5-digit voice short-codes are a huge success in the UK . They are similar to 0800 (free) and 090 (premium rate) long numbers – but optimised for mobile. 5-digit short-codes are a UK-only product.

Orca has direct connections into each of the UK mobile operators (Vodafone, Three, T-Mobile, Orange, O2 and Virgin Mobile).

How voice short-codes work:

• You select a voice short-code, together with a tariff (tariffs range from free to £2 / min). Set-up takes 4-6 weeks across all the UK mobile operators. Sometimes we have numbers available ‘off-the-shelf’ for urgent requirements.
• Orca maps the voice short-code onto a geographic DDI (phone number) which you provide – which could terminate on your existing IVR platforms (call centre, premium rate service, chat lines etc.). Orca doesn’t offer voice IVR platforms – but we can introduce you to Partners who do.
• Orca provides a monthly outpayment to you for calls generated on premium rate shortcodes – or you pay us for calls generated on free shortcodes.
• Orca’s market leading reporting platform provides detailed real-time revenue reporting and graphical service analytics – together with sophisticated marketing tools.

Advantages of short-codes over long numbers:

• Easily memorable. A 5-digit short-code is truly memorable, and there are plenty of really good numbers still available.
• Clear pricing. The consumer pays exactly ‘what it says on the tin’ – unlike long numbers. For example, 0800 numbers are charged from mobile despite being marketed as ‘free’ – which can leave consumers feeling duped (damaging to brands). Premium rate ‘090’ numbers cost considerably more than their headline price if called from a mobile. This scares consumers.
• Short-codes work from all mobiles. For example, by default an Orange customer can dial a premium rate short-code but is barred from calling a premium rate 090 number. Short-codes cannot be dialled from landlines.

All of Orca’s products contain sophisticated billing options, together with comprehensive analytics and reporting.