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Pound Codes
The pound code is the greatest innovation for premium rate content in North America
in the last two decades.
While our neighbors in the States have continued to struggle with creating a viable
pound code product, Canada has done it the right way. It is a relatively easy billing
mechanism to obtain and the ease of operation for the consumer has made it a great solution
for the Canadian marketplace.
Pound codes, known as “voice short codes” in Europe, allow a consumer simply to touch the
pound code (#) on his cellular phone plus a 4-digit number. The consumer is then directed to
the associated information either via audiotext or live operator services. The user experience
is terrific given that the consumer can access a voice rather than a premium SMS
solution. It is ideal for interactive Call TV programs or those services that reach its audience
on the move.
The tremendous advantage of the pound code is that it opens up the market for reaching cell phone
users. Unfortunately, 900 numbers are not accessible from cell phones in Canada so a viable alternative
was clearly needed. And, since cell phone-only households continue to grow in Canada, the pound code
is playing an important role in opening up premium rate content to nearly 100% of the Canadian population.
Financials for the pound code are as follows:
- Initial Investment = $3000
- Monthly Access = $150
- Call Processing = .05/minute
- Carrier Return = 38% (Telus); 35% (Bell/Solo); 20% (Rogers/Fido)
Participating carriers on the pound code include:
- Aliant
- Bell/Solo
- Rogers/Fido
- SaskTel
- Telebec
- Virgin
More carriers are being added so keep checking back with your Advanced Telecom Services sales
representative for more information about the pound code.
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