Making a teleconference call has never been so simple and convenient, thanks to Telkom`s new Automated Teleconferencing service.
Dialling a Telkom operator to book a teleconference call is now a matter of choice. In addition to operated teleconferencing, Telkom has introduced Automated Teleconferencing, another alternative to improve the way people communicate and conduct business.
Telkom Automated Teleconferencing is a new service that can connect up to seven conference call participants without any operator assistance.
The conference originator chooses a five-digit PIN that provides security and confidentiality. The time of the conference call, the generic number to dial and the PIN is communicated to participants by the teleconference originator.
Participants dial at the agreed time 0862 000 000, enter the PIN number and become part of the conference call.
A person who, for any reason, disconnects from a conference call can rejoin the conference by simply re-entering the PIN, instead of phoning the operator, as is the case with operated assisted teleconferencing.
Another Automated Teleconferencing feature is flexibility. Cellular phones are now able to connect to teleconferencing at rates determined by cellular phone service providers. Also possible with Automated Teleconferencing is the connection of a prepaid phone and WorldCall customer to a teleconference call. And there is no need to book a call.
The cost of a conference is automatically divided among the participating parties as each pays for her or his call.
For conferences of more than seven persons, Telkom still offers operator-assisted teleconferencing facilities, handling a maximum of 24 participants. To book a conference call, customers have to call the service centre at 10116, giving the operator numbers and names of all participants, the required conference call date and time.
Telkom`s Automated Teleconferencing product manager Cornel Korff said the enhanced service`s key feature was spontaneity and convenience for customers wishing to originate a conference call.
"Built into it are elements of security and confidentiality, and there is no middleman (operator) involved. Armed with a five-digit PIN, the participants can engage in a teleconference call anytime of the day without bothering to book the call," said Korff.
He explained that Automated Teleconferencing was offered as a complementary service to the existing operator-assisted service, and not its replacement.
"It is a simplified, fast and personalised automated teleconferencing service which is both convenient and economical, and will indeed improve the efficiencies of Telkom to our customers, " Korff said.
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