Does anyone know how to get a memorable number for a new BT landline.

I am considering setting up a chauffeur business from home. If I get a new line from BT seperate to my existing domestic (ADSL enabled) line I would obviously like to obtain a memorable number for my clients. I don't want to go down the 0800/0845/0871 route and would prefer the standard local geographical code to be allocated. (01252).

It must be possible because lots of local companies already have very good, easy to remember numbers. I havn't yet gone to BT as I thought I'd research the subject first.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

You could ask to see if they have a gold number service. They tend to charge you £100's or even £1000 for a number like this. Sometimes, the numbers appear strange, but they spell something out, so those also cost a bit.

Give 'em a ring to see if they have a list for your STD area...

I'll obviously try BT but if they cannot/will not help then this http://www.ttnc.co.uk/home.do could be the way to go?

Any comments anyone?

There are many VoIP suppliers who will also be able to provide you with some nice numbers.

Thanks Sean. Whoah! You've unearthed a whole load of worms and I need some help now.

I've found Vonage http://www.vonage.co.uk/index.php which looks like the type of company you refer to.

Can you answer some questions for me?

How do they differ from the phone services offered by say Sky Talk and Pipex? (I am shortly to migrate to SKY Broadband as my ISP from Pipex)

Is this sort of service really suitable for business purposes (Chauffeur Company).

If I divert my VoIP incoming calls (eg Vonage number) to my existing 3 Mobile phone will I incur any charges?

If I divert my VoIP incoming calls (eg Vonage number) to my existing BT land line phone will I incur any charges?


As long as I keep my BT line (needed for ADSL) is this type of service really a suitable alternative to using BT for calls.

Any downside or pitfalls that you can see?

Any comments on comparable VoIP suppliers?

Where does Skype fit in to all this?

Thanks in advance for your help

Vonage is not a service I’d highly recommend – I guess it’s ok for beginners as you have to use their hardware and cant change much yourself, but it is ‘free’ with the nice 12 month contract.

VoIP would remain completely separate from your normal line – you could divert the VoIP account to your normal line or you could use a IP based telephone.

I work for a VoIP company who provide VoIP for small business’ – I do think VoIP is suitable for business’.

If you divert to your mobile you will be charged for the outgoing call to the mobile at whatever rate the company you use charge- customer pays normal rate for calling the ‘fixed line’ number.

If you divert to your landline you will be charged for the outgoing call to the landline at whatever rate the company you use charge- customer pays normal rate for calling the ‘fixed line’ number.

Yes – its fine – as long as you’re not using your internet for uploading and downloading huge files you shouldn’t have a problem – means you can keep business calls separate from personal ones. Using a telephone like the Snom 320 you can deal with up to 12 calls – more than most people can deal with!

VoIP services are not as reliable as fixed line networks, there is a lot more involved in getting a VoIP call from a to b – but many business’ are now using VoIP – people can generally live with the odd 10 minute hiccup for the additional services and features you get from VoIP

Not sure if I should mention suppliers - there are lots to choose from – I know which one I like ‘coz I work for them!

Skype is a mainly a software application which requires your PC to be switched on – some phones do allow you to use it without the PC being on – but generally it’s not that great.

Skype is ok for personal use – but I don’t think they have the features for business users.