Remote call forwarding

In telecommunication, a remote call forwarding is a service feature that allows calls coming to a remote call forwarding number to be automatically forwarded to any answering location designated by the call receiver.

Customers may have a remote-forwarding telephone number in a central switching office without having any other local telephone service in that office.

The main purpose for this service is to enable customers to retain their telephone number when they move to a location serviced by a different telephone exchange. The service is particularly useful for business customers who may have their number printed on headed paper, vehicles and various marketing literature. When customers ring, their call is seamlessly forwarded to the new location.

RCFs typically come with only one call path, and each additional path must be paid for. Each path can handle one simultaneous call. So two paths allow two people to call the number and be forwarded at the same time. It is possible to buy VoIP call paths as well (which are more virtual.)

Each line on which RCF is activated will have a set up fee associated with it. The amount depends on whether the line is residential (also known as Basic) or business (also known as Premium) and also on the provider. Different providers charge different set up fees.

The customer also continues to pay line rental for each line with RCH active. Most providers tie customers into a 12 month line rental contract for RCF but a few offer this service with no contract.

The customer also pays the cost of the forwarded call. Most providers will also charge a call connection fee and many also round calls up to the nearest minute.

An alternative to RCF is Caller Redirect whereby callers simply hear a message notifying them that the number has changed.

References

•  This article incorporates public domain material from Federal Standard 1037C. General Services Administration. Archived from the original on 2022-01-22.