Flextel & Vibe develop new app

Flextel teams up with Vibe to develop new app Flextel, the founder of the UK’s first personal telephone number service, has joined forces with brand agency, Vibe , to create an app for iOS and Android, enabling people to control their calls remotely from any country in the world.

Founded by the former head of telecoms at Vodafone William Goodall in 1992, Flextel established its position as a trailblazer in the telecoms market by becoming the first company in the UK to provide full online personal number selection and delivery via the internet.

The virtual number company appointed digital specialists at Vibe to build on the success of its iPhone app by creating a dedicated iOS and Android app with added functionality.

Using the app with a Flextel number allows people to instantly receive calls on any mobile, international or internet phone (VoIP). It also enables the user to select which phone to use to accept calls, using a single number for convenience and efficiency.

The app offers increased functionality, such as the ability to review credit, re-point numbers, create a call gateway, make use of the conferencing system, record calls or switch to a ‘do not disturb’ mode.

Commenting on the development, founder and chairman of Flextel, William Goodall, said: “We are always keen to embrace emerging technologies and enhance our customer experience. The Flextel app has been designed to be highly accessible and to allow fast and accurate re-routing.

“In today’s world of global travel and hyper-connectivity, the app can create a ‘mobile office’ by controlling incoming business or personal calls from any country in the world.”

Added John Rushton, digital director at Vibe : “It was key for us in the development process to enable full integration with Flextel’s systems in a way that ensured the creation of additional functionality and settings didn’t mean constantly having to update the app.

“The main focus for us was making the app as simple and accessible as possible, while providing a fast and accurate service which can be used in any country across the globe.”

0800 Freephone numbers launched

0800 numbers are now being released for the first time by Flextel, in response to Ofcom's recently announced plans to make calls to 0800 'freephone' numbers genuinely free, even from mobiles.

Currently, calls to 0800 numbers from a mobile can cost up to 21p per minute. However the actual rate depends on the mobile network, the time of day and who is being called, causing confusion over how much callers will realistically be charged.

"By making calls to 0800 numbers free from all phones, we will clear up any uncertainty about making calls, especially from mobiles, to the benefit of consumers and service providers alike," explains Ofcom's Chief Executive, Ed Richards, in their press release.

Will Goodall, Chairman and founder of Flextel and former Head of Telecoms at Vodafone, points out that Ofcom is only just starting to tackle this problem because the cost of mobile calling is now cheap enough to allow free 0800 calls from mobiles. This means that all 0800 numbers will be truly free to call, at all times and from all phones.

"I'm delighted to see Ofcom giving this long-standing issue the priority it deserves," he says. "This will help vulnerable citizens who cannot afford a landline contract and rely on pay-as-you-go mobiles to make important calls. Likewise, businesses that use 0800 numbers will become much more accessible to everyone, without being hampered by mobile calling charges."

Flextel's newly available range of 0800 numbers can be found at http://j.mp/freephone0800 and pricing starts at £50 for a lifetime purchase.

Rare London numbers unveiled

Now you can set up shop in the UK's capital from anywhere in the world, thanks to a new stock of 020 7 London numbers released from Flextel this month.

These scarce, highly sought-after numbers offer a first-class opportunity to set up a virtual business hub right in the heart of London, regardless of where you are geographically located. Traditionally 020 7 numbers would mainly be used in the City area of London, the UK's prime business location.

They are immediately available to buy from just £20 and cost the same to use as other local (01...) UK numbers. There are no hidden fees, just pay as you use.

The 020 7 numbers work just like our other flexible numbers, giving you full versatility, control and privacy. They also come equipped with a wide range of free features that can be switched on or off when needed.

Flextel Chairman, Will Goodall says, "With the 2012 Olympics arriving this summer, London numbers are likely to be more in demand than ever. However Ofcom aren't releasing any more 020 7 numbers, so get them while you still can. Once they're gone, they're gone."

What do you think about virtual London numbers? Share your views on our Forum

Call recording - now just 1p

We are now reducing the price of our call recording service from 10p to just 1p per recording.

Why? Because we've invested in new and more powerful systems that help us cut costs, meaning that we can pass on these savings to you. There's nothing for you to do - this change is already in place, we just wanted to let you know about it.

Please let us know what you think about this by visiting our Forum.
We're keen to hear your views and suggestions on how we can improve our services - it helps to make sure we target our innovations exactly where you need them.

Wishing you a great holiday and prosperous New Year!

The Flextel team
ask@flextel.com
+44 370 321 1000

New 'Dial-in Reroute Control' service

We are pleased to announce that we now have a new Dial-in Reroute Control service.
This works in exactly the same way as our previous telephone-based rerouting system, but it is faster and costs less to use. We've also added a brand new advanced feature: Destination Checking.

1. Dial 0370 321 0000 and wait for the automated prompt
2. Key in your Flextel number
3. Key in your PIN
4. Key in your new destination phone number
5. Press 1 to confirm the new destination

Destination Checking: To find out where your Flextel number is currently routed, simply key in # # instead of a new destination number. Key in a new destination number after the prompt, if you wish to change it. You can read more about Destination Checking and other advanced features in our Dial-in Reroute Control guide

This service costs less because we offer an 0370 dial-in number as an alternative to our 0870 number. Calls to the 03 number cost no more than 01 and 02 geographic numbers and are included in both landline and mobile phone calling packages.

Similarly, we also offer an 03 alternative for our Customer Support number: 0370 321 1000. So now you can pay less to talk to us, even from your mobile.

Please let us know what you think about this upgrade by visiting our Forum.
We are keen to hear your views and suggestions on how we can improve our services.

Auto-attendant free upgrade

1. Auto-attendant now has integrated Intelligent Call Diversion (ICD)

Now you can activate ICD within Auto-attendant, just by selecting any ICD destination as for a standard Flextel number e.g. you can Leave-a-Message - If you do not want the caller to return to Menu when the extension does not answer or is busy.

Selecting Leave-a-Message, also lets you screen Anonymous callers - just check the Anonymous box. Now any caller, that withholds their number, will be asked to leave a message.

2. Send Callers who do not press any key to a default Extension

Selecting default Extension Number is easy. Just click the new radio button on the right of the extension that you want to use if the caller does not press a key. Now after the menu has been played three times your callers will be connected to your default extension.

However, if later you decide to force your callers to make a selection, then click the radio button marked "hang-up". The system will then simply hang-up after your greeting menu has been played three times.

If you have any comments please post them on the forum here

Flextel Launches Customer Forum

Why a Forum?

Future Services and Enhancements?

The Forum also helps us shape the future of the Flextel service, so we can bring you the most useful products and services.

Please get involved, your views are really important to us and we want to hear from you.

To go to the forum click forum.flextel.com

Call Recording & 0844 to Mobiles for Free

Call Recording

This service is now available on all numbers. To record your calls, logon to your Account, then simply click the record icon next to the Flextel number of your choice. The icon will turn red and from now on your calls will be recorded and emailed to you. To find out more see:
www.flextel.com/features/Call+Recording/

0844 to Mobiles now Free

This month Ofcom forced the cost of calling a mobile down, so we've now made forwarding 0844 numbers to most UK mobiles free.

Also the cost per minute for forwarding 01, 02, 03, 0845 or 0870 numbers to these mobiles drops from 10 pence to 4 pence (3.3 pence excluding VAT).

Check out the Price List for details...
www.flextel.com/costs/#calls

Website Upgrades

We've made some minor changes that we think makes the control section clearer and easier to use. We've also added distinctive icons for:

1. - Call Recording - (on)
2. - Call Notification - (on)
3. - Dialled Number Display - (on)

 

...and reorganised the "Reroute" page. Let us know what you think.

Finally, thanks for all your continued support and suggestions, we are always keen to get your feedback, good or bad.

Kevin Archer
Marketing Executive

Auto-Attendant Enhancements

Low Cost Flexible Auto-Attendant Service Launched!

Flextel Local Numbers Launched!

Upgrade to Conference Calling - free recording!

0870 back in stock!

Well it seems that we passed the Ofcom Challenge with flying colours! Phew!

So moving on, I hope you'll be pleased to see that we've been very busy over Christmas, upgrading and enhancing your service...

Faster service for 2010

We know you're also busy and that you need our service to be as fast as possible. So we've upgraded many of our systems and servers, some using leading edge solid state disks.

The result is an astonishing transformation in performance and so now you'll experience even faster and easier control of your flexible phone numbers!

More powerful service for 2010 - Routing to any country

You can now reroute your Flextel intelligent numbers to any normal mobile or phone destination worldwide.
Thanks to Ofcom - ha! ha!

Just top-up your account using your PayPal (no forms) account or any credit card and you're ready to receive calls at more expensive destinations.

Route Free to your VoIP Phone - Anywhere in the world - Any number range

How?

Get VoIP phone service from any VoIP supplier, using SIP, then just enter your SIP address (looks like an email address) as your Flextel number destination.

As usual, with Flextel, your number is not tied to your phone service provider.

It's really that simple and you'll also save money for both you and your callers (just choose a number with a cheaper calling rate).

Future Developments

Now Ofcom has gone quiet (and my New Year's wish is that they stay that way!), you'll see that we've now got time to bring a range of exciting, innovative and powerful new features to market. Some of which have been delayed over a year, thanks to Ofcom's meddling.

These new features will simply enhance your existing services. No disruptive "clever" redesigns. Your existing service will work as before. They are designed to empower you and your business.

For more details, keep watching this page or sign up for Twitter alerts or see our blog.

Also look out for developing FAQ's over the next few weeks. For instant help on any of the above, please call our team or email Flextel customer support (see details below).

Finally, I wish to thank you all for your continued support, loyalty and helpful advice. Many of you have been very patient, supportive and considerate over a challenging period. I'm always grateful to hear your suggestions and feedback, good or bad, because in constructive criticism, you often find a great new idea.

So, if you're not happy with what we're doing, please let us know and tell us what you want.

Wishing you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.

I'm sure you already know about new proposals by Ofcom that threatened closure of our 0870 service from 1st August. Well that was last month!

Call Commission for 0870 Use

From now on you'll be able to use your call commission to pay for 0870 calls. All at the touch of a button. Just go to your account's commission page and in one click you'll instantly convert your commision to prepaid calling credit!

No £250 limit, no Commision Statement, just instant conversion. From that moment on, your 0870 calls will continue to work after the 1st of August!

This is a permanent feature so, if you use other codes for service or help desks, you can use these calls to help pay for your 0870 service, so it's effectively free of charge!

Topup your Credit

If you haven't got much call commission, don't worry! You can topup your call credit with PayPal or any normal credit/debit card. Just go to your commission page and there's another new button. Click it and you'll be whisked to Paypal. Now topup in just a few clicks - in a slick, easy and safe way.

Our 0870 rates are pretty competitive too because there's no monthly fee, no monthly bill and call charges start from just 2 pence per minute for VoIP and 4 pence per minute for ordinary calls.

Better still your 0870 number is even more flexible. Now you can direct your 0870 calls to all UK mobiles and an even bigger range of international destinations!

So 0870 may still have a place in your communciations portfolio. Don't forget it has excellent access from overseas, unlike 0844 and 0871, and has a well established corporate image. Even better, BT and others are already charging 0870 at the same level as ordinary 01 and 02 numbers and Ofcom expects mobile operators to stop ripping-off your customers with their 0870 over-charging. We expect Ofcom to deliver on that promise.

Your Prepaid Credits don't expire - No evaporation!

As Flextel is an ethical company, you won't be surprised to discover that your prepay credits don't expire. You'll also enjoy having no monthly fee or monthly bill to deal with. With Flextel you only pay for the calls you use.

No calls means - no monthy charges. How refreshing!

Free trial of 0870 to VoIP (using SIP)

For those "tech heads" who want to use VoIP (SIP protocol), no problem! Its really simple and you'll also save money. Just enter your SIP address (looks like an email address) into your 0870 number destination. There is no need for prepaid credit, since we're giving it away for at least the next three months, to see if you like it and find out how well you think it works!

By the way VoIP also works on all your other codes e.g. 0844, 0871 and 070 numbers.

What else has Flextel done to help with 0870?

1. Changed Number Announcement - free & easy!
   • Look for "Change Number Announcement" in the reroute screen,
   • Select it,
   • Type in the changed number and you're done.
   • This service is planned to be free - indefinitely - There is absolutely no cost to you.
   • It's ideal for those who want to migrate from 0870 to alternative Flextel Numbers.
2. Voice Mail & Faxmail
• 0870 calls to voicemail and faxmail services will remain free for now.
3. Conference
   • You can still use this powerful service on 0870 at highly competitive rates.
   • Remember your callers should soon pay less for calling 0870,
     so you're intra-company conference calls may actually cost you less (e.g.from mobiles),
     but do check prices with your phone supplier, to be sure.

Enhanced Flexibility

Now, using prepaid credits, both 0844 and 0871 can be routed to a huge range of destinations. So they're now as flexible as 070 Personal numbers.

0871 changes on 1st August

It's not just 0870 that changes on the 1st August, Ofcom has decided that 0871 numbers should be treated like a type of premium rate number and that they should be regulated by Phonepayplus after the 31st July, 2009.

Although we think this is another daft idea and that Call-Price-Labelling would have been a much fairer and effective solution for consumers and 0871 users alike, regrettably Ofcom just didn't think it through. PhonepayPlus has been landed with this complex job and has only relatively recently finalised the details.

Flextel has already applied to PhonepayPlus and been approved as a "Network Operator". So, if you use 0871 numbers you really should register as an "087 Service Provider", before the 1st August.

087 Service Provider Registration

Although it sounds complicated, PhonepayPlus are keen to make it easy for you. If you are using any 0871 numbers, you simply register as an 087 Service Provider with PhonepayPlus, using their online form. This is a free service. Once registered, you will be emailed your Service Provider Registration certificate with your unique service provider registration number (SPN). This is a 12 digit combination of numbers and letters. Finally you simply log your SPN in your Flextel account(s) and email your certificate to us at ask@flextel.com. That's all you need to do.

Do I need to register my 0871 services?

The "Register your services" section of the PhonepayPlus website is a voluntary part of the process. Technically registration is completed once an SPN is generated and you have sent your certificate to Flextel, as your Network Operator. Registration can be a useful best practice exercise for Networks and their clients to complete - but it is not obligatory for it to be completed. If you feel your 0871 service needs this, then go to the PhonepayPlus registration page and follow the simple guidelines.

Once registered you also need to make sure you understand and follow their Compliance Guidelines. If your use of 0871 is not business-business only, then you must indicate the price of the call to consumers. This can be done on stationery and adverts or by using an announcement at the start of the call. The choice is yours. PhonepayPlus are keen to help you and this is what their Guidelines say:

"Don’t panic! Reading the section ‘What is changing?’ may sound like you’ve got an awful lot to do; but you don’t need to reprint all your stationery overnight, repaint your van and recall any products with your phone number stamped on them. If you follow some simple steps to compliance, the changeover needn’t be a headache at all."

However, you must keep your SPN safe and notify us by entering your SPN in the special box to be found in your Flextel account.

This is a new area for Flextel and for PhonepayPlus and the people there are working hard to adjust their approach for the 0871 market. They're expecting quite a few questions and have been very helpful so far. As we move forward Flextel will work with PhonepayPlus to ensure any teething troubles are ironed out. As long as you use your 0871 in a fair and reasonable manner, you'll have nothing to worry about.

You can be sure the team at Flextel will do their best to give you help and friendly advice. However it remains your legal responsibility to ensure that you comply with the new rules and the only definitive advice available is to be found at PhonepayPlus itself. Flextel cannot give you legal advice in this matter. For more information see our FAQ on 0871.

Help and Advice

Look out for developing FAQ's over the next few weeks. For instant help on any of the above, please call our team or email Flextel customer support (see details below).

Finally, I wish to thank you all for your continued support, loyalty and helpful advice. Many of you have been very patient, supportive and considerate over a challenging period. I'm always grateful to hear your suggestions and feedback, good or bad, because in constructive critisism you often find a great new idea.

As you may be aware, new proposals, made by Ofcom on the 23rd April, threaten forced closure of our 0870 service from 1st August. All our other 08, 07 and Geographic services remain unaffected.

Background

After a year of uncertainty, Ofcom suddenly issued its revised statement, delayed for over a year, on the future of the 0870 service, giving users only 3 months notice.

Ofcom also published consultation proposals deciding the new rates for 0870:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/resolve0870calls/

The proposed rates, imposed on Flextel by Ofcom, are well below direct costs and appear to slavishly support BT, in its well publicised attempt to destroy the important 0870 market:
http://business.scotsman.com/business/BT-calls-on-Ofcom-to.2642029.jp

The 184 page statement (and 108 page consultation) do not make easy reading to the general public, nor do they clearly highlight what the implications of their proposals will be to businesses using these numbers.

However, once you have waded through the spin and jargon, it becomes clear that Ofcom is proposing rates to the industry that are below cost (i.e. loss making) to all but the few largest operators, like BT. (Ofcom have used an antiquated model, seeded by BT, in their cost calculations and have not factored in the cost of international call extension and the loss of EU and international trading).

Despite the obvious damage done to Flextel and other small operators, mobile operators will still be free to charge what they like for 0870 calls, so consumers will still be unprotected from rip-off 0870 charging.

But what does all this mean to you?

• The 0870 service cannot continue in its present format.
• 0870 calls can no longer be extended free of charge to UK destinations, Ireland, US or to the many EU countries that are currently supported.
• In simple terms the free 0870 service, as you know it, will be closed.
• It is not clear whether porting 0870 numbers is feasible under the new rates.

What can Flextel do to help?

• Flextel will continue to allow 0870 calls to the Flextel voicemail and faxmail services.
• Flextel will provide a free Change Number Announcement to allow migration over to alternative Flextel Numbers.
• A scheme to provide customers with alternative desirable or personalised numbers is being developed.
• Flextel is working to enable 0870 to VoIP(SIP) destinations, by the Ofcom imposed deadline. This may help some hi-tech customers to continue to use 0870 in a limited manner.

For help on any of the above, please call or email Flextel customer support (see details below).

Responding to Ofcom

Flextel has been actively engaged with Ofcom for a number of years and will continue to battle to create a better and fairer marketplace for all. Our philosophy and previous interactions with Ofcom are available at:
www.flextel.com/ofcom/

Last year Ofcom also had its knuckles rapped by the Competition Appeals Tribunal, and it is likely that a similar appeal may be made against this ill advised and wholly unnecessary intervention. Ofcom is a very young regulator, being just five years old. Like any five-year-old, it is full of enthusiasm, but has much to learn about tinkering with complex life-critical systems.

You will understand Flextel is deeply disappointed that Ofcom has refused to listen to our constructive arguments, failed to protect innovation and appears to remain firmly within the shadow of BT. This is how we objected to Ofcom's latest proposals.

Very recently Ofcom has started implying to some of you, that we have had over two years to warn customers of this closure. This is not the case. We have only known since the 23rd April, about Ofcom's latest proposals. These are significantly different from any prevoius proposal. In simple terms, they offer Flextel (and all other 0870 service providers) even less money than last time. They also have lost the key consumer protection from 0870 overcharging. We have written to Ofcom, warning them that they are misrepresenting the true situation, in a manner that is damaging our business reputation.

Naturally, even though Ofcom's 0870 plans have now turned out to be rather ridiculous, we did expect Ofcom to be sensible enough to either give up or at least allow a reasonable time for you to adapt to its latest "big idea".

All our other services remain unaffected and Flextel holds very significant cash funds, available for investment in the development and expansion of our service.

To be clear Flextel is not in any financial difficulty and has no debt. Indeed, for its size, Flextel holds very significant cash and property reserves spread across a number of banks; an enviable position that BT and other public companies might desire. However, Flextel is not a charity and has no choice but to close its 0870 service, to avoid a good revenue stream from becoming seriously loss making.

Please contact us for free advice on how you might best to deal with this Ofcom-generated challenge.

Finally, thank you all, for your continued support and as always we are keen to hear your suggestions and feedback.

As you may be aware, new proposals, made by Ofcom on the 23rd April, will effectively close our 0870 service from 1st August. All our other 08, 07 and Geographic services remain unaffected.

The Ofcom Statement

Last week Ofcom suddenly issued a revised statement, delayed for over a year, on the future of the 0870 service, giving users only 3 months notice:

Ofcom also published consultation proposals deciding the new rates for 0870:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/resolve0870calls/

The proposed below-cost rates imposed on Flextel by Ofcom, appear to slavishly support BT, in its well publicised attempt to destroy the important 0870 market:
http://business.scotsman.com/business/BT-calls-on-Ofcom-to.2642029.jp

The 184 page statement (and 108 page consultation) do not make easy reading to the general public, nor do they clearly highlight what the implications of their proposals will be to businesses using these numbers. However, once you have waded through the spin and jargon, it becomes clear that Ofcom is proposing rates to the industry that are below cost (i.e. loss making) to all but the few largest operators, like BT. (Ofcom have used an antiquated model, seeded by BT, in their cost calculations and have not factored in the cost of international call extension and the loss of EU and international trading).

Despite the damage done to Flextel and other small operators, mobile operators will still be free to charge what they like for 0870 calls, so consumers will still be unprotected from rip-off 0870 charging.

But what does all this mean to you?

• The 0870 service cannot continue in its present format.
• 0870 calls can no longer be extended free of charge to UK destinations, Ireland, US or to the many EU countries that are currently supported.
• In simple terms the free 0870 service, as you know it, will be closed.
• It is not clear whether porting 0870 numbers is feasible under the new rates.

What can Flextel do to help?

• Flextel will continue to allow 0870 free calls to the Flextel voicemail and faxmail services.
• Flextel will provide a free Change Number Announcement to allow migration over to alternative Flextel Numbers.
• A scheme to provide customers with alternative desirable or personalised numbers is being developed.
• Flextel is working to enable 0870 to VoIP(SIP) destinations, by the Ofcom imposed deadline. This may help some hi-tech customers to continue to use 0870 in a limited manner.

For the help on any of the above, please call Flextel customer support on 0370 321 1000.

Responding to Ofcom

Ofcom have proposed these changes must happen by 1st August 2009. However, the closing date for responses to the consultation is next Thursday, 7th May 2009.

Details of how to respond are available at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/resolve0870calls/howtorespond/

It is Flextel's view that it is definitely beneficial for you to respond to the consultation and make Ofcom aware of how these proposals will affect your business, especially in these particularly challenging times. Do not worry about the closing date, Ofcom always claim to be ready to accept new input. They also claim to be an evidence-based organisation, which means Ofcom shouldn't be driven or confused by the media hype over 0870. So write to Ofcom and, even better, copy your complaint to your MP. Ask him or her to find out why Ofcom isn't taking a balanced view about 0870 and protecting your interest as an 0870 consumer.

Remember, it is only a few months since common sense lobbying by Flextel customers successfully forced Ofcom to rethink proposals for the closure of the 070 service. Ofcom now sees the benefit of the 070 service, not just the complaints about scams, which naturally occur in all markets.

Last year Ofcom also had its knuckles rapped by the Competition Appeals Tribunal, and it is likely that a similar appeal may be made against this ill advised and wholly unnecessary intervention. Ofcom is a very young regulator, being just five years old. Like any five-year-old, it is full of enthusiasm, but has much to learn about tinkering with complex life-critical systems.

Flextel and Ofcom

Flextel has been actively engaged with Ofcom for a number of years and will continue to battle to create a better and fairer marketplace for all. Our philosophy and previous interactions with Ofcom are available at:
www.flextel.com/ofcom/

You will understand Flextel is deeply disappointed that Ofcom has refused to listen to our constructive arguments, failed to protect innovation and appears to remain firmly within the shadow of BT. This is how we objected to Ofcom's latest proposals.

Very recently Ofcom has started implying to some of you, that we have had over two years to warn customers of this closure. This is not the case. We have only known since the 23rd April, about Ofcom's latest proposals. These are significantly different from any prevoius proposal. In simple terms, they offer Flextel (and all other 0870 service providers) even less money than last time. They also have lost the key consumer protection from 0870 overcharging. We have written to Ofcom, warning them that they are misrepresenting the true situation, in a manner that is damaging our business reputation.

Naturally, even though Ofcom's 0870 plans have now turned out to be rather ridiculous, we did expect Ofcom to be sensible enough to give us all a reasonable time to adapt to its latest big idea. However without your help in changing Ofcom's attitude, sadly we have no choice but to admit that Ofcom is just not listening and therefore must plan for 0870 closure now. All our other services remain unaffected. Please contact us for free advice on how best to deal with this Ofcom-generated challenge.

Finally, thank you all, for your continued support and as always we are keen to hear your suggestions and feedback.

Following up our customers' excellent feedback earlier this year, Ofcom have now issued a consultation document, which is available at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk

The consultation document is lengthy, but it's thorough and informative.

"there appear to be few alternatives to this service that would provide the same characteristics that end users value. Any alternatives that do exist are likely to involve additional costs, such as needing two mobile phones or call forwarding charges. Therefore, although the overall market is small, our end-user survey showed that there continues to be demand for PNS".

Summary of Ofcom's Key Findings

• Personal numbering will continue using 070 numbers
  • 070 closure is now ruled out
  • 070 will remain open permanently
  • No need to change your number
     
• Pre-call announcements dropped - they will NOT be used
  • Ofcom will remove the requirement from the numbering plan
     
• Phone companies forced to improve price lists
  • callers will have a better idea of the cost to call you
  • so expect lower prices for calls to 070
     
• Ofcom to strengthen enforcement on scams in the 070 range
  • action will be taken against the bad guys - at last

Your Feedback

We're very encouraged with the quality and detail provided in this latest consultation. Ofcom seem to have responded positively to previous criticisms and have reviewed 070 from scratch and obviously listened to you.

We greatly appreciate the strenuous efforts made by so many of our customers in helping Ofcom better understand the personal numbering market. Now it's very important that you support Ofcom's new proposals and complete their on-line questionnaire at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/070options/howtorespond/form

Finally, thank you all, for your continued support and as always we are keen to hear your suggestions and feedback.

1. Enter your Flextel Number and your registered email address
    
2. Click the Request button
    
3. Check your email and Click the link

That's it! ...and just as secure!

So, if you've forgotten your password, just go to account logon and click the forgotten password button.

Great News for Apple Mac, iPodTouch and iPhone Users

We've also listened to you about our website performance, so it should now work better for Apple Mac, iPodTouch and iPhone users, which all use Apple's Safari browser. A spin-off is that users of Google's Chrome browser will also get enhanced performance (as Chrome employs the Safari engine). You can expect blistening performance from these browsers, as our technlogy takes advantage of the efficiencies of client based computing and Chrome is the best in class.

However, in case you do find problems or want enhancements, we'd be grateful if you'd tell us about them or email us at ask@flextel.com.

Ofcom Update

070 Personal Numbers

0870 Business Numbers

This has been delayed further, with any change being no earlier than next year. Since the 070 pre-call announcement mess, Ofcom has removed this requirement not only from 070, but also from 0870.

Ofcom Rebuked

Recently the judges, presiding at the Competition Appeals Tribunal, unanimously criticised Ofcom in two separate and unrelated cases. In particular for "serious errors" and also for a "flawed CBA". They stated that Ofcom's decisions must "meet the test of Profound and Rigorous scrutiny". As a result Ofcom is "reviewing its processes" in the light of these two damning judgements. For details see our Working with Ofcom page.

So, in simple terms, the CAT have told Ofcom to start again and try harder. These judgements may hopefully encourage Ofcom to deliver better quality proposals. So if you are using 070 or 0870 carry-on, they'll probably be here for a while, yet.

Thank you all, for your continued co-operation and support.

Ofcom, the communications regulator, has approached Flextel to ask for our customers' help.

During previous public consultations Ofcom seemed of the view that personal numbers didn't have many genuine customers. However, opinions may have changed following the enforced, disastrous and short lived pricing announcement fiasco of last year.

Ofcom have now set up a completely new team to investigate personal numbers and their uses. They have asked Flextel for details of end users who are willing to give feedback on how the service benefits them.

We need to assist Ofcom as much as possible because we are concerned that a lack of feedback would be a vindication of Ofcom's original stance that personal numbers have no legitimate use in the UK marketplace. This is why we are approaching you and asking for your assistance in maintaining what we know is a really great product.

• So, could you:-
  • Give us permission to pass your details onto Ofcom, so they can approach you for feedback?
  • Confirm that your current Flextel account details are correct?
  • Explain the application that you have for personal numbers and the benefits they give?
  • Explain why personal numbers are used, rather than other products e.g. mobile, home line, premium rate etc.?
  • Explain the impact on you, if your personal number was forced to change or the service was cancelled?

We appreciate that this is time consuming and you probably have better things to do, but without your help, we will have great difficulty engaging with Ofcom and convincing them to leave your personal numbers alone.

Previous updates are available at www.flextel.com/news/ and we always welcome customer suggestions.

Thank you for your continued co-operation and support.

Kevin Archer
Marketing Manager
ask@flextel.com
Main : +44 870 3210 100

Where do you want to go?

Flextel has long prided itself on providing services with FREE call diversion.

• Well, it's just got better!
• 0871 numbers can now be forwarded to the big 4 UK MOBILE networks (Orange, O2, Vodafone and T-mobile) as well as over 100 international destinations.
  No call diversion charges!
• 0844 numbers can now be forwarded to many international destinations.
  This includes all of the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and China!
  No call diversion charges!
• 0870 numbers can now be forwarded to USA, Canada and Ireland landlines.
  Any changes due to a proposed Ofcom intervention have been cancelled.
  No call diversion charges!
• Personal numbers have much greater flexibility, as international diversion now extends
  to practically all countries, including mobiles abroad.
  No call diversion charges!

We hope you will benefit from these changes and naturally we are continuing to work on enhancements to our service, so expect more service updates in the near future. Previous updates are available at www.flextel.com/news/ and we always welcome any feedback and suggestions.

Kevin Archer
Marketing Manager
ask@flextel.com
Main : +44 870 3210 100

Flextel have always been opposed to mandatory pre-call announcements and indeed advised Ofcom that they were a stupid idea, in breach of international regulations and downright dangerous.

Unsurprisingly, as soon as Ofcom imposed pre-call announcements, health and safety issues started to appear. Flextel have been lobbying Ofcom to remove these dangerous, misleading and annoying announcements, that don't even comply with international standards and have left the UK networks out on a limb!

We are now delighted to tell you that our efforts, on your behalf, have been rewarded. Ofcom have withdrawn the requirement for pre-call announcements on 070 numbers. Ofcom have also issued a notice to all communication providers instructing them to remove the pre-call announcements.

We can confirm that they have now been removed from the BT network and we look forward to their total removal from all other networks, as soon as possible.

Flextel's highly popular Voicemail and Conference services now let you record your own personal message. Ideal over holiday periods for keeping in touch!

• Voicemail
• Set any of your Flextel Numbers to "Voicemail" and receive voicemail as email attachments!
• Instant setup - No rental, usage fees or hardware required.
• No hardware to buy, maintain or replace.
• Private, direct to your registered email.
• Personalise your answer message on 0370 3210 001 - your callers can leave message confident that it is for you!
• Conference
• Set any of your Flextel Numbers to "Conference" and create your own virtual conference room!
• Instant setup - No rental, usage fees or hardware required.
• PIN secured - keep your conference private.
• Ecologically sound - No travelling required.
• Personalise your greeting on 0370 3210 001 - so your callers will know they have entered the correct conference!

For more information on all Flextel's advanced features, check the User Guides at: www.flextel.com/#guide

• Fax
  Set any of your Flextel Numbers to Faxmail and receive faxes by email!
  
• Free to use - no running costs, no dedicated fax line, no paper, no ink.
• No hardware to buy, maintain or replace.
• Private, direct to your registered email. Get your faxes on the move - even abroad!
• Conference Call
  Set any of your Flextel Numbers to Conference and make them a virtual conference room; brilliant for business, fantastic for family.
  
• Instant setup - no rental, usage fees or hardware required.
• Environmentally friendly - no travelling, no room or office to hire.

• Call notification:
  • Did you miss that call?
  • Was your mobile out of coverage?
• Was your destination pointing to the wrong place?
• ...Now: Check who called!
   
• If you're using (DND), you can still get the caller's number as well!
• ...even if it's a 'withheld' number we give you a hint!
   
• Log all calls: even busy or no reply calls...
  • ...check for that 'promised call' - no email, no call!
  • ...keep a record of nuisance, silent and abandoned calls.
  • ...check your sales team are performing.

Full details are given in the Call Notification User Guide

ICD delay: - now 5, 10 and 15 seconds
• So you can answer your callers more quickly...
  • ...don't miss important calls.

To find out how to activate the new delay settings see Activate ICD in the User Guide

We are pleased to announce free international routing for 070& 0871 codes.

As a result of falling international call charges, you can now divert your Personal and Business numbers around the world - free of charge!
You pay nothing and your callers pay the same UK cost.
Simply enter the international destination, and that's it!

Additionally, 0701 numbers work with international mobile phones...
Now you can save as much as £1 per minute, when travelling abroad.
Just get a mobile (or SIM) in the country you're visiting, route to its number...
            ...and you'll avoid those expensive roaming charges.

0871 business numbers can be routed to UK landlines and...
Alaska, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Christmas Islands, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea South, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United States

In addition to the above, 070 personal numbers can be routed to the following destinations and most mobiles...
Albania, Algeria, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cayman Islands, Central African Rep., Chad, Colombia, Congo Dem Rep, Costa Rica, Cote Divoire, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Faeroe Islands, French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Macao, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte Island, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Rwanda, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Pierre and Miquelon, St Vincent, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria Mobile, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turks and Caicos Is, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican City (Italy), Venezuela, Virgin Islands UK, Virgin Islands US, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

As international tariffs continue to fall, we will open new codes. Click here for the latest International Routing.

We always use BT international links, so you'll receive the highest quality calls, as you'd expect from us.  

A UK First for Privacy and Control:

• Privacy
  • Masks your phone or mobile number.
• Now you can call customers from home or mobile, but protect your private number.
• Control
  • Leave your Flextel 0844 number, 0870 Number, 0871 Number or 070 Personal Number on your contact's phone or mobile.
    • Calls won't be rejected by BT's Anonymous Call Reject Service (or similar).
    • Contacts can call back with ease using 'Missed Call' redial, such as BT's 1471 service.
  • Present your Flextel, don't lose calls when you change location.
  • Show the same number from any telco, any phone, anywhere.

We have had some really useful feedback from many of our customers, which has inspired us to provide these great new features...

• Intelligent Call Diversion™ (ICD)
  • Anonymous Call Filter™ (ACF)
    • Divert 'withheld' calls to voicemail... identifying the caller, without them being offended.
  • Divert on No Reply/Busy
    • You've now got independent control of each.
  • No Reply
    • Vary ring-time delay from 20 to 60 seconds or simply turn 'off
       
• Features now available to all customers - including 070 users
  • Call Statistics - measure the success of your marketing campaigns, view up to 5 year history
  • Dialled Number Dispay™ (DND) - see the purpose of the call
  • Intelligent Call Diversion™ (ICT) - don't miss call... control them
     
• Other service enhancements
  • Account management - redesigned for easier navigation between screens
  • Faster access - to the details of individual stored numbers
  • View Commission - at a glance
  • View Phonebook Entries - at a glance
  • Change All PINs - in one go, for every number on your Account
  • Sort Number List - in label, number or desination order
     

Please have a look at these new features and let us know what you think

From the start of April, you can now earn upto 3 per minute on call commission and upto a whopping 8p per minute for any referrals you make. So it now makes even more sense to refer a friend or sell Flextel numbers.

If you can't wait to cash in your commission, you can now trade in your minutes for Flextel numbers at a massive rate of 10p per minute... So as little as 100 call minutes will earn you a £10 Flextel Voucher. So you can collect stock at very low cost and then sell them on at considerable profit e.g. on eBay.

For detailed rate information click commission rates.

The new rates apply to all the minutes accrued to date and, unlike the rewards schemes run by many other companies, your Flextel minutes don't expire, so logon to see how much you've made!

Thanks for all the feedback, if you have any other suggestions, I still want to hear them, so I can keep our overworked developers busy.

The first of many exciting new features we know you'll love...
                 ...'cos we've been asked for them, many times.

1. Dialled Number Display (DND) - A global first?
   See which group of callers is ringing so you can answer the
   call in the correct manner. Give out a separate number for...
   Family, Friends, Colleagues, Customers, Adverts (one per ad.)
                             ...now you'll answer each call properly.
    
   Full details are given in the DND User Guide.
   

2. Intelligent Call Diversion™ (ICD)
   If you can't answer a call or you're already busy on another,
   you may want the next call to go, automatically, to a colleague,
   voicemail or another branch, anywhere in the country, free of charge.
   You might even want to chain several numbers together and form
   a "Hunt Group"
                           ...now you can with Flextel's ICD.
    
   Full details are given in the ICD User Guide.

Both features are now live on 07017 and 0870 numbers. We plan to offer them on 07010 numbers
later in the year.

3. You'll also see we've made a slight change to the Account
   screen. These changes have been made to help you reroute your
   numbers quicker and make the page load faster: -
   • The Flextel Number is now a link to its own ADVANCED screen.
   • DND check box has been added for quick selection.
   • The Destination dropdown window now automatically reroutes your
     Flextel Number when you select one of the memories or
     "Key in a new Destination?".
   • The control dropdown window has been removed and can now be accessed
     by clicking the ADVANCED button.

There's still more on the way soon but, if you have any other
suggestions, I still want to hear them, so I can let our developers
take a look at them.

• What made this possible?
  • A massive increase in Online Stock;
  • Daily restocking of Free numbers - limiting excessive abuse;
  • Automatically recovery of any number unused for a year, but...
    ...answer just one call and your number will be good for a further year.

New users benefit from Free stock, being able to "try before they buy" more costly Marketing Numbers.

So have a fresh look at Flextel and let us know what you think.

Flextel announce the launch of its Reseller Scheme.

There are no forms to fill-in, no paperwork to sign, no phone calls to make, the system is fully automated via our website... If you have an Account, you already have Reseller Status!

As a Flextel Reseller you gain four key advantages:

1. You earn generous long term commission on calls to your customers' Flextel Numbers and to any other Flextel Numbers they may add to their account in the future! Once a number is connected the commission revenue stream is locked to you.
2. Resellers can use commission minutes to obtain cherished numbers without any cash outlay whatsoever and and at a massive 75% cash equivalent discount. You can therefore build cherished number stock without cashflow problems. When you sell the numbers you get the full margin.
3. Your customers will earn commission on their own calls - a strong selling point. This is all handled by the Flextel website, so no commission management and billing challenges to face.
4. Commission is updated daily on the website - you can see exactly how much your earning at any time of the day or night.

It costs nothing to try it out. We hope you find it a powerful business asset.

For more information, just logon on using your usual Account details and click the Commission link.

Wishing you all the best for Christmas and a very prosperous New Year, from all at Flextel.

Thank you for your continued support, as always we're grateful for all comments and suggestions.

There are now two ways you can now earn commission from Flextel:-

1. Call Commission
   •  You're now earning income on calls made to your 0870 Flextel Numbers...
     •  Backdated to 1st September, 2002.
     •  Commission updated daily.
     •  No need to register.
       
   •  ...Just sit back and watch your cash accumulate !
      
2. Refer a Friend
   •  Earn additional income by referring friends and colleagues...
     • Earn revenue on calls made to THEIR numbers !
     • Refer them by email.
     • Refer them by web links.
   •  ...Unlimited earning potential !

What to do now?

All income enhancing features are available from your Account so logon and...

1. Click "Commission".
• View your current balances.
• Cash in your money.
  
2. Click "Earn Extra Income".
•  Follow the simple instructions to refer a friend.

We hope that these improvements will encourage you to make even greater use of your Flextel Numbers and spread the word about Flextel !

To find out more click here.

Thank you for your continued support, as always we're grateful for all comments and suggestions at ask@flextel.com.

1. Call Statistics - See Total Calls made to each of your Flextel Numbers
   We have introduced this brand new feature so you can see how many calls are made to each of your Flextel Numbers. This will be an invaluable tool for business; it also shows you how many calls are missed, busy or unanswered. Call Statistics can be viewed through your Account.
2. Connection Charge - Re-introduced.
   Unfortunately, a few individuals have been abusing our unlimited free number policy, stockpiling numbers and not using them, thereby reducing the choice for genuine customers. As a result, we are re-introducing the connection charge. At £10 per number this is dramatically lower than the original of one hundred and twenty pounds and, I'm sure you will agree, still offers phenomenal value. Naturally there is nothing to pay for numbers already connected.
3. Anniversary - 1992-2002, 10 years of Quality and Reliability
   We are very proud to achieve this significant landmark. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers, particularly those who have been with us from the early years. The invaluable feedback we have received from so many of you has allowed us to develop a service of the highest standard and, we believe, second to none for choice, quality and reliability.

You will also notice some minor changes to the layout of some pages of the website. I hope you will agree, these improvements have made navigating the website easier and gives a simpler, clearer layout.

That's all for now...

Well, after all the weeks of work to organise it, the show seemed to be over before we even blinked. It was very well attended and we had more than our fair share of visitors to the stand.

It was really great, not only to renew old acquaintances but, also to make new ones, we met people from an incredibly wide range of backgrounds and found it extremely exciting. It was also brilliant to put faces to some of the voices we have been so often talking to on the phone.

Speaking of faces, we took a camera for those of you who weren't able to make the show. So click the link to see some pictures of the stand and and to find out what we look like!

We've come away with some really good feedback and will be working hard to develop some new features as a result. We'll Email you when they become available.

Many thanks to all of you for your support and for making the exhibition such a huge success for us. We plan to repeat the experience, when we've recovered from this one, so keep an eye on the home page for details of the next show.

We look forward to meeting many more of you in the future.

That's all for now...

This powerful new service is based on Flextel's experience of nearly 10 years, in the flexible number market place and has been strongly supported by a steady stream of requests from our enthusiastic user base via ask.

Your Account is protected by your own choice of password and lets you Reroute, Change PIN and Edit Memories on any number in the account. It also gives access to your personal contact details so you can update them quickly and easily.

• Some other Account benefits:
  • Managers running a duty roster, teleworking or a "hotdesk" team, will find this an invaluable tool allowing them to keep control of their business numbers by giving master control of all numbers in that account.
  • Personal Wealth - Anyone can sell their Flextel Number to anyone else!
  • Business Asset - Like car Number Plates, but unlike traditional phone numbers, a Flextel Number can be listed as a business asset - A Flextel Number has Value!

More details on this great new feature are given in the User Guide under the section header Account.

Many thanks to all those suggestions, ask it really helps us focus on what you need. Please let us know how well (or badly!) it works for you and how it can be further improved. We really are listening to you at ask@flextel.com.

That's all for now...

Memory Upgrade? ..."Yes!" is the answer.
Many of you have told us, through ask@flextel.com, what a brilliantly useful feature the Reroute Memory Control box is.

So, what was the question? ..."Is it possible to add extra memories?"
We've upgraded the memories to eight. I'm sure you will find it much better. I certainly will, the extra memories let me standardise the Labels against all my numbers. Now it's much easier for me to remember them, I'm sure you will find it a big improvement too.

Security
We have extended the website security. Although the reroute, sign-up and number selection processes were fully secured to proctect your data, now the high security (128 bit SSL) system covers the whole site. This should remove any security concerns new users might have felt. We have also added safeguards to ensure your browser is running only in secure mode. If anyone experiences problems with these extensive security checks, please let us know through ask@flextel.com

Well that's it ...for now!

Please keep us informed of your experiences of the service - good and bad, by emailing ask@flextel.com