Benefit Your Business and Revenue?
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In today’s competitive market, businesses often look for innovative ways to increase their revenue. While looking for such ways, the concept of premium phone numbers was introduced in the early 1970s.
Premium phone numbers generate revenue while providing valuable services and are used in voting competitions, expert consultations, and charity donations. But what exactly makes a number ‘premium’?
In this article, we will explore premium rate phone numbers, how they can benefit your business and customers, and the regulations to use such numbers.
What are Premium Phone Numbers and How Do They Work?
Premium phone numbers are the phone numbers that are more costly to call and text than regular numbers. Typically, these numbers are used for voting in competitions, accessing special content, and processing charity donations.
The generated cost when users call or text these numbers is often shared between the telecom operator and the business. For example, in the TV show “The Voice,” viewers vote for their favorite contestants by texting a premium rate phone number. Let’s say the voter is charged around $2 to text. The program producer and telecom carrier share the incurred extra cost.
The different countries use different prefixes for the premium phone numbers. For instance, in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), 900 area code numbers are reserved for premium services. Likewise, premium rate phone numbers in the UK start with 09 prefixes, e.g., 0908 and 0909.
Key Benefits: Why Do Businesses Choose Premium Rate Numbers?
Businesses choose premium rate numbers specifically for revenue generation. Furthermore, they also reflect the organization’s professional image and create accessibility for worldwide clients.
- Revenue Generation: Companies mainly use premium numbers for special services, like expert consultations or exclusive content. When a caller calls such numbers, a certain portion of the charged amount is paid to the companies, providing a direct income stream.
- Professional Image: Premium numbers often convey a sense of familiarity and prestige. Sometimes, customers also associate a higher call rate with a reputable and reliable service. This helps enterprises to maintain their professional image and create a brand identity.
- Global Reach: International premium rate numbers (IPRNs) are accessible globally. So, businesses use these numbers to stay in touch with their customers worldwide. Customers can access your business easily, fostering stronger client relationships.
- Fits with Different Types of Companies: Premium numbers can be used in multiple industries. Whether it is a media company using it for voting lines, health services providing expert advice, or a tech company offering advanced technical support, premium numbers can fit businesses of all types. Moreover, the business phone system providers offering premium numbers also include various telephony features in such numbers.
Best Premium Rate Number Providers
Telecoms World, Tripudio, Telepremium, and West End Telecom are some of the top premium number providers currently available. With an understanding of their function and benefits, let’s explore top providers of premium numbers that can help you get started.
1. Telecoms World
Telecoms World offers 09 international premium numbers for various services. Its web-based control allows companies to route calls to any landline or mobile number. Additionally, it includes competitive payouts of up to $2.93 per minute or $4.20 per call.
Like 09 numbers, it also offers high-rebate numbers such as 0870 and 0871. Rebate numbers are free to use, but depending on your chosen plans, you may have to pay additional setup costs.
2. Tripudio
Tripudio is a telecom company that offers premium numbers internationally in 20+ countries. To get a service, you must pay $12.20 per month alongside a connection fee of $42.70. After a subscription, you can also enjoy unlimited inclusive calls to UK landline and mobile.
Setting up a premium number with Tripudio is easy and straightforward. Moreover, it also provides free added features such as call recording, call queuing, and interactive voice response (IVR).
Moreover, companies can earn up to $1.22 per minute per incoming call using Tripudio’s premium phone numbers: 0900, 0871, and 0844.
3. West End Telecom
West End Telecom offers international premium phone numbers that are accessible in more than 190 countries. You can use its numbers for calls and SMS for premium services, including technical support.
West End Telecom offers various formats of premium numbers. The most expensive ones are 09 numbers, for which customers can pay up to $3.17 per minute.
4. Telepremium
Telepremium specializes in providing premium-rate numbers for various applications, such as premium-rate phone lines, charity hotlines, and interactive games. Additionally, it offers different call features such as call recording, analytics, and call routing to landlines, mobile phones, and VoIP numbers.
This platform prioritizes security by implementing robust measures to safeguard its customers and their data. It further uses security measures such as fraud detection and data encryption to prevent unauthorized access and fraudulent calls.
How to Buy Premium Phone Numbers for Your Business?
To acquire and access premium numbers, sign up with a reliable provider, obtain the necessary regulatory approvals, and then purchase your number.
Step 1 - Choose a Premium Rate Number Provider: Choose a reliable service provider that fits your business needs and budget. Consider pricing, features, and customer support.
Step 2 - Sign Up With the Chosen Platform: Create an account on the platform by providing the necessary details.
Step 3 - Select the Type of Number: Pick the type of premium number that aligns with your preference.
Step 4 - Obtain Licenses and Approvals: Get necessary licenses or approvals from regulatory bodies.
Step 5 - Complete Setup and Start Using: Set call rates and configure features for your number, then start using it for targeted service.
How to Know if a Phone Number is a Premium Phone Number?
Premium-rate phone numbers contain unique prefixes, such as 900 in the US, 09 in the UK, and 19 in Australia. You can also ask your carrier provider to confirm the premium numbers.
Regulatory Requirements for Premium Rate Numbers
Premium rate numbers are subject to various regulations at the federal and state levels to ensure transparency in their use.
FCC Regulations
According to the FCC, premium numbers must comply with its regulations to ensure they offer explicit services to callers before any charges are incurred. They must also get a license before operating premium-rate numbers to ensure they provide a legitimate service.
State Level Regulations
In addition to the FCC, some states may require additional regulations regarding premium phone numbers.
For example, in California, the providers must register their service and number with the state to operate legally and secure surety bonds, which act as a financial guarantee. This bond ensures that if the provider overcharges or cheats, affected consumers can get compensation from it.
Consumer Protection Law
According to this, providers must comply with federal and state consumer protection laws to ensure consumers are protected from scams and deceptive practices. They must provide clear and actual details about their service and pricing. For example, their ads must not include any deceptive or false data and information. If they do not comply with this law, the organizations may face legal actions and fines.
Conclusion
Premium phone numbers give businesses an opportunity to monetize their services while providing customer support. By allowing enterprises to charge higher rates for specialized services, premium numbers provide a revenue strategy while also improving the firm’s reputation using high-valued numbers.
However, businesses must comply with the regulatory requirements to ensure transparent pricing and protect consumers from deceptive practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do premium phone numbers cost?
The cost of premium-rate numbers depends on the service provider. For example, Tripudio charges $12.20 for a number, while others may charge more or less.
What services use premium rate numbers?
TV shows for voting in competitions, organizations offering technical support, weather forecasting reports, or astrology use premium rate numbers.
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