Insights

Q&A with ANI Networks

Oct 03, 2016

ANI Networks is a facilities-based wholesale carrier and full-service Responsible Organization (Resp Org) servicing CLEC, ILEC, Cable Providers, Hosted VoIP, Wireless, and Switchless Reseller companies.  ANI is an organization that serves the unique needs of large phone companies with flexible interconnection and custom routing options backed by ANI’s patented ARK web portal. We spoke with Jeannie DiPuccio, Senior Director of Wholesale Services at ANI Networks, to discuss how ANI Networks crafts a strong network for their customers, as well as the up and coming trends in the world of Toll-Free.

What is it about your Registry Routing services that makes them so valuable for your customers?

Many businesses aren’t even aware that they can text enable their Toll-Free Number; and many that do know, have no idea that it can be done independently of their Toll-Free voice traffic.  The good news for consumers is that text enabled Toll-Free conversations are initiated by the consumer themselves.  So just like SMS short codes, businesses can’t use Toll-Free to send out SMS spam to consumers.

Having the Somos Texting & Smart Services (TSS) Registry for text enabled Toll-Free Numbers is a necessity with such a fast growing service.  The industry needed a central database to allow monitoring and ensure that Toll-Free owners actually want their numbers text enabled, so they are not being registered without the Toll-Free owners' knowledge.  When a Toll-Free Number owner decides to text enable one of their numbers, Somos sends out a message to validate the request and approve the enablement.  Hopefully, this will help minimize Toll-Free Numbers from fraudulently being text enabled.

What new trends are you seeing in registries today?

The text enabled Toll-Free service is a very exciting trend that will allow customers to build new products and new services.  Texting is such a large part of the way people communicate today and texting to Toll-Free is an extremely valuable tool for businesses and consumers. It solves a lot of frustrations we struggle with today, such as long hold times or getting disconnected.

We’ve learned that 9 out of 10 customers want another channel to reach businesses.  Text enablement offers that alternative.  It will provide better customer support, reduce operational costs, and generate more inbound leads. The customer can have their questions answered, appointments confirmed, or issues resolved; all using text enabled Toll-Free.  This will be a very effective way for businesses to connect with their customers in the manner they prefer.  

That’s why I’m so excited that ANI Networks is now offering text enabled Toll-Free Service. I believe texting to Toll-Free is the future of our industry and businesses and consumers will come to utilize texting to Toll-Free to interact more efficiently on a daily basis. 

What makes Toll-Free such a powerful tool?

Toll-Free Numbers are associated with trustworthy businesses. Customers are more likely to call or text a Toll-Free Number than area codes they don’t recognize. Toll-Free is a free and easy way for customers to reach businesses, and they provide businesses an immediate nationwide presence.

When it comes to connecting with consumers, customer service is never going to go away. And texting is without a doubt going to be an integral part of supporting businesses in the near future.

To learn more about ANI Networks, visit their website or call 888.886.5775.