Press release

• First major mobile network to launch this service in the UK
• Works with existing BT landline number
• Eliminates expensive call diverts

O2 today announces Fixed Number Anywhere, a new service providing small businesses with a landline number that rings straight through to a mobile phone. 

The first service of its kind to be offered in the UK by a major mobile operator, Fixed Number Anywhere allows small businesses to take incoming landline calls directly on a mobile phone. The service, which launches in August, has been designed for small businesses who maintain a landline number to show customers their business is local and established, but spend long periods away from their desk. By linking landline numbers directly to their mobile phone, Fixed Number Anywhere will help these businesses minimise missed calls while eliminating expensive call diverts.

It follows an extensive study conducted by O2, which revealed that despite small businesses spending record amounts of time out of the office, nearly 70 per cent still have a fixed landline number to their desk. Providing a sense of security for customers, being able to appear as a local business and presenting a well established image were identified as the key benefits of keeping a landline.

Businesses using Fixed Number Anywhere can keep their existing BT telephone number or choose from a new number with a local geographical or Free Phone code. Up to five landline numbers can be linked to the same mobile phone allowing small businesses to portray a local image, whilst extending their geographical reach.

To minimise missed call risk, each landline number can also be linked to up to ten different employee mobile phones. Known as a call group, calls can ring through simultaneously to all ten employees within the group or can be prioritised to individual numbers.

Recent customer research revealed that nearly four out of ten (36 per cent) small businesses have lost business opportunities as a result of missed calls and not responding to landline voice messages. A quarter of those questioned (25 per cent) cited that they now spend just an hour a day at their desks with one in ten spending an average of just 30 minutes. Generating new business and meeting existing customers in a determined bid to survive the recession was identified as behind the trend.

Simon Devonshire, Head of SME Marketing, O2, comments: "Desk phones were great when business was done from a desk but for the vast majority of small businesses the fixed nature of a landline is at odds with how they operate day to day. By converging a fixed landline number with a mobile service, small businesses can continue to maintain an image of being a local business, which is valued by customers, whilst maintaining the flexibility and mobility that has enabled them to adapt to and thrive in the current climate." 

Calls made to a mobile via the Fixed Number Anywhere service are not charged for by O2 and will be charged to the caller at their standard rate for the fixed number dialled. The service is available at a fixed price of £10 per month for 01 or 02 landline numbers and £15 per month for 0808 free phone numbers.  Businesses bringing an existing BT 01 or 02 landline number to O2 and taking a new mobile connection will receive the service for free. For more information visit O2.co.uk.

- Ends -

Subject to status and minimum term contract, full terms apply. All prices shown available until 31st Dec 2009 and apply for the life of the contract.

For more information please contact:

Mai Amin
Talk PR
mai.amin@talkpr.com
020 7544 3686 Nathan Kemp
Talk PR
nathank@talkpr.com
0207 543 4670

All O2 news release can be accessed at our website: http://mediacentre.o2.co.uk/

About O2

• Telefónica O2 UK Limited is a leading communications company for consumers and businesses in the UK, with 20.8 million mobile customers and over 404,000 fixed broadband customers as at 31 March 2009.
• Telefónica O2 UK Limited is part of Telefónica Europe plc which is a business division of Telefónica S.A. and which owns O2 in the UK, Ireland, Slovakia, Germany and the Czech Republic, and has 46 million customers.
• In 2006 Telefónica Europe acquired Be*, the UK fixed broadband provider, and in October 2007 O2 launched its broadband service using the Be* network.
• O2 is the naming rights partner of The O2, the world-class entertainment venue.
• O2 was ranked highest in customer satisfaction for both UK mobile and fixed broadband customers according to the J.D. Power and Associates UK Mobile and Fixed Broadband Studies 2009.
• In February 2009 O2 became the first UK mobile operator to be officially certified with the Carbon Trust Standard in recognition of O2's commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and the 15% reduction in energy consumption achieved over the past three years.
• O2 was launched on 1 May 2002 and now has more customers than any other UK mobile network.
• O2's UK mobile network covers 99% of the UK’s population. O2's 3G network covers over 80% of the UK population and is fully HSDPA-enabled, providing speeds of up to 3.6 Mbps for customers with an HSDPA-enabled device.
• Telefónica Europe also owns 50% of the Tesco Mobile and Tchibo Mobilfunk joint venture businesses in the UK and Germany.
• For further press information about O2 go to http://mediacentre.o2.co.uk/

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