Background and History of FleXtel

Pioneering

FleXtel Limited is the UK's leading provider of personal numbers. It was formed in 1992 by a team of management professionals, some of whom helped found and launch the Vodafone Mobile service. FleXtel was licenced by the DTI in mid-1993, under section 7 of the 1984 Telecommunications Act, to provide telecommunications services. As a result, FleXtel launched the UK's first Personal Telephone Number Service in December 1993 and has since built a powerful and quality service track record.

The UK telecom regulator, Oftel (superceded by Ofcom in Janary 2004), reserved the whole of the 070 dialling code range exclusively for Personal Numbers, and so eliminated any confusion between Personal Numbers and expensive Premium Rate numbers, as well as ensuring adequate number availability for the future. This move was fully supported by FleXtel and, in June 1995, FleXtel were at the forefront once again - by launching the first Personal Numbers in the specially designated 070 range. We then successfully migrated our customer base from the old 09567 mobile range (now 079567) to the 070 number range. Over the intervening years FleXtel expanded its service proposition to deploy 0844 Numbers, 0845 Numbers, 0870 Numbers and 0871 Numbers.

Privacy & Personal Security

Although 070 Numbers have always had an important role in protection of mobile numbers and home location, 08xx numbers, once primarily for business use, are now increasingly being used by consumers to safeguard both their home phone numbers and hence location. This can help reduce the risk of identity theft and unsolicited home phone calls.

Ethics

FleXtel is an ethical company and wishes to deliver fair value, not only to its customers, but also to those consumers calling FleXtel services. FleXtel has an excellent record of working closely with both Oftel and Ofcom to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.

Ofcom

As a result of its long track record of quality service, FleXtel is uniquely positioned to raise the profile of the impact of Ofcom's interventions on SME, SoHO and personal consumers of terminating call services. Over the last few years Flextel has been heavily engaged with Ofcom, as it strongly disagrees with its tactical Telecom's regulation and is working hard to convince Ofcom to take a more strategic approach. FleXtel is also pressing Ofcom to raise the quality of its impact and risk assessments on both consumers and small business. To find out more see "Working with Ofcom" page.

Internet shopping and Intelligent Numbers

FleXtel was the first company in the UK to provide full online Personal Number selection and delivery via the Internet. It now delivers almost 100% of its service in this highly secure and efficient way. Full free of cahrge control of these Intelligent Number desinations was delivered at the same time via a power multi-number control console protected by banking level security in a secure customer account area.

Empowering

FleXtel offers a set of powerful value-added facilities which complement the service from your existing telephone company. You can reduce costs and have the freedom to choose the best deals available, but all the time being sure of keeping the same telephone number, no matter where you may move within the UK. FleXtel numbers work in parallel with your existing service, so you can start using FleXtel without fear of losing any calls due to a number change.

Reliable

The stability of FleXtel is very high, as it is a privately funded company with a strong financial position - based on a solid revenue stream, good positive cashflow and zero debt. Without a requirement for external funding there is no need to float on the Stockmarket. FleXtel is therefore in the enviable position of being able to focus on a long-term business strategy, rather than continually worrying about maximising short-term shareholder value. Fully independent, FleXtel is free to select the most cost effective solutions using the latest technology and best quality carriers. Therefore able to deliver user friendly, reliable and high quality services to our growing business to business customer base.

Quality

As part of its ongoing commitment to professional standards, FleXtel is a member of Otelo, an Ombudsman Service for public communication providers and their Customers. We have a published Code of Practice for Complaint Handling, in addition to our Terms and Conditions of Service.

FleXtel - UK owned and operated

FleXtel's European and International Presence

Trademarks

FleXtel gained its UK trademark in 1993. After a successful application in 1998, FleXtel was awarded its full European trademark.

Market Reach

FleXtel markets telecom products and services to its international customers, worldwide, through a number of outlets, including the following websites...

070 Numbers | 0844 Numbers | 0870 Numbers | 0871 Numbers