What is a Virtual Switchboard ?
A Virtual Switchboard (also known as an Interactive Voice Response system, IVR, Auto-Attendant or Virtual Receptionist) is a system which automatically answers a call then provides advanced call routing, for example it plays a voice recorded menu to the caller prompting them to select a menu option using the digits on their phone. The result of pressing a digit will lead to an action, such as forwarding the call to a phone. YOU DON'T NEED ANY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT ON YOUR PREMISES, only a regular phone.
Who is this service for ?
This service is most suitable for small business users who want a flexible way to handle incoming calls (or just want to seem like a bigger company). Press1 gives the flexibility to filter calls you don't want handle, direct calls to other people in the company, provide a single number where you are reachable (when you want), provide customers with basic information without answering the phone and enjoy the convenience of being able to change things whenever you like using the online phone menu manager.
I forgot my password what should I do ?
You can reclaim your password by clicking on the My Account tab on the main menu. Enter your Press1 phone number under the section "Password Recovery" and your password will be emailed to the address stored in your account details.
I forgot my number what should I do ?
Contact the support desk using the contact details provided above.
How much does it cost ?
Pricing is clearly indicated on the Sign Up page in the section "Clear Pricing".
What are the forwarding rates ?
Forwarding to most UK landlines is FREE. The full list of rates can be viewed by clicking here.
Do I need a special phone ?
No, you use a regular phone. In fact, if you only want to collect voice messages or provide information you don't need a phone at all!
Can I forward to a mobile phone ?
Yes, you can forward to a mobile. Your forwarded calls will be charged, the full list of rates can be viewed by clicking here.
How do I record the messages ?
To record messages you need to use a PC with sound card and microphone. There are many applications which are suitable, most operating systems have a basic sound recorder application built in. You can also download more advanced (free) applications like Audacity or Wavepad. Once you are finished recording, upload the files from your online account.
Your voice recordings must be in WAV or MP3 format (MP3 will result in smaller files and faster upload times). To get optimal sound quality record as 8Khz, Mono, PCM and upload as a .wav file, this is the native format and will not be resampled (your recording sofware should have settings for this).
How do I make payments ?
When you sign up you will place your credit card on record and authorise is to make debits from the card. Your account payments will be billed against this credit card at the end of every month. Note: Your credit card details are not stored by us, they are stored with a secure payment provider.
How long is the contract for ?
You may terminate your account whenever you wish. There are no special cancellation fees you will be only be charged any usage fees due. To terminate your account, log in and select "Account Details" then option "Cancel Account".
Can I use my existing number ?
We can not assign your number as the main number to the voice menu system (you can forward calls to your number).
What is an 0844 number ?
An 0844 number is a Fixed Rate non geographic number. This means that the caller always pays the fixed call price of up 5p per minute when calling this number from anywhere in the UK. You, as the 0844 number holder, do not pay anything to receive the call.
Note: Some countries do not allow calling from abroad to 0844 numbers.
Calls to an 0844 number from a standard BT landline line will cost the caller (including VAT):
5.1p (Daytime)
5.1p (Evening)
5.1p (Weekend)
What is an 0845 number ?
0845 numbers are known as local NTS (Number Translation Service) numbers. Your inbound callers pay similar to a local rate call charge from anywhere in the UK when dialling your 0845 number.
Calls to an 0845 number from a standard BT landline line will cost the caller (including VAT):
4p (Daytime)
1p (Evening)
1p (Weekend)
** Some BT packages include free calling to 0845 numbers.
What is an 0870 number ?
0870 numbers are known as national NTS (Number Translation Service) numbers. Your inbound callers pay similar to a national rate call charge from anywhere in the UK when dialling your 0870 number.
Calls to an 0870 number from a standard BT landline line will cost the caller (including VAT):
8.1p (Daytime)
4p (Evening)
1.5p (Weekend)
** Some BT packages include free calling to 0870 numbers.
Can I move my existing number to press1 ?
Probably. We can port most numbers to press1. Our criteria is; the number must be a business number and we must have a porting agreement in place with your current operator (we have will all major operators). Call 08704898989 for more details.
Can you provide me with a fax number ?
We can provide you with a number which can be forwarded to a fax machine but we do not provide a fax service or fax to email service. The additional number will be billed to your existing switchboard account. The cost of the fax number (exluding memorable numbers) is the same monthly cost (no setup fee) as the swithboard cost for the same number type.
How many calls can I receive at the same time ?
Your switchboard can handle up to 10 simultaneous calls. If the number of calls exceeds this maximum the callers will hear the announcement "Sorry, we are currently experiencing heavy call volume. Please try again later.". If you want a system which handles more simultaneous calls we suggest you look at our other site lazypbx
