Non Geographic Numbers, Frequently Asked Questions
What are they?
A Non Geographic Number (NGN) is a telephone number provided by Yours Virtually and pointed to any UK landline STD number (or numbers) of your choice.
The most common ones issued by Yours Virtually are:
0800 and 0808 Freephone
0330 New National Rate Numbers
0845 Local rate number
For brief explanation about each type of number Click Here
Background Information
For full explanation about Non Geographic Numbers please Click Here
How do NGN Numbers work?
The NGN number points to your current landline number (terminating number) so when people ring your new NGN phone number they get connected to your current landline (or switchboard) without knowing what the underlying terminating number is. This means it can be pointed towards a single line or a multi-line switchboard and no other equipment is required. Yours Virtually customers would normally point their NGN to the incoming divert number that we allocate to you on setting up your personal telephone answering service.
How long does it take to connect?
You can view the available NGN numbers by requesting a current list from us. Once we receive your order, we will check to make sure it hasn't been issued in the last few days to any other company and if it is still available we can connect it within a couple of days. Please note that no NGN number should be issued or published in any way by you until you are happy that it is connected and working in the way you need.
Can I change the landline number that my NGN number points to?
Yes, this is the main benefit of having a NGN. A simple fax or email to us will allow us to change your terminating number within 48 hours. You can do this up to twice a year without any further cost.
Can I be listed in Directory Enquiries and UK Phone Books under a NGN number?
Yes you can. We will charge our standard admin fee of £25 + Vat to arrange this.
Does my NGN number show when I call a mobile or someone with caller display?
Under certain circumstances you can arrange for your NGN to become your "presentation number" so that when you phone out to a mobile or someone with 'caller display' it will be your NGN that shows, not your standard STD landline or terminating number. This service is provided by your landline service provider. The cost varies depending on what type of landline that you have. You can arrange this with your provider or ask us to liaise with your provider on your behalf. We would charge our standard administration fee of £25 + Vat.
Can I have an ordinary landline number in another city to use in a similar way to an NGN Number?
Yes, you can. Please ask for more details about this service which we can offer as a very cost effective solution to a number of challenges, not least of which a company shutting down branch offices and wanting to retain the presence of a local telephone number in that area.
Call statistics
To effectively benchmark advertising, marketing or recruitment campaigns, we can allocate any number of NGN numbers to your company and can provide call statistics either automatically via a link on our website or, for more detailed reporting, via email from our Operations Centre, weekly, daily or monthly.
Can the NGN number be called from abroad?
Yes and No! Depending which number you choose. If this is important to you check with us first.
Can NGN numbers be used in connection with other services?
Yes, some examples are:
- "Just to make things a little more complex, Channel Island (01534 and 01481) and Isle of Mann (01624) numbers are 01 numbers but may not be included in bundle packages."
BT Call Sign facility
BT Call Sign allows you to have two landline numbers on the same phone line, with each giving a slightly different ring. If you nominate one of the numbers as being the terminating number you can identify how to answer the call if you work from home. You should contact BT on 152 to confirm that Call Sign is available for you and then ask us to point your NGN to your new number.
Business Direct Dial (DDI) numbers?
A NGN can be pointed towards a DDI number on your switch board and tagged on your phone system so that your receptionist is aware that the call is being routed via your NGN. This is useful to know that, for example, this is a potential new customer to the business phoning as a result of an advert or that the caller is phoning in on your free phone number and that you are paying for the call!
Advanced services
The ability to have:
For more information on non geographic numbers, click here
