On 26th October 2009, BT unveiled a new calling plan that gives UK businesses unlimited calls to 0870 and 0845 numbers for a monthly fee.

The move comes less than a year after the telecoms firms made these numbers free to call for its home customers who are on their Anytime/Evening & Weekend call plans.

This recent development is great news for companies with 0845 numbers (in particular business to business (B2B) firms) as it means they are likely to see an increase in the amount of calls they receive  – therefore boosting their sales and enquiries – ever more crucial in the current economic climate.

Thousands of UK businesses use 0845 numbers because they offer them a host of advantages over normal landline numbers:

1) 0845 numbers (like all non-geographic numbers) don’t have traditional area codes. This is ideal for businesses who don’t want to be tied to a specific location as it means they’ll appear like a nationwide company and receive calls from across the UK – particularly handy for companies that promote their number on their website.

2) 0845 numbers are simply pointed at any landline or mobile of your choice. They work alongside these numbers and do not replace them. This also means that no additional hardware or equipment is required for them to work.

3) 0845 numbers can be diverted to a new landline or mobile instantly. This can be done online or over the phone and is ideal for companies when they relocate as it means they don’t miss any calls.

4) Companies with 0845 numbers can gauge the success of their marketing and advertising by viewing online call statistics. Such call stats can determine missed calls, busy periods and the geographic location of callers. This info can also be used to ensure that staffing levels are correct.

5) By using 0845 numbers, firms can take advantage of online call management systems that can help them smarten up the way they deal with their calls. Caller options menus are popular (e.g. press 1 for sales, 2 if you’re an existing customer etc.) as are intro messages (e.g. Thanks for calling Company ABC etc.)

6) Companies can handpick an unforgettable 0845 number that their callers will remember without having to look it up. Their 0845 number can even reflect the service they offer. For example, a company with a 24 hour emergency helpline could ensure that there is ‘999′ within their number.

7) 0845 numbers are inexpensive for businesses to run. If firms are smart they can find a top 0845 number provider that offers unlimited inbound minutes to their number for a small monthly fee.

BT’s news will inevitably cement the popularity of 0845 numbers in the UK. However, for businesses wanting to offer their landline AND mobile callers great value then 03 numbers reign supreme.