Voicemail technology has continued to develop at a rapid pace. One of the most current uses is known as “ringless voicemail.”
Ringless voicemail technology has come a long way since its invention by Stratics Networks over 10 years ago. The technology is called “ringless voicemail drops” or RVM.
A ringless voicemail is a voicemail that is inserted into a voicemail box or server without contacting a subscriber directly and without disturbing them. By allowing a voicemail to be inserted directly into a subscriber’s voicemail box, Stratics Networks, using voicemail drops, has pioneered non-intrusive voicemail messaging. Currently, there are 300 million landlines and 80 percent of all mobile lines in North America that are compatible with RVM.
Advantages of Ringless Voicemail
No call is ever made with ringless voicemail drops, instead, a voicemail message is “dropped” into either the mobile phone carriers server or in the case of a landline, it places the voicemail onto the backend of the phone system. Because no call is ever made, there will be no chance of airtime charges for the subscriber.
Some of the advantages of using RVM in a marketing role are:
- It is a non-intrusive form of messaging so the intended audience can listen at their convenience.
- RVM can reach thousands of people in minutes
- They can potentially increase your response rate by up to 80 percent
- They can have a built-in Do Not Call list.
- Are available for both mobile and landline numbers
- Usually have numerous features included with the system.
Are there regulations?
RVM is legal, however, it is important to closely follow all existing FCC regulations even though there aren’t any that specifically address RVM directly. Existing rules such as the requirement for the caller to identify themselves, provide the opportunity for the recipient to opt-out of future messages, and of course scrubbing the list against the Do Not Call List.
The FCC has yet to weigh-in officially on the topic. There are states who have placed regulations in place, Florida is the most recent one to do so. If the RVM system is deployed properly, users can be assured they will stay within legal parameters.
Uses
RVM has two very clear uses. First, as a communication tool. This technology is well-suited to share information within an organization. It can act as a type of electronic information bulletin board.
Secondly, and the most popular use of RVM technology currently, is as a marketing tool. It allows companies to contact their customers and potential customers with offers and solicitations. Because the voicemail is not an invasive form of communications such as a cold call would be at dinnertime, the information is more likely to be received favorably. The types of messages that are most effective in this application are those which are casual, open and honest. Always identify yourself and of course leave a number to return the call.
The actual patent information for this technology to be used worldwide was applied for in 2018. The background information on the patent provides a wealth of knowledge regarding the history of the development and potential uses.
Features
Most systems available have a list of features that make RVM easy to incorporate into an existing sales and marketing campaign. This is especially true with Stratics Networks. Their RVM platform boasts numerous features including
- All you can send RVM for one flat price
- Unlimited/bulk text messaging
- Increased ROI
- 65-85 percent delivery rate
- RVM Auto Stop (stops campaign when desired targets are reached)
- Real-time detailed reporting for management
- Downloadable reports and summaries
- Uploading of unlimited lists
- iOS and Android mobile apps available
- No limits of RVMs per campaign
- Add your own logos, URLs, and logins
- Full compliance suite for meet TCPA and FCC regulations built-in
There is no doubt that this is a unique and valuable tool for various applications. As technology improves, more uses will surface. There is a possibility that the FCC may take a look at the technology from a regulatory standpoint at some point in the future, however, as long as the user is responsible, “plays by the rules,” and is not obtrusive or annoying with the voicemails, no problems will occur.