txtNation has announced the launch of Voice Short Codes (VSC) in the UK market, across all mobile operators.
VSCs are compatible with SMS Shortcodes, which means that the same 5-digit Shortcode number can be used for both voice calls and SMS messaging. The revenue generated from the charge to customers for VSC services is shared by txtNation, the network operators and their clients. Customers pay for these premium rate calls in the normal way; either on their mobile phone bill or out of their pre-paid credit.
I predict that in 2010, shows like the X-Factor, Deal or No Deal and other high grossing interactive TV shows will be using VSCs for enhanced user participation, says txtNation Director, Michael Whelan. If you look at the issues with premium rate numbers and how difficult they are to advertise when compared to Voice Short Codes, this alone will result in better acceptance.
The major advantage that txtNation see for Voice Short Codes over other types of customer engagement and billing types is that with a VSC, users only have to call a 5-digit number, which is much more memorable than a standard phone number or premium rate number. This means that users are more likely to remember the Shortcode and therefore re-use the service.
txtNation notes that the VSC service is backed and approved by PayPhonePlus, and says that it will look to launch in other markets in the coming year.