How aware are you of the terms of your current NGN contract?
Yes, having an 0800 number that’s free to call for customers is a great perk to have. Not being tied down to a single geographic location means these numbers can give off a sense of national presence. But there are plenty of hidden costs contained within those contracts.
Businesses need to start making changes in case they’re overspending on outdated contracts. These agreements come with hidden fees, premium rates, and inflexible pricing models that no longer align with modern market conditions. There’s no better time to start thinking about switching providers.
By switching to an 0300 number via Gamma’s Inbound Call Management platform, businesses can eliminate unnecessary costs and enjoy a more flexible contract. These terms will be best suited to the long-term goals of a business, and guarantee future-proof communications.
2025 is the year that businesses take back control of their telecom expenditure.
An evolving market
No matter the sector, the landscape is always changing. The telecom industry is no different, as carriers introduce pricing structures that help to keep them competitive. Penetration pricing, for example, means companies aim to seize a greater market share by pricing services at a lower rate.
Many older 0800 number-based contracts were signed under outdated cost models. Businesses can find themselves overspending on their 0800 numbers, particularly through bundled costs and hidden fees. Market rates at the time of signing may no longer reflect current rates around per-minute charges.
Some providers can offer flexible, cost-efficient alternatives that give businesses only what they need. They’re operating on pricing models designed to attract customers through better rates and added value from services.
Some call management platforms, for instance, include a suite of features like call statistics and interactive voice response (IVR) to meet specific needs.
Plenty of risk in sticking
The term ‘stick or twist’ may be more commonly uttered around the blackjack tables, but it also applies when it comes to legacy carriers. These providers may not invest in the latest technology, severely threatening their own innovation and a business’ operational efficiency. Previously agreed clauses may restrict collaboration with other companies or exploring new markets.
If they’re running outdated service models, these legacy suppliers may lack the support and flexibility a business needs to succeed. Slower response times mean issues can remain unresolved for longer periods of time, severely impacting relations with customers. 32% of customers feel inclined to leave their favourite brand after just one bad experience.
However, what can make switching difficult are the restrictive terms that some contracts implement. Early termination fees can discourage businesses from leaving, as do high porting fees.
A more reliable call management solution from a reputable provider won’t implement such terms, reducing the impact that porting non-geographic numbers (NGNs) can have.
Technological advancement, such as cloud-based solutions and SIP trunking, mean some carriers can provide more cost-effective options. These providers have the means to take those NGN numbers further.
Keeping up with the times
Reputable providers have a better grasp of current market trends. Landline usage continues to decrease, with only one in five consumers reporting to have and use a landline phone. Businesses need to assess whether their current 0800 number is cost-efficient enough to handle the rising volume of inbound mobile calls.
Then there’s the shift to digital channels like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or AI-powered customer service. 0800 call volumes may be far lower than before, giving further food for thought on whether these numbers are necessary. 41% of contact centre leaders strongly agree that AI will greatly benefit their agents, but the proportion of live inbound interactions remains high at 64%.
Either way, it still gives further impetus on switching to an 0300 number through an effective inbound call management platform.
These providers are flexible with their contracts, providing greater scalability and a broader range of services that meet specific needs. Whether it’s for businesses looking for efficient call routing across multiple sites, or ones looking to prioritise customer experience, these providers can… well, provide.
Time to cut costs
These more reputable carriers are perfectly equipped with services that allow businesses to only pay for what they need. New, fresher contracts can lead to instant cost savings with packages that offer a pricing model tailored to their inbound calling objectives. These models are more dynamic, considering factors such as call volume or time of day.
Considering the mean average of an inbound call costs £6.25, getting expenditures under control is a very wise step!
That flexibility also extends to future-proofing businesses against regulatory changes and industry shifts. A more adaptable telecoms strategy means businesses can stay compliant and not risk any fines from failing to meet industry standards. Financial fines are costly enough without considering the reputational damage that a lack of compliance can bring.
It only makes the case for switching to an 0300 number through a more modern inbound calling platform stronger.
Don’t let outdated contracts drain your budget
0800 numbers can come with plenty of hidden costs, wrapped up in a contract that’s inflexible and weighed against businesses. Switching numbers shouldn’t be a burden and reassessing that 0800 contract is a no-risk, high-reward opportunity.
With Gamma’s Inbound Call Management platform, businesses can transition to a more cost-efficient and flexible 0300 number. Businesses won’t be subject to operational downtime and will soon be enjoying seamless call routing features that improves customer experience.
Outdated contracts shouldn’t hold your business back. It’s time to twist, not stick.