How to set up not a working # recording on unused DIDs

[mikestl]

We just swithed carriers for the PRI our phone system uses. The new provider set us up on a plan that comes with an extra 100 dids. So far we have only used two of those. Is there a good way to direct the unused DIDs to a recording that will inform the call that they have reached an unworking number? Right now they all just roll over and ring at the main operator phone. Problem is we are getting a lot of wrong numbers calls. Off the top of our head I beleive we are on magix release 2.2 and merlin messaging 3.0. Thanks!

 

[merlinman]

The calls going to the operator are probably being identified as:

"COVER DID #?"

Which means, they are going to the "UNASSIGNED" Destination, and that is set to go to your OPERATOR.

There are a couple of ways to fix this.

(1) Just send it to a mailbox and give that mailbox a GENERIC "You've reached a non-working number at ABC Company". You would also want to log into that mailbox and make it an "ANSWER ONLY".

(2) Send it to a mailbox that is set up as an AUTO ATTENDANT, again, using the "GENERIC" greeting above, but you can add to it's functionality by adding "if you know your parties extension, you may dial it now".

 

[TouchToneTommy]

You can also set the unassigned to return fast busy, which for some PRI carriers will give the caller an intercept non-working recording.

 

[santiagon]

What worked for me was to set up a bulletin board mailbox on a DID as an adjunct with VM group coverage (for example 1999 - 610-555-1999).

Then from the Options > Unassigned, send the call to 1999. Then just record a greeting that says "You have reached a nonworking number at XYZ Corporation. If you need assistance, please call 610-555-1000, or press zero." Then with the dial-zero option, set it to 1000 or whatever your main switchboard (or AA's) extension is.

Hope this helps.

Nicholas Santiago
NOC Technician
CACLV, Bethlehem PA

 

[merlinman]

As Nick points out, there are more than a couple of ways to pursue this.

 

[SYQUEST]

Since you mentioned that your service with the DID numbers is delivered via PRI, all you need to do is change how unassigned DID number destination is treated. Do the following:

SYSTEM PROGRAMMING->LinesTrunks->DID->InvalDstn->Return Fast Busy->Enter->Exit->Exit

What this does is, tells the Legend/Magix in the call set up message via the D channel to the CO switch that the number is unassigned and has no destination on the system. So the CO switch translates that message to provide the CO disconnect recording back to the calling party. Just like a regular disconnected/unassigned number condition. No need for any special equipment or announcers or RANs, etc. or costs. It does not even take up a B channel which is part of the efficiency of ISDN service.

I discovered how this works when I cut one of my clients over to PRI ISDN from Supertrunk™ and was trying out different options on the Legend to see how some of this stuff actually works. (For analog DID service the calling party would just hear FAST BUSY - 120IPM.)

One troubleshooting note, because of the perception of the recording that the calling party receives: THIS IS THE SAME RECORDING THAT ANY CALLER WOULD GET FROM REGULAR DISCONNECTED NUMBERS IN LEC SWITCHES. Now some service providers maybe able to do something different, but that is a level of switching at the CO I don't have access to at this time.

In other words, the recording you hear is not always a result of the phone company! So test and check as appropriate.

Hope this helps!

....JIM....

 

[mikestl]

Thanks for all the replies. It was getting the "DID#?" showing up on the screen as mentioned. I decided to go the 'return fast busy' route and it is working great. If one of those numbers is called it now gets the telco's "this number is no longer in service" message. Thanks again!