Currently, almost every enterprise organizes coordinated work by introducing extension numbers. An extension number is a numeric identifier that is assigned to a specific line of an enterprise or its department. It consists of 2 parts: the 1st part is the main phone number, the 2nd is an extension that will connect you with the desired department or person.
What is an extension number?
To understand how to call an extension number, you need to understand what it is. This is a forwarding point in a virtual automatic telephone exchange, which is assigned 1 of the employee’s external telephone numbers (landline, mobile, sip or skype account, etc.). The extension number has a four-digit format - from 0001 to 9999, which is limited by the maximum number capacity of forwarding points on the 1st virtual number.
The first 2 digits of the extension number indicate the serial number of the forwarding list, and, as a rule, belong to the 1st department of the company. The second 2 digits are the serial number of the department employee.
What are extension numbers for?
A single telecommunications space of a virtual number in a cloud PBX erases real physical boundaries and shortens distances. Its capabilities make it possible to build the activities of various commercial and public structures without additional costs for renting premises, office equipment and other expenses.
Modern companies are a room divided by bulkheads into separate sections. These sections house employees who perform their work. Each workplace is equipped with a computer and telephone. To contact a specific person, you need to call the company's main number. When the connection occurs, you dial the extension number, after which the required contact is established.
The use of extensions is increasing because they are convenient, fast and easy to use without the need to spend money on additional equipment. Taking into account the obvious fact that all employees have their own cell phones and, many still have home phones, a virtual exchange allows you to transfer a call to any of them. The transfer can be made not only to the phone, but also to Skyp or voicemail.
How to dial an extension number from a mobile phone?
First, you need to study the company's phone number. The first part of the number is the main number of the organization, and the second, which is taken in brackets, is an additional one. Dial the organization's main number on your mobile phone and call. An answering machine should answer you. Listen to him completely, otherwise, a failure may occur and you will have to dial the number again. At the end of the message, you will hear a list of the main extension numbers and a proposal to dial the required one after a characteristic signal. Dial the extension number and wait for an answer.
Unlike a landline phone, mobile phones do not need to be switched to tone mode; they do it automatically.
In some cases, an automatic telephone exchange (PBX) may connect you incorrectly. If this happens, there is no need to disconnect and re-do the dialing operation. You should contact the person who answered and ask him to independently switch you to the department or specialist that is needed. Usually, company employees are loyal to such a situation. If you come across a person who does not want to transfer you, you will have to dial the extension number again.
How to dial an extension number using tone mode?
Most modern corded phones have special switches labeled "Pulse-Tone". If you are connected to a modern electronic PBX that supports tone mode, keep this switch in the “Tone” position at all times. If you only need the tone mode when making calls to information centers or similar services, using such a switch is not very convenient. It wears out faster, and some devices generally respond to changes in this position only after the handset is put on and taken off again.
In cordless phones, switching to tone mode is done through the menu. It’s just not very convenient to use this method when calling help desks. If your PBX does not support tone mode, temporary switching is carried out as follows: call the help desk in pulse mode, press the “star” button. After that, all further key presses will cause a series of tones. When you hang up, the phone will automatically switch to pulse mode.,
When making calls to extension numbers from mobile phones, there is no need to switch to tone mode. Even if you do not hear, they are still transmitted to the subscriber. If you find that there is no response to key presses, find an item in the phone menu that allows you to enable DTMF signaling and activate it.
Sometimes it becomes necessary to transmit tones from wired phones, where there is no tone mode at all. This device can be either push-button or disk-based. In this case, set your phone to a mode so that keypress tones are heard directly from the speaker.
Your question:
How to dial a number from landline to cell phone?
Master's answer:
Currently, cellular communications are very widespread. Calling from one mobile phone to another is easy and simple: all numbers have a single, understandable format. But in the case of a call from a landline to a cell phone, certain difficulties arise when dialing the number.
You will need the country code of the person you are calling when making an international call.
We place a piece of paper with a mobile phone number in front of us. Otherwise, by making long pauses in dialing a number, remembering this or that digit, you give the telephone exchange a reason to interpret this as entering a long-distance code. This means that we risk calling the home phone of a subscriber you don’t know in another city.
Remember the main feature of a call from a home phone to a cell phone: the first digits of the number. In this case, instead of “+7” we type “8”. The prefix “+7” is the telephone code of Russia. The city PBX, which routes all telephone calls made from home numbers, accepts by default as calls made within local subscribers. 8 is a number that indicates the need for long-distance communication. Moreover, when making a call to a mobile number, the number 8 is also used.
We dial eight and wait for the beep. Next, we dial the remaining numbers according to the principle of dialing them on a mobile phone. First, enter the three-digit (928, 903, 918, etc.) operator code (Megafon, Beeline, MTS, etc.) and the remaining seven digits of the subscriber number.
The complete sequential dialing scheme is as follows: 8 (beep) *** (operator code) ******* (direct number).
If you need to call a mobile number that belongs to an operator in another country, proceed as follows. We dial the number “8”, then “10”, indicating an international call. We dial the country code of the intended call (we find out the code on official Internet sites or in the help desk). Using the home network principle, we dial the operator code and phone number. For example, when calling to Ukraine, we dial the number “8” (dial tone), “10” (indicating a long-distance call), “380” (code of Ukraine) *** (operator code) ******* (subscriber’s telephone number).
At one time, for us there was only a home or business telephone, also known as a landline or landline. Using it we could make local (city), long-distance and international calls. In even more distant times, telephone operators worked at telephone exchanges, and we could easily turn the buzzer handle of our telephone set, hear their answer, name the subscriber we would like to hear, and receive a connection.
Now it has rapidly burst into our lives mobile connection, and with it a huge variety of brands and models of mobile phones.
However the principles of operation of mobile telephones are the same, and this despite their enormous diversity. The only difference remained in the use of separate modes of landline and mobile phones.
Many landline telephones have retained the pulse mode of operation. This is a mode where the telephone transmits signals by closing and opening the telephone line.
Algorithm of actions:
- Switch to tone (tone) mode, i.e. after dialing and the subscriber answers, we must press the * (star) key (button) on the phone, and in some cases the + (plus) key, which means switching to tone mode.
- After this, dial an additional, or as they often say, extension number.
In tone mode, the phone makes a call to the subscriber by transmitting a signal at a certain frequency, where each digit is assigned its own frequency.
Telephones with extensions began to appear due to the expansion of the range of services offered by telephone equipment manufacturers. In the office of any enterprise, it is now possible to install a mini-automatic telephone exchange, which will have a main number and several hundred additional ones, which allows not only to provide telephone communications to all employees of the enterprise, but also makes their work more orderly, logical, and ultimately more productive .
Modern mini-PBXs- these are high-tech products that, with certain programming and settings, allow you to work without operator participation, automatically conduct dialogues with subscribers, and offer them a choice of connecting to one or another additional subscriber.
We have to master and accept for use such an additional communication service. To make this simple and understandable, you need to imagine a fairly simple algorithm for the operation of a telephone network where there are additional subscribers. There is only one main subscriber, and additional subscribers are assigned either directly to a specific employee, or, more often, to a specific function.
The most notable example, perhaps, is any large telephone company, such as MTS, Beeline, Megafon, etc. By calling any of these companies, you will hear an answer from an auto operator who will tell you where you called and offer to dial one of the extensions numbers depending on the purpose of your call. In addition, he will offer you to wait for a response from an operator with whom you can talk “live” and who has broader powers than an answering machine.
Knowing the additional “call sign” of a specific employee, all you have to do is ask the operator to connect you with this additional “character”. The same communication systems are installed in our time in all large banks, large public organizations, public utility services, etc.
The mobile phones we use already operate in tone mode, that is, we do not need to switch the device itself to tone mode, but follow the prompt from the operator or answering machine to press one or another number on your telephone. In some cases, you will need to press the star or hash mark. The operator or auto attendant of the subscriber you called will tell you this.
Step by Step Actions
Understanding extension numbers is not difficult at all:
- Study the phone number of the organization you are going to call. If it consists of two parts, then the extension number will be indicated at the end of the main number in brackets, or designated as “ext.”
- Dial the main phone number and wait for the operator to answer. If a “live” operator answers you, then in a dialogue with him you will ask him to connect to the subscriber you need, giving him additional numbers, or express a request to connect to a specific person, department or department. If the auto operator answers, listen to him to the end and follow the options he suggests. So, for example, it might be prompted: “To connect to the customer service department, press “2”, etc.
Keep in mind that the countdown of the call time, and therefore the payment, for an extension number begins from the moment the operator’s answering machine answers, and not from the moment of connection with the desired subscriber.
If you dialed, say, “large bank”, and in response the answering operator first offers advertising, and then lists a list of extension numbers, then you have to pay for all this traffic.
For the most part, telephone specialists do not recommend calling an extension number from a mobile phone. This is primarily due to the irrationality of paying for traffic when, for example, you listen to an advertisement from an answering machine, but have not yet begun further steps to dial an additional number, since the answering machine has not “announced” the menu at its disposal. And in addition, the telephone equipment of the subscriber you are calling with the extension number may be outdated and may not work correctly with modern mobile communication devices.
If your device is equipped or equipped online calling program, for example, Skype, then you can call the extension subscriber and special programs for online calls, such as “Tap the dial icon (square with dots) and enter an extension digit” when necessary.
Didn't get an answer to your question? Suggest a topic to the authors.
The more effectively communication is organized between team members and the company’s clients, the more effective their activities will be. Extra minutes “on the line” are an unaffordable luxury. An extension (aka internal) number allows you to determine with whom exactly the caller should communicate BEFORE the call signal sounds in one of the departments. This feature saves time on both sides.
What it is?
An extension number is a special code assigned to a telephone line or company division. It has two components:
- leading telephone number of the enterprise;
- additional, connecting the subscriber to a specific department or personally to an employee.
The extension number consists of four digits. The first two represent the department number in the forwarding list, and the second two represent the employee's personal identifier.
From the point of view of digital telephony, an additional number is a forwarding point in. A similar function can be performed by an employee’s mobile phone, a communicator program on his PC or tablet, a Skype account or a city network number.
One for all and all for one
An extension number works as follows: an incoming call is received at a single “main” number for all employees. The subscriber introduces the robot PBX to his range of interests, and the program redirects the call to where it is needed. As a result, the incoming number is one for all clients, and all company employees are at its service. You just need to press the right combination of buttons.
You can forward an incoming call to a specific employee in two ways. The first is a regular transfer: the operator receives the call and either resolves the subscriber’s issue himself or switches it to a competent specialist. Such translation is a common practice in call centers and technical support services.
If incoming calls concern a very wide range of issues, translation with consultation is used. In this case, the employee who receives the call first dials the extension number of his colleague and discusses the situation with him. This type of translation is often used by secretaries.
Once! And you're done
How to dial an extension number? First you need to enter the digits of the main number, then wait until a pleasant voice asks you to switch the phone to tone mode. Let's upset those who have a vintage rotary telephone perched on their desk - it won't work. Only buttons for a landline, cell phone, tablet, computer (if you use IP telephony). On wired devices there is a special switch that allows you to switch the phone to tone mode, and for a wireless device this can be done through the menu.
What should you do if you need to dial an extension number from a cellular device? The algorithm is as follows:
- Call the main number.
- Listen to the answering machine message to the end.
- Without switching to tone mode, dial an additional number.
Sometimes the connection does not work correctly. In this case, there is no need to return to the beginning of the algorithm and listen to the answering machine again. It is better to ask the employee with whom the PBX connected you to transfer the call to his colleague.
Two! And you're done
A detailed list of departments (or areas of activity) of the organization will be announced. Interested in the range and price? Marketers for you. Problems with documents - the legal department is in touch. Questions of a financial nature? The accounting department also has a telephone. Listen carefully to the information and press the appropriate button.
Do you have a specific telephone extension at your disposal (indicated on a business card, in an e-mail, personally by the employee with whom you want to communicate)? You don’t have to listen to the cute answering machine girl. Dial confidently (if you are sure that your phone is in tone mode).
Now it's definitely ready!
The explanation took longer than the call itself. In practice, just 30-50 seconds after registering an incoming call, your call will be redirected to where you need it. Believe me, this is much faster than in the good old era of analogue communications, calling the reception desk for hours to get the same information from a twitchy and not always polite secretary. The extension actually saves time.
Do you want it for yourself?
We got inspired and decided to optimize our own business, wondering how to add an extension number? Step-by-step instructions:
- First, decide on a provider. The “familiar” number is no longer an argument - you can keep it by changing the operator and even the type of communication service. Both landline and mobile are easily forwarded to the number that you need (and is profitable). We advise you to choose a provider that offers some internal numbers as part of the basic set of services. Assess your business needs and make the best decision.
- Leave a request on the website or at the office of the selected operator. They will help you connect and set up communications in a new way as soon as possible.
- Enjoy the features and benefits of an additional dialer. Before you know it, the benefits from the decision made will begin to jingle in the financial statements.
You can figure out how to best use an extension number without any hints. No one knows the structure of your own company better than you. Determine the load on departments and select the numbers assigned to them. The technical support service will help do the rest.
Why is this necessary?
What does an extension number mean in practice? First of all, the status of the organization, its desire to organize its activities as conveniently as possible for business partners, to protect its time and theirs. But the listed advantages are not the only ones.
“Cloud” PBX with the “extension number” function allows you to create a virtual office in a way that is optimal for business. The director may be abroad in negotiations with suppliers. The head of the sales department will go on an inspection to a remote branch. Chief engineer - getting lost in the production workshops. But all of them - like the secretary, the ordinary manager, and the programmer who did not leave the office - are constantly in touch with each other, with other employees and clients. At any moment they can discuss work issues as if they were located in adjacent offices.
A virtual office entails reduced company costs (for rent, office equipment, communication equipment, etc.) and flexible work processes. Each employee can have as many additional numbers as necessary to best perform their job duties - a “cloud” PBX allows you to do this. This means that the number of processed incoming calls is approaching 100%.
Reasonable savings on the one hand and a constant influx of customers on the other provide a stable increase in the company's profits. Thus, an extension number is an effective business tool that allows you to achieve not only tactical, but also strategic advantage in your market niche./p>
Currently, almost every enterprise organizes coordinated work by introducing extension numbers. An extension number is a numeric identifier that is assigned to a specific line of an enterprise or its department. It consists of 2 parts: the 1st part is the main phone number, the 2nd is an extension that will connect you with the desired department or person.
What is an extension number?
To understand how to call an extension number, you need to understand what it is. This is a forwarding point in a virtual automatic telephone exchange, which is assigned 1 of the employee’s external telephone numbers (landline, mobile, sip or skype account, etc.). The extension number has a four-digit format - from 0001 to 9999, which is limited by the maximum number capacity of forwarding points on the 1st virtual number.
The first 2 digits of the extension number indicate the serial number of the forwarding list, and, as a rule, belong to the 1st department of the company. The second 2 digits are the serial number of the department employee.
What are extension numbers for?
A single telecommunications space of a virtual number in a cloud PBX erases real physical boundaries and shortens distances. Its capabilities make it possible to build the activities of various commercial and public structures without additional costs for renting premises, office equipment and other expenses.
Modern companies are a room divided by bulkheads into separate sections. These sections house employees who perform their work. Each workplace is equipped with a computer and telephone. To contact a specific person, you need to call the company's main number. When the connection occurs, you dial the extension number, after which the required contact is established.
The use of extensions is increasing because they are convenient, fast and easy to use without the need to spend money on additional equipment. Taking into account the obvious fact that all employees have their own cell phones and, many still have home phones, a virtual exchange allows you to transfer a call to any of them. The transfer can be made not only to the phone, but also to Skyp or voicemail.
How to dial an extension number from a mobile phone?
First, you need to study the company's phone number. How to call a megaphone operator - the first part of the number is the main number of the organization, and the second, which is in brackets, is the extension. Dial the organization's main number on your mobile phone and call. An answering machine should answer you. Listen to him completely, otherwise, a failure may occur and you will have to dial the number again. At the end of the message, you will hear a list of the main extension numbers and a proposal to dial the required one after a characteristic signal. Dial the extension number and wait for an answer.
Unlike a landline phone, mobile phones do not need to be switched to tone mode; they do it automatically.
In some cases, an automatic telephone exchange (PBX) may connect you incorrectly. If this happens, there is no need to disconnect and re-do the dialing operation. You should contact the person who answered and ask him to independently switch you to the department or specialist that is needed. Usually, company employees are loyal to such a situation. If you come across a person who does not want to transfer you, you will have to dial the extension number again.
How to dial an extension number using tone mode?
Most modern corded phones have special switches labeled "Pulse-Tone". If you are connected to a modern electronic PBX that supports tone mode, keep this switch in the “Tone” position at all times. If you only need the tone mode when making calls to information centers or similar services, using such a switch is not very convenient. It wears out faster, and some devices generally respond to changes in this position only after the handset is put on and taken off again.
In cordless phones, switching to tone mode is done through the menu. It’s just not very convenient to use this method when calling help desks. If your PBX does not support tone mode, temporary switching is carried out as follows: call the help desk in pulse mode, press the “star” button. After that, all further key presses will cause a series of tones. When you hang up, the phone will automatically switch to pulse mode.,
When making calls to extension numbers from mobile phones, there is no need to switch to tone mode. Even if you do not hear, they are still transmitted to the subscriber. If you find that there is no response to key presses, find an item in the phone menu that allows you to enable DTMF signaling and activate it.
Sometimes it becomes necessary to transmit tones from wired phones, where there is no tone mode at all. This device can be either push-button or disk-based. In this case, set your phone to a mode so that keypress tones are heard directly from the speaker.