Voice short codes enable UK mobile phone users to dial a 5-digit short code as an alternative to a standard geographic or non-geographic number (such as 0800, 0844 and 0871). Unlike non-geographic numbers, which typically cost more to call from a mobile than their advertised rates, voice short codes provide complete price transparency and are available at a range of price points.
O2 is the first mobile operator to feature a voice short code in an advertising campaign, offering consumers on any network the opportunity to get in touch free of charge.
“We believe we should provide an opportunity for mobile users to call us free of charge, particularly if they are considering switching to the O2 network,” comments Kevin McFadyen, Senior Marketing Manager at O2. “The voice short code will help encourage in-bound enquiries and improve the effectiveness of this key advertising campaign.”
“We’ve seen a huge amount of interest in voice short codes thanks to their high profile use in shows such as BBC’s The Voice,” comments Will Neale, CEO at Orca Digital. “However, O2 is one of the first brands to incorporate voice short codes into television advertising. It’s an exciting development and we now expect many more to follow suit.”