Please choose a product
 

Product and Services: FAQ’s – CPS.

Q: What is Carrier Pre Selection (CPS)?

Q: How does CPS work?

Q: How does CPS differ from existing communication methods?

Q: Will I have to dial an access code to route my calls?

Q: Are there any call types that CPS does not apply to?

Q: Will I still be able to use BT’s 141 and 1471 service?

Q: If I choose CPS what disruptions to my business should I expect?

Q: What are the benefits of introducing CPS?

Q: What if I have any other questions?

 
What is Carrier Pre Selection (CPS)?
Carrier Pre-Selection (once known as Least Cost Routing) is a government initiative managed by Ofcom designed to ensure that customers are able to benefit from the lowest rates available in the market for phone calls rather than being tied to standard BT (Kingston Communications within Hull) call rates. CPS is a mechanism that allows end users to select, in advance, alternative Communications Providers to carry their calls without having to dial a prefix or install any special equipment at their premises. The end user subscribes to the services of one or more CPS operators (CSPOs) and chooses the type of calls to be carried with them (e.g. all National calls). The end user may have a direct retail relationship with the CPSO, or may purchase the service via a CPS Reseller. The end user is billed for these calls via the CPSO or CPS Reseller.
 
How does CPS work?
CPS uses an automated network access technology, so traffic deriving from your offices will be routed directly to your chosen network without any need for prefix codes, the preferred provider is selected automatically at point of entry to the public voice network.
 
How does CPS differ from existing communication methods?
 CPS is a better alternative to current indirect access methods, because it routes calls at your local switch. The switch is programmed to acknowledge that relevant calls from your CLI should be routed over your chosen network when they arrive at the local exchange. The re-routing of calls from the BT/Kingston network is seamless, there is no down-time and no need for engineers to visit.*
* On site visits are only necessary when de-programming of least-cost routing on Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) is required.
 
Will I have to dial an access code to route my calls?
No, CPS offers the convenience of accessing voice services more easily with no extra codes to dial, the BT/Kingston exchange is directly programmed to recognise your routing preferences from your phone number (calling line identity – CLI) and routes your calls accordingly.
 
Are there any call types that CPS does not apply to?
CPS will not apply to calls using short codes (e.g. 999), operator specific short codes or unmetered interconnect internet access, therefore for the time being CPS will not automatically route directory enquiry calls.
 
Will I still be able to use BT’s 141 and 1471 service?
Yes. CPS will not affect the 141/1471 service. 1571 CPS will enhance this service as when you dial ‘3’ to return a call, this call is routed via your chosen carrier.
 
If I choose CPS what disruptions to my business should I expect?
There is no inconvenience involved with CPS, no auto-diallers, manual prefixing or PBX reprogramming (Private Branch Exchange) required; you keep your existing telephone number and continue to make telephone calls as usual. In brief the entire CPS transition is managed for you so that the day to day operation of your organisation is not disrupted.
What are the benefits of introducing CPS?
nexus- Highly reliable service. CPS can now be used to get the best service at highly competitive rates on all calls including, local, national, international, calls to mobile phones, special tariff calls (free phone, local rate, national rate and Premium rate), personal numbers and paging.
nexus- Convenience. BT/Kingston will still own, run and bill you for the physical phone line and therefore your phone number will remain the same and you will simply receive a separate bill for call charges from each different provider that you use.
nexus- Reduced call costs. CPS allows reduced call costs as the service guarantees 100% call routing of the appropriate calls from all accurately recorded phone numbers. Therefore you will benefit from competitive call charges and are guaranteed that all calls will be automatically routed via a Tier 1 operator, estimating a saving of up to 30%.
nexus- Excellent service. There is no risk of calls accidentally leaking back over BTs network.
nexus- Simplicity.CPS is easy to implement and quick to install, within days CPS can be connected, without a site visit and no disruption to your business. Ideal for multiple sites as installation is handled remotely.
 
What if I have any other questions?
If you have any other queries regarding CPS or any other telecommunication costs and the savings available to you and your business, just call our friendly team on 08701 22 33 23. Or alternatively for further information, complete an enquiry form within the ‘contact us’ section and we will contact you shortly.
 


*URGENT* Delay in Ofcom Legislation - at last weeks Ofcom Number Translation Service Forum the telecoms industry was informed about the following. Ofcom has announced a delay in the implementation of the 0870 regulations due to concerns about pre-call announcements. The 1st February, 2008 is therefore not applicable, no firm date has been set.

*URGENT* Ofcom has also announced a delay in the implementation of the 0871 regulations until the Summer 2008, due to the late submission of the PhonepayPlus (ICSTIS) Statement. The 1st February, 2008 is therefore not applicable, but no firm date has yet been set.

*October 2007* The latest figures from Ofcom show broadband connections in the UK passing the 14 million mark in Q2. According to Ofcom's latest telecoms market report, broadband connections totaled 14,365,000 at the end of the quarter, almost 3 million more compared with Q2 of 2006.

*1st June 2007* Ofcom have ordered that from September this year calls to personal numbers which start with the digits 070, must hear a warning regarding the calls cost for free, before connecting if the call will cost more than 20pence.

*4th May 2007* Communications resellers targeting the SoHo market are to hit the jackpot if new

Please contact our friendly team on 08701 22 33 23