Broadcasting pre-recorded messages over the phone is become a popular and cost effective solution to get urgent notifications to a targeted audience very quickly, says Laurie Patterson, director of phone broadcasting at OrangePoint Communications (http://www.orangepoint.net), a leading service bureau in the field.
While the federal government has adopted strict regulations on the use of phone broadcasting technology and has outlawed sales and marketing calls to those who have not given written permission, it is still legal to send informational messages is legal. That's why non-profit organizations, schools and colleges, and businesses are using phone broadcasting to alert their members, associates and customers about important news and updates.
Phone broadcasting enables you to simultaneously send hundreds, even thousands, of people a pre-recorded message over the phone. It is also known as voice broadcasting, voice blasting, phone blasting, and in the political realm as robo calls.
"There are many phone broadcasting applications which are perfectly legal and more and more organizations are using the technology to supplement their communication efforts," says Patterson. "For example, schools and colleges are implementing notification systems that alert students, parents and constituent groups about school closings and other important announcements. Airlines use phone broadcasting to inform passengers of changing schedules or flight status. Utility companies use it to inform customers of service outages and when they expect problems to be fixed. Stock brokers use phone broadcasting to give clients up to the minute market reports and recommendations."
Phone broadcasting users can buy their own equipment, but the vast majority find that hiring a service bureau is much more cost effective, easier and faster because of the built in capacity of the larger systems being used. Moreover, there are no upfront costs to get started and you only pay for what you use.
When looking for a phone broadcasting service bureau, you will need to keep the following questions in mind:
-- Will the service bureau launch the job for you, or can you do it yourself with a web interface that is accessible at any time? (Some companies do both.)
-- How are the recordings done? Can you record over the phone, or do you have to email a wav. file?
-- Are the calls made over fiber optic lines or VoIP (over the Internet)?
-- How is the service billed? Do you pay by time, or by message? Do you pay for calls that are non-deliverable (for example, no answers or busies)?
-- What kind of format do the phone lists have to be in (Excel spreadsheet)?
-- Will you be able to put your own phone number in the Caller ID that shows up on the recipient's phone?
-- What kind of reports will you get?
With the latest technology, you'll be able to deliver your pre-recorded messages to both live answers and answering machines (voice mail.) Generally, you will be able to get reports and see who actually listened to your message and see how many messages were delivered. A good service bureau will make the whole process relatively easy.
Phone broadcasting is a very powerful medium because it is targeted and "hits home." It can be life saver, and it can also be abused. Use it wisely and it can be the most valuable resource you have in keeping the lines of communication open with your important contacts.
