There are various telecom features that help businesses and individuals stay connected. One of the most important is call forwarding. Whether you’re diverting calls to the right person or working remotely, call forwarding keeps your communication efforts optimised.
Below we explain what does call forwarding mean, how it works, its benefits, and more. By the end, you’ll understand why it is vital for your phone communication needs.
What Is Call Forwarding?
So, what is the call forwarding feature when it comes to telecommunications? In summary, it automatically redirects incoming calls to another number. This can be a mobile number, landline, VoIP system, or call centre. The result: you never miss an important call.
There are several reasons why businesses utilise call forwarding. For a start, it opens the door to consistent, effective customer service. It allows calls to be answered, even when employees are out of the office. For individuals, it also guarantees accessibility – regardless of current location.
For example, if you choose a number with Landline Anywhere, you can forward customer calls to a mobile phone. This allows your employees to answer enquiries while on the move, meaning your company achieves a professional presence by eliminating the need for multiple phone lines.
That’s not all; phone forwarding also assists businesses in maintaining an efficient call management system. They can route calls to the right department or team member. Doing so improves response times if, for example, a line is busy, which leads to a smoother experience for customers and employees alike.
Call Forwarding: How Does It Work?
Call forwarding works by redirecting incoming calls to a different number, which helps to ensure that no calls go unanswered. The ability to redirect incoming calls can be activated manually, or set to forward automatically based on specific conditions.
Here are the ways it typically works:
Manual activation: Users dial a code or access their phone system settings to enable forwarding.
Automatic forwarding: Pre-set rules see calls being redirected without user intervention.
Timed forwarding: Calls are forwarded only during specified hours, such as after business hours.
Setting up call forwarding is straightforward with Landline Anywhere. Pick a landline number, set a forwarding destination, and start receiving calls instantly. Advanced features like call whispers and out-of-hours automation give your company complete control over your call divert and call forwarding needs.
Types of Call Forwarding
We’ve answered what does call forwarding mean in general. However, there are different types of this feature available to use. These types are:
Unconditional call forwarding
This option redirects all calls to another phone number, regardless of the time or caller. It’s advantageous for businesses operating remotely or that want to centralise incoming calls to one location. For instance, calls could be forwarded to a dedicated call centre for 24/7 availability.
Conditional call forwarding
Calls are only forwarded under specific conditions. These conditions include:
Busy call: Calls are redirected if the primary number is engaged.
No answer: Calls transfer if not picked up within a set number of rings.
Out of service: Calls are forwarded if the main line is down.
Time-based call forwarding
This forwards calls based on a schedule, such as outside business hours or during weekends. Take a retail store, for instance - they might redirect after-hours calls to voicemail or an answering service.
Selective call forwarding
Only calls from specific numbers are forwarded. Selective call forwarding is useful for VIP customers or important business contacts. For example, a legal firm may set it so that only clients with urgent cases are redirected to a lawyer’s mobile number.
The Benefits of Call Forwarding for Businesses
There are numerous benefits gained from using call forwarding. Below are some of the main advantages:
Never miss a call: Missed calls equal lost opportunities. When you turn on call forwarding, your customers will always get through – even if staff are away from the office or otherwise engaged. Whether redirected to a mobile or another team member, your company always remains accessible.
Improved customer experience: Customers expect quick responses. When they enter the number to get in touch, they don’t want to wait around. Call forwarding helps to route calls to the right department or person, making your company appear more professional and reliable.
Enhanced business mobility: When you set up call forwarding, you can take calls from anywhere. Businesses can operate flexibly without being tied to a physical office – ideal for remote workers and on-the-go professionals.
Cost savings: Forget about setting up multiple office lines; you can use a single 03 number and still activate call forwarding. It’s a cost-effective way to achieve a national presence while streamlining local and long distance communication.
Conclusion
By now, you hopefully know a bit more about call forwarding, and how it works. It’s an essential tool for companies aiming to stay connected and supply excellent customer service. With Landline Anywhere, setting up and managing call forwarding is effortless. We have helped many businesses answer more calls and achieve a professional image.
— Last updated on March 25, 2025.