BT launches Geographic Numbers for VoIP

BT is launching a ‘Geographic Numbers’ service for Business Broadband VoIP customers.

The service allows customers to have a local phone number for VoIP. More than one local number can be provided, but customers have to sign up for a separate Broadband Voice account for each one.

The service is likely to be welcomed by businesses, as customers often prefer to deal with local companies, and have greater trust in them.

In July 2007, research by BT Business found that 66 per cent of consumers preferred to buy goods and services locally, and 77 per cent of people preferred to place a call to a number with an area code close to their vicinity.

Non-geographic numbers, which effectively charge a customer for phoning a business, are believed to have reduced the public’s trust in companies.