What is a UIFN number (Universal International Freephone Number)?

by DIDWW Team

Universal International Freephone Numbers (UIFNs) enable businesses to offer customers a cost-effective, convenient and reliable method of contacting those businesses from over 60 countries worldwide using a single phone number.

UIFNs serve as an excellent solution for organizations operating internationally and provide numerous benefits that enhance customer satisfaction, increase accessibility and stimulate sales growth. This article delves into UIFN advantages and reasons for businesses to consider using this service.

Understanding UIFNs

A Universal International Freephone Number or Universal Toll-Free Number is a phone number callers can dial without incurring any charges from countries that support this service. Distinct from regular toll-free numbers, UIFNs are not restricted to a specific country or region.

UIFNs are managed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized United Nations agency responsible for coordinating and regulating telecommunications, and these numbers are assigned to businesses via the network of National Numbering Plan Administrators (NNPAs).

How does a UIFN work?

The UIFN service operates by routing calls to a company's phone number through international gateways. Here is a general outline of how a UIFN works:

  1. A business subscribes to a UIFN service provider and selects the countries in which the UIFN should operate.
  2. The organization defines call routing destinations, such as a call center, IP phone or existing company phone line.
  3. When a customer dials the UIFN, the call is automatically routed to the organization's predetermined endpoint, free of charge to the caller.
  4. The business is responsible for paying the costs of incoming calls to the service provider with which they registered. UIFN call costs are typically higher than regular domestic toll-free calls.

UIFN service benefits

Utilizing UIFNs is advantageous for various reasons. Key benefits of these global toll-free numbers that promote business advancement include:

Global Reach and Increased Accessibility

UIFNs enable organizations to extend their global reach. A single worldwide UIFN simplifies the servicing of customers, especially for companies operating across multiple time zones or catering to customers in different countries.

Brand Recognition and Customer Satisfaction

UIFNs enhance business professionalism and establish brand awareness, increasing customer satisfaction. Offering a UIFN demonstrates a global business commitment to meeting the customers' needs by providing free and easy access to voice services.

Cost-Effectiveness and Business Expansion

UIFNs can be cost-effective for businesses. Rather than setting up multiple phone lines in different countries, organizations can use a single UIFN that is routed to their main office or call center, thereby reducing phone bills and equipment costs. UIFN services also enable business expansion into new markets without requiring a physical presence in those countries.

Call Tracking and Marketing

UIFNs facilitate the tracking of marketing campaign effectiveness by identifying countries or regions generating the most calls. This data can refine marketing strategies and optimize advertising efforts.

How to get a UIFN?

To obtain a UIFN, an organization contacts a UIFN service provider – a telecom company authorized by the ITU to allocate and manage UIFN numbers. The company must provide basic information, such as the business name, address and contact details, along with technical details for setting up their UIFN service.

Upon the approval of the service and the completion of the UIFN routing assignment, the company can begin using the number to receive toll-free calls from customers in countries where the UIFN service is available. Businesses must choose the countries in which to activate their UIFN, and may save costs by only activating that number in countries with an established customer base.

In conclusion, UIFN services provide numerous advantages for international businesses, including improved customer satisfaction, increased accessibility and facilitating company expansion into new markets. By employing UIFN services, companies can offer their customers a free and convenient method of phone contact from over 60 countries worldwide, thereby saving money and improving the customer experience.

UIFN number services at DIDWW

DIDWW offers the largest fully compliant international coverage of local, national, mobile and toll-free Voice and SMS-enabled virtual phone numbers. This service includes UIFNs in 64 countries, equipping businesses with a single point of contact for their customers worldwide. For more information regarding our UIFN services, please contact us today at sales@didww.com or via our live chat at any time.