Hi.
I am moving offices from one exchange to another. I understand not being able to move numbers between exchanges, but perhaps am a little out of touch with how it works.
The exchanges in my area are all under the same area code, 01271, the local 6 digit numbers being 86 for one exchange, 87 for another, 81 for another, 31/32/33/34 for another.
There is also an 85 number seen across all exchanges, with several companies and private individuals having 85 numbers, all spread over the exchanges. The other numbers are per exchange for sure, and always have been. I am not sure why the 85 numbers are seen across all the exchanges, it seems for the last 8 or so years.
My number is an 85, originally a BT number, and then for the last few years TalkTalk on ISDN. I was hoping I could move this number to another exchange as a standard PSTN line, as the 85 is seen on all the exchanges.
BT have told me this is not possible, and are trying to sell me the cloud service, which while this looks promising, I am not sure it will fit the bill completely for me.
I prefer to have my number answered by my phone system on site, which then gives a "press 1 for the number of an on call electrician", "press 2 to leave a message". I am not sure I can interface the cloud phone to a phone system?
Annoyingly, when pressed, the chap confirmed if I move the number to the cloud service, once out of contract (or penalties paid to end early), for £40 (ish) I could have the cloud number re-presented to any landline. So it must be possible to shift the number between exchanges!!!
Also, with the cloud phone, do I really need to use a BT router, or can I continue to use my Draytek Vigor 2860?
Any pointers would be great - The phone line is meant to be the easy part of moving a business! 🙂
Thanks!
Hello Martin,
I have had a quick look and the number 01271 85X where X is between 0-9 appears to cover the area between Barnstabe and Ilfracombe. Your X will define which exchange you are on.
If you private message me with your full number, present address and the address you want to move to I will check where you stand with local exchanges.
Worst case is you migrate your number so it becomes a virtual number. It can then be added to a VoIP system (hosted or local install) or simply redirected to another number.
VoIP can be great as long as you have good broadband speeds and hosted VoIP will allow you to keep your auto attendent functionality (press "1"...).
Stick with your Draytek router, it allows for Quality of Service (QoS) and is a true business class router.
Kind regards,
Stuart