Voice Broadcast FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Database Systems Corp. (DSC) is a leading provider of voice broadcasting technology. Voice broadcast systems are computer phone systems that send voice messages to hundreds or thousands of call recipients at once.
These phone messages can be delivered to either answering machines or to live individuals. If the voice broadcast system detects a busy signal or detemines that the call was not answered, it can schedule the call for later delivery.
The DSC voice broadcast system can deliver one phone message or can send millions of recordered voice messages in a single campaign. These messages can be emergency alerts sent to a community or the message can be a simple reminder sent to members of an organization. A different voice message can be sent when an answering machine is detected versus an individual.
Contact DSC to learn more about our voice broadcast systems and hosted voice broadcasting services.
Voice Broadcasting Frequently Asked Questions
The following are a few of the most common questions asked when considering using voice broadcasting:
General Information
What is voice broadcasting?
Voice broadcasting (also referred to as phone broadcast or message broadcast) is a mass communication technique that can send calls to hundreds or even thousands of call recipients in a very short period of time. This technology can be used in business applications and for community alerts and notifications.
Does DSC provide outsourcing services and systems?
Yes, DSC provides voice broadcasting outsourcing services at its Phoenix data center and also sells voice broadcasting phone systems. Voice broadcast systems are integrated Windows, Intel PC and Dialogic telephony boards.
Is DSC the manufacturer or a representative?
Yes, DSC is the manufacturer is its voice broadcasting systems. Voice broadcast systems are fully integrated computer phone systems that are assembled and tested at DSC facilities prior to shipment. The hardware and OS components are industry standard Intel processors using Dialogic communications boards, both managed on a Microsoft Windows OS.
All of the voice broadcast control programs are developed by DSC. Custom voice broadcast applicaions are also developed exclusively by Database Systems Corp.
Can I do just a one time voice broadcast run?
Yes! If your group or organization wishes to perform a one time voice broadcast, use the following on-line registration form.
Our online registration lets you submit your organization's information such as your group's name, address, billing and contact information. DSC provides pricing information as well as our online contract including terms and conditions. Here are some of the features of our one time voice broadcasting:
- One time $25 setup fee
- Additional $25 (per run) for multiple runs at different times
- Usage fee based upon list size (up to 3 calls per number)
- 24 x 7 voice broadcasting at your schedule
- Submit your list online
- Download your recorded message or record it using our 800 number
- Faster signup and activation
Does DSC provide phone support?
Yes. DSC has been in business since 1978 and has always provided phone support to its clients. Emergency after hours support is also available as well as 24 hour email contacts.
Does DSC supply phone lists?
No. DSC provides phone systems and outsourcing services, but does not provide any phone lists.
NOTE: Because of the stringent new FTC regulations, commercial organizations must now have written permission from recipients before calling them with solicitations.
Administration And Payment Options
Do I need to sign a long term agreement?
No. DSC voice broadcasting contracts are month to month and can be canceled at any time. DSC does charge a small fee each month to keep the account active.
Are there contractual terms and conditions?
Yes. DSC does require that a user sign an agreement upfront, before using this powerful communications tool. With the current federal restrictions on the use of voice broadcasting, particularly those that protect consumers from unwanted solicitation, it is imperative that an agreement be in effect to ensure that the user is aware of the liabilities and potential fines associated with this misuse of this technology.
Any reputable organization will require a contract that outlines these restrictions for the protection of all parties.
How much does it cost?
Voice Broadcast Phone Systems
Custom Voice Broadcast Systems (supporting 4 analog lines) start at $6500 and expand to hundreds of digital phone lines.
Voice Broadcast Outsourced Service
The following is the general pricing models for our voice broadcasting service:
Non-Emergency Calling Pricing
- No Setup Fee.
- $25 per month.
- Includes first 200 calls free.
- Calls afterwards as low as $0.05. This includes 3 attempts for "busy" and "no answer," and includes calls anywhere in the continental limits of the US.
- Web activated calling programs.
- 8AM to 5PM calling window.
Emergency Calling Pricing
- No Setup Fee.
- $25 per month.
- Includes first 200 calls free.
- Calls afterwards as low as $0.05. This includes 3 attempts for "busy" and "no answer," and includes calls anywhere in the continental limits of the US.
- Web and phone activated calling programs.
- 24/7 calling window.
How do I signup?
DSC now provides an online signup for both non-profit and business organizations wishing to use our voice broadcasting outsourcing services. Signup is easy and can be completed in just minutes! Our competitive rates are affordable, even for the smallest calling campaign.
Use this form to register your organization or company. Once our online contract has been read and accepted and payment is received, you are ready to start your calling campaigns.
Both emergency and non-emergency voice broadcasting services can be provided by DSC.
To register online, click on the the online registration image or button on the right.
How quickly can I start using this service?
Once you have signed up for the service and made the initial payment, your account can be activated in minutes. At that time, you simply need to send us your phone list and recorded message and you can initiate a voice broadcast online immediately.
Does DSC accept Credit Card Payments?
Yes, DSC accepts Master Charge and Visa as a payment method. DSC can also invoice your organization (upon approved credit) and accept corporate or personal checks as a payment method.
How will I be billed?
DSC estimates typical monthly usage at the point of contract and includes one months deposit upfront. Thereafter, DSC provides end of month billing to clients showing service usage as well as any monthly fixed fee. This amount is either charged to a credit card or invoiced electronically (or by mail).
Voice Broadcast Operation
How does voice broadcasting work?
Once you have registered as a client, follow these simple three steps to initiate a voice broadcasting campaign:
- Upload lists of recipients’ phone numbers to our secure website
- Call the toll free number provided to make voice recordings of your out-going messages.
- Initiate the calls from the website or from the toll free number (premium option)
There is no limit on the number or length of the phone lists you provide. Lists should be provided in a .csv file (a common Excel text format). If you prefer, we can provide professional voice recordings of your messages.
As soon as you initiate the voice broadcast campaign, DSC phone systems begin placing calls. If a person answers the call (or our phone system detects an answer machine), your message is played. If the call is not answered, the phone system will make three attempts at later times to send your message.
Is there a demonstration that I can see?
Yes, DSC provides two demonstrations of our voice broadcasting systems and services. Our quick tour presents an overview of our service while the online demonstration lets you view the actual voice broadcast administrative tool used to create and manage your calling campaigns.
Can my voice broadcast campaign be customized?
Yes, DSC specializes in the development of custom calling campaigns. These include both inbound IVR (Interactive Voice Response) call answering services as well as outbound voice broadcasting.
Database maintains a professional staff of call processing developers who can analyse your calling requirements and develop a custom campaign for you in just hours!
How long a message can I record?
Your recorded message can be of any length, but we highly recommend that the message be no longer than 30 seconds.
Can the calling campaign use phone key options?
Yes, voice broadcast campaigns can be designed to include phone key responses that are interpretted by the calling campaign and actions taken based upon the requirements you specify.
This could include providing the call recipient with a menu of choices or giving an option to speak with one of your representatives.
Are reports available with this service?
Yes, DSC provides an extensive voice broadcast reporting system. These reports provide the administrator with a complete view of the performance of calling campaigns and include graphical presentation of data as well.
This online reporting and feedback system helps you observe and control the performance of your automatic phone calling services.
Graphs and charts of operational statistics let you measure the effectiveness of each phone campaign as it is running.
The statistical information contained in each of these reports can be downloaded into a spreadsheet format for individually customized reporting.
Can I play a message on an answer machine?
Yes. Our technology can detect whether an answer machine or live person answers the call. DSC plays your recorded message in either case.
Can there be different messages for live vs. answer machine?
Yes. DSC technology can detect the difference between a live answer and an answering machine and can play a unique message for each type of call.
Does my message get truncated when delivered?
No. Using a combination of hardware detection and software developed by DSC, your recorded message is not truncated when delivered. This is a significant problem for most voice broadcast services. DSC determines when a person answers the phone and only begins playing the recorded message after the initial greeting (such as "Hello"). If an answer machine is detected by our technology, DSC can determine when a machine starts to record (after the typical greeting message) and only then plays the message.
Most services simply start playing the message, regardless if a person is speaking or if there is a lengthy greeting message with the answer machine. This results in message truncation, particularly on an answering machine, and does not present your message in a professional manner.
What happens if the phone is not answered?
DSC technology can determine if a call is answered. If the call is not answered (busy signal, no answer, etc.), DSC will attempt to call this number two additional times, in varying intervals between calls. After three unsuccessful attempts, DSC will report the call as Undelivered.
How do I record my voice messages?
Database Systems Corp. provides an 800 number for clients to call to record simple phone messages. This easy to use service ensures that the voice message is recorded in the proper format. You can also submit a .wav file that conforms to the necessary format required to perform the calling campaign.
Do you provide professional voice recordings?
Yes, DSC has contracted with leading voice professionals to provide voice recordings that can be used with your calling campaigns. These recordings can be either male or female including multiple languages as well as specific dialects.
What is the data format of my phone list?
DSC supports several different types of files that contain phone lists for voice broadcasting. Simple Text files (.txt) can contain a list of phone numbers. Excel files (.csv) can also be used to provide phone numbers to our voice broadcasting service. (Note: be sure not to use field headings in this type of file)
Can I maintain more than one list on this service?
Yest, multiple phone lists can be maintained on our web service. Simply pick one of these previously maintained files and designate a voice message and the DSC voice broadcasting system can start calling.
How do I start a voice broadcast?
The most common method of initiating a voice broadcast is through our secure website. After logging in, users can pick a phone list and designate a specific phone message. Then by selecting the "Start" button, a voice broadcast campaign can begin.
Another method of starting a voice broadcast is through our 800 phone service. By responding to prompts from our 800 service, voice broadcast campaigns can be initiated over the phone.
Finally, voice broadcasts can be initiated by a computer or web event using our VoiceXML automated voice broadcast feature.
Can voice broadcasts be automatically initiated by a computer?
Yes, voice messages can be sent from existing computer systems and applications. Using VoiceXML, Database Systems Corp. supports several "canned" XML formats, but can develop new formats that fit your requirements.
To send voice messages to be delivered to one or thousands or call recipients, simply modify your existing web or computer software application to send instructions to our phone server that include the following information:
- Voice or text file containing message to be delivered.
- Call recipient phone number(s) or
- List of phone numbers already maintained on our phone system.
- Date and time of delivery.
- Any special instructions.
Federal Regulations
What federal regulations affect voice broadcasting?
The following are just a few of the FTC regulations that govern the broadcasting of automated phone messages to individuals. Although most of these guidelines apply to commercial broadcasting, it is important to follow all of the rules dictated by the FTC.'
- Prior Written Consent. (The ammendments) expressly prohibit telemarketing sales calls that deliver prerecorded messages, whether answered in person by a consumer or by an answering machine or voicemail service, unless the seller has previously obtained the recipient's signed, written agreement to receive such calls.
- Opt Out Option In Phone Message. (The ammendments) require that, by December 1, 2008, sellers and telemarketers provide, at the outset of all prerecorded messages, an automated keypress or voice-activated interactive opt-out mechanism so that consumers can opt out as easily as they can from a live telemarketing call.
- Answer Machine Message Containing Toll Free Opt Out Number. In cases where the call is answered by an answering machine or voicemail, (the caller must) provide a toll-free number that allows the person called to be connected to an automated interactive voice and/or keypress-activated opt-out mechanism anytime after the message is received.
Can call recipients opt out of future calls?
New FTC requirements mandate that outbound calling companies give call recipients the ability to opt out of a calling campaign. DSC provides the technology for call recipients to be removed from your calling lists automatically using our opt out IVR system. Your call campaigns can be programmed to give the call recipient the option to "Press x...." to be removed from your call lists.
For more information about this process, visit our Opt Out webpage.
Contact Database Systems Corp.
Contact Us Today to learn more about our voice broadcast systems.
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