Product Collateral
| » | Call Routing Services |
| » | Information Services |
| » | Customer Information Services |
| » | National Security and Emergency Preparedness |
Service Description
BellSouth Three Digit Dialing Services are switch-based three-digit local abbreviated dialing arrangements available in specific basic local calling areas within the BellSouth operating territory. In this context, abbreviated dialing means that an end-user need only to dial the three-digit N11 code in order for their call to be connected to the called party. Three Digit Dialing service is limited to the following N11 codes as defined in each respective state's tariff: 211, 311, 511, 611, 711 and 811. Most often, subscribers to three digit dialing service are Information Service Providers (ISPs) including Information and Resource Providers (i.e. United Way), Local and Regional Newspapers (i.e. Atlanta Journal-Constitution), Yellow Pages (i.e. BAPCO) and Personal Services (i.e. dating services). Some examples of information to be provided by N11 ISPs are sports scores, entertainment information, stock quotes, news updates, book reviews, sports recruiting information and weather reports. Some three digit dialing ISPs also use the N11 code to receive requests for information to be delivered by Fax to end users (i.e. crossword puzzles, recipes, comic strips, etc.)
Benefits
BellSouth's Three Digit Dialing Services can help increase your revenues and/or customer service availability by making it easier for consumers to contact you. Three Digit Dialing Service offers information providers the ability to advertise a three-digit number allowing end-users a quick, convenient way to access the information provider's service. The use of the three-digit code allows the subscribers to simplify their advertising and eliminate the hassle of securing 1-800 vanity numbers or other dialing arrangements. With the easy to remember three-digit code, subscribers can direct their resources toward protecting their current customer base as well as gaining new customers to access their service. BellSouth Three Digit N11 Service produces a monthly detailed report containing information on the end-users who called the three digit code such as end-user origination, time, date and length of call, etc. Three Digit Dialing codes are a limited resource and therefore, subscribers benefit from the exclusivity of being one of the very few information providers in a market to have a three-digit number to access their service. With BellSouth Three Digit Dialing Services, it is easy to create an association between one three digit code and one information provider. Three Digit Dialing subscribers may apply a charge to end-users for accessing their information. Thus three digit dialing service offers a way for subscribers to increase exposure and grow both their customer base and revenue stream. A subscriber may engage with BellSouth for Billing and Collection services.
Service Design
BellSouth's Three Digit Dialing Services are designed with efficiency and reliability in mind. Here's how the service works:
- A three-digit N11 code is assigned for use to a subscriber in a specific basic local calling area
- The subscriber obtains/secures/designates a 7 or 10 digit local number to route the calls made to the three digit number
- All switches within the basic local calling area are programmed to translate the three digit code to the designated point-to number
- A caller dials the three-digit code associated with a subscriber's information service and/or customer service organization
- The switch recognizes the three-digit code as an abbreviated dialing string, deletes the three-digits from the dialing string and translates them in to the 7 or 10 digit point-to number
- The switch routes the call to the 7 or 10 digit point-to number
- The N11 subscriber pays for the calls which are routed to the point-to number
- If a subscriber chooses to charge end-users for accessing their information, BellSouth can record and rate the call for the subscriber via an billing and collection agreement
Availability & Pricing
BellSouth Three Digit Dialing Service is currently available in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Tennessee. Complete rate, regulation and specific N11 code availability information is available in Section A39 of the BellSouth General Subscriber Services Tariff for each respective state. General pricing categories are listed below:
- Service Establishment fee (one time setup cost based upon population size of calling area)
- Usage Charges (monthly recurring based upon quantity of calls placed to the three digit code) [NOTE: In several states, a minimum monthly usage charge applies after the initial 6 months the service has been activated]
- Change of point-to number
- Billing arrangement change (revisions in amounts charged to end-users, change in recording and rating, etc.)
- Service monthly detail reports
Ordering & Implementation
To request BellSouth Three Digit Dialing Service, contact your account team member. They will walk you through the process and complete the implementation forms.
