What is a Cloud PBX phone system?
A Cloud PBX is a business telephone system hosted online. Calls, extensions, routing, voicemail and other features are managed in the cloud, so users can connect from offices, homes or other locations.
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Business Phone Systems & Telecoms FAQ
Answers to common questions about Cloud PBX, VoIP, UK business numbers, IVR, SIP phones, number porting, SMS and remote teams.
What is the difference between Cloud PBX and VoIP?
VoIP is the technology used to carry voice calls over an internet connection. Cloud PBX is the wider hosted phone system that uses VoIP and provides extensions, call routing, menus, voicemail and management features.
Can one business number ring staff in different locations?
Yes. A virtual UK number can route calls to extensions, SIP phones, mobiles or teams in different locations. Routing can also change by time of day, availability or caller selection.
What is an 0330 business number?
An 0330 number is a UK-wide non-geographic number. Calls are normally charged in the same way as calls to standard 01 and 02 numbers and are generally included in compatible call allowances.
Can I keep my existing telephone number?
In many cases an existing UK business number can be ported to a new provider. Availability depends on the number type, current provider and account details, so it should be checked before cancelling the existing service.
Do Cloud PBX phones work for remote teams?
Yes. Provided each location has a suitable internet connection, remote users can connect through compatible SIP handsets, desktop softphones or mobile apps while remaining part of the same business phone system.
What is a SIP phone?
A SIP phone is an internet-connected handset that uses Session Initiation Protocol to make and receive VoIP calls. It can look and operate like a conventional desk phone while connecting to a hosted phone service.
What happens to calls if an office loses internet access?
Business-continuity rules can redirect calls to alternative numbers, mobiles or locations. The exact fallback arrangement should be planned when the service is configured.
What can an IVR system do?
An IVR can welcome callers, offer menu options, collect keypad or spoken information, route calls, play recorded information, send alerts and connect with databases or business applications.
Can a phone system integrate with a CRM?
Yes. Depending on the platforms involved, CRM integration can display customer records, record call activity, trigger workflows and help teams manage follow-up tasks.
Can Digital Select provide business SMS services?
Yes. Digital Select provides bulk SMS, API-based messaging and premium-rate SMS solutions for suitable marketing, notification, interaction and billing use cases.
How do I choose the right business phone system?
Start with user numbers, locations, expected call volumes, required numbers, call-routing needs, integrations and continuity requirements. Digital Select can translate these needs into a practical specification.
What is a premium-rate number?
A premium-rate number lets eligible content, goods or services be charged through a telephone bill. UK premium-rate services commonly use 09, 118, 087 and some 084 ranges; five- and six-digit mobile short codes can also be premium rate.
What are the business benefits of premium-rate numbers?
For a suitable and compliant service, premium-rate numbers can provide a convenient phone-billing method, support paid information or entertainment, and create a measurable revenue stream without requiring every customer to enter card details.
How can I block calls to premium-rate numbers?
Contact your telephone provider and ask about premium-rate or service-number call barring. Controls vary by provider and account type, so confirm which ranges are blocked and whether account administrators can manage restrictions online.
How do I stop premium SMS messages?
Follow the cancellation instructions shown in the message or service terms, commonly by replying STOP to the stated short code. If messages or charges continue, contact the service provider and your mobile network, retaining the messages and billing details.
What are 118 numbers?
Numbers beginning 118 are UK directory-enquiry services. The call price combines the caller’s network access charge with the directory service’s service charge, which should be displayed wherever the number is promoted.
How can I check whether a number is premium rate?
Check the number range and advertised call-cost information, then confirm charges with your phone provider. For an unfamiliar charge, Ofcom provides a premium-rate service checker using the number shown on the bill or message.