UIFN vs ITFS: Which One is Right for Your Business?

One of the most important aspects of business succeed is effective communication between clients and businesses. So, how can your business ensure effective communication with clients regardless of geographical location? 

If your business uses a local phone number, clients may feel concerned about high calling costs, which can lead to ineffective communication and incomplete interaction.

This is where UIFN and ITFS step in and play a vital role in creating effective communication. These numbers can help your business by allowing your customers to call you free of cost.

But the confusion is which is best for your business? So let’s discover. 

In this blog, we will discuss on UIFN vs ITFS, how they work, their differences, their pros and cons, the number format of UIFN and ITFS, factors to consider when choosing, and which is best for your business. 

What is UIFN (Universal International Freephone Number)?

UIFN stands for Universal International Free Phone Number. It is an international toll free number that enables clients to contact your company from multiple countries and remains unique and consistent across all nations.

Choosing a UIFN number allows your business to market a single number in several countries, which promotes a good image of your brand. However, this number is limited to just 40 nations. 

UIFN numbers are international toll free numbers that allow customers to connect with organizations for free, while some companies may charge for the same feature.

Each UIFN number contains 11 numbers, including a three-digit country code for a global service application. As you have just one UIFN number, it becomes easy to sell your phone number and increase sales abroad. 

How does UIFN work?

UIFN enables enterprises to have a single phone number that callers can dial without incurring expenses. It works with an international call-forwarding service. When a UIFN is contacted, the call is routed to the business’s assigned location and answered. 

UIFN allows the business to establish call forwarding to either a phone number or a specialized call center based on call frequency. The local telecommunications operator in the caller’s country recognizes the “+800” prefix as an international toll-free number. 

Subsequently, the call is routed from the local carrier’s network to an international gateway. At the international gateway, the international carrier directs the call to the provider’s designated location, where it can be conveniently answered. 

A UIFN number begins with the prefix “00800” and is followed by eighth digits inside the country. To call the UIFN number overseas, dial the three-digit IAC(International access code) for each country. 

What is ITFS (International Toll-Free Service)?

TFS stands for International Toll-Free Service, providing toll-free numbers specific to each country. International Toll-Free numbers allow clients from one country to make calls to another without incurring any expenses.

Additionally, the company receiving the calls will pay for each call at local rates. With ITFS, customers can make free calls from over 60 countries. The main benefit of adopting an ITFS number is that it helps to develop a strong global presence.

How ITFS works?

ITFS works similarly to UIFN. The main operational structure for the ITFS number is to forward incoming calls. ITFS commonly uses call forwarding throughout these operations. 

When someone dials his virtual phone number overseas, the local carrier sends the call to the international gateway, where the local carrier allows the caller to answer from the specified location.

Calls to these numbers are routed via PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Networks) or VoIP networks. Customers are not charged for calling the organization as it is a toll-free number.

However, companies must bear the expenses, and they are charged based on the plan they choose from the provider. 

Key Differences Between UIFN and ITFS

UIFN vs ITFS: Pros and Cons

International Toll-Free Service numbers function similarly to those in the US. Customers’ calls are free, but the business pays for their calls. Furthermore, ITFS numbers from one country can be forwarded to another, putting your company in the running with other local businesses. 

Universal International Free phone numbers function similarly to “toll-free numbers” but with a single number available for numerous countries.

UIFN is ideal for doing business in multiple countries and getting the most out of your advertising expenses by marketing your business under a single number for maximum efficiency. In addition, each UIFN number requires a registration cost. 

Let’s check some of the pros and cons of both UIFN and ITFS. 

Pros of UIFN

A. Customer satisfaction

UIFN offers toll-free numbers that are easily accessible from a variety of nations, which increases the customer experience. Customers may be able to access the business without being hampered by long-distance call fees.

It helps people avoid the downfall of local travel and fosters the growth of positive experiences. Companies also demonstrate care for the disabled and a greater dedication to customer relationships by offering a single point of contact for the organization.

Over time, this can improve trust and loyalty. No matter where the customer is located, having access to sales, support, or any other staff member tends to enhance their overall level of satisfaction. 

B. Global coverage

As UIFNs are accessible on a global scale, businesses can run and maintain a toll-free number that can be called from a variety of nations. Customers from throughout the world will find this worldwide access easy as it eliminates the need for regional international toll-free numbers. 

The corporation will strengthen its global reach by concentrating on the toll-free number for business operations. In simple words, this increased reach lowers the barrier to engagement for customers and strengthens the organization’s worldwide strategy overall.

In order to service clients from various locations,  this also helps firms with the organization and management of many communication centers. 

C. Scalability

UIFN is a great solution for companies who are just getting started or expanding their operations internationally. As your business grows and the UIFN service is put into service, countries can be added to the service without the need for additional toll-free numbers specific to the region.

It also means that companies must be able to maintain a consistent communication strategy as they grow globally. It greatly speeds up the process of expanding customer service and sales globally, allowing businesses to adapt to the changing quickly needs of emerging markets.

Easy scalability helps with sustainable business development and is helpful in managing the company’s business communication on the global market. 

D. Consistent branding

UIFN helps organizations brand in foreign markets by providing a memorable toll-free number that consumers can quickly recall.

Additionally, it hleps to maintain the company’s brand identity globally and gives it a unique look. These numbers are simpler for clients to remember and recognize, which elevates the company’s professionalism. 

It might be difficult to respond to many local numbers, and it can also create confusion if a company image is not centralized via the usage of a UIFN.

Additionally, it improves the company’s brand perception as a major player in the world. It helps in providing a consistent, integrated customer experience, which is essential to attract new customers. 

E. No extra numbers

UIFN assists in resolving the issues of having several local toll-free numbers in various countries. Additionally, this consolidation facilitates communication for both the company and its clients.

This implies that businesses can save themselves from the numerous headaches associated with handling various regional phone numbers when offering customer support. 

They will be able to reduce their paperwork as a result. The absence of these extra figures also contributes to the targeted, meaningful, and efficient operation of marketing and customer service.

This method provides a more efficient and transparent communication strategy by minimizing misunderstandings and potential errors that are frequently caused by using different numbers. 

Cons of UIFN

A. High cost

Due to the worldwide reach, UIFNs may be more expensive than domestic toll-free numbers. The expenses include call fees to countries outside of the company’s base of operation, monthly service fees, and on-time installation costs. 

For businesses that conduct business internationally, these call prices quickly add up. This results in increased costs as international carriers and compliant telecommunications networks are needed.

These expenses could be high, particularly for startups or companies with limited finances, which could make UIFNs less popular. 

Furthermore, there are a number of costs associated with UIFN implementation, which makes it challenging to have a set of charges, as financial planning is necessary to prevent additional costs. 

B. Complex setup and management

Deploying a UIFN is difficult since different countries have different standards and policies. It might take a long time and run into technical and legal issues in one or both countries due to a lack of proper knowledge. 

Compatibility with the local telephone system and the need to follow local rules are some of the difficulties that businesses have while implementing their systems.

Maintaining the UIFN requires ongoing attention to international billing, call routing and customer interactions, all of which can be challenging to maintain without extensive in the field. 

C. Number format

Most of the UIFNs are international toll-prefixes like “800” which consumers could find harder to recognize than local toll-free numbers.

This demonstrates clearly that the lack of consistent messaging might affect the customer’s ability to remember or identify the number. 

Additionally, the structure of toll-free numbers varies by nation, which could lead to inconsistencies or confusion regarding which number to call.

Taking into account the regional practices of the various parts of the world is necessary to comprehend the number of presentations engaged in the UIFN as well as other identifying requirements. 

Pros of ITFS

A. Cost-effective 

ITFS is less expensive than UIFN. To some extent, the lower setup and maintenance expenses of ITFS appeal to businesses that want to serve specialized market segments but do not require worldwide access. 

ITFS is typically tailored to the demands of specific regions, and the issues of high costs associated with the usage of international toll-free numbers do not arise.

This can lead to significant savings, especially if the company is tiny or only operates in one region. 

B. Local presence

ITFS is beneficial to organizations seeking to establish a local presence in specific countries or regions by giving clients toll-free numbers that can easily be recognized by customers in those regions.

This customized strategy helps businesses maintain a closer relationship with local customers since clients feel more comfortable calling a number that looks to be in their country. 

It increases people’s faith in the business as a local business, making it more credible. Furthermore, having a toll-free line local to your business can improve customer relations by connecting them to support workers in their part of the country or someone who understands their language and difficulties in their regions. 

C. Extensive coverage 

ITFS allows businesses to have toll-free numbers in a variety of locations, giving them a wide geographic reach.

This means that companies with numerous markets will be able to offer their clients without having to use a single global toll-free number is beneficial in managing business relationships and support services in the specific area. 

This extensive coverage ensures that businesses may effectively reach out to their foreign clients and help them in accordance with regional demands.

It involves a particular communication strategic impression as well as a variety of support services aimed at increasing absolute client satisfaction in certain target market categories. 

D. Increase reliability

ITFS can boost on-call credibility by leveraging local telecom networks within a certain country or region. This improves call quality and connectivity compared to foreign toll-free services.

This route calls to a specified area, lowering the possibility of technical faults that are common when managing long-distance calls and resulting in more stable communication. 

Less interruption on the call provides a better understanding to customers, as calls are less likely to be disrupted or of low quality. This ensures that clients are treated consistently and reliably, hence increasing their satisfaction. 

Cons of ITFS

A. Complexity due to multiple numbers

ITFS can become difficult to manage when a company operates in multiple countries, requiring separate toll-free numbers for each country. Dealing with different numbers requires dealing with a variety of telecom operators, billing procedures, and other country-specific laws.

Their existence can divide the operational organization, resulting in increased management costs and more challenging coordination. Each regional number must be assigned, correctly utilized, and integrated into the business’s broader communication strategy.

The act of updating and maintaining several numbers may place an overload on available resources, making customer service and related assistance much more complex.

B. Downgrade in Customer Experience 

The use of ITFS with multiple regional numbers fails to include the global solution, resulting in less effective customer engagement. Customers will find it tough to remember and dial different numbers based on where they are.

Such traditional phases are rarely as easy as when there is a single number for everything, such as a person’s phone number. 

Furthermore, depending on how these centers are staffed, calls to different regional numbers may suffer varying levels of service quality or require longer wait times.

Multiple points of contact can degrade the customer experience, leading to a decrease in customer satisfaction and engagement. 

Format of UIFN and ITFS Number

UIFN and ITFS both offer toll-free numbers for specific purposes, yet the dialing format is different. If you want to make a successful call, you need to follow the correct format of both numbers. 

Let’s check the format of UIFN. 

• First you need to enter the International Access Code(IAC) of the source country. 
• After that, you need to enter the prefix which is “800”. 
• Now, you need to enter the local number, which is usually 8 digits. 

 Now, the final format will lookalike: +011-800-0000000

Where +011 is IAC, 800 is a prefix, and 00000000 is a local number of the individual or business organization. 

Now, let’s check the format of ITFS.

• First, you need to enter the prefix, which is usually 800, 888, or 1800. 
• After that, you need to add the area code of the regions where you want to make the call. 
• Now, dial the local number of the recipient. 

The final format will look as follows:  800-123-1234

Where 800 is a must-dial prefix, 123 is the area code, and 1234 is the recipient’s number. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between UIFN and ITFS

UIFN and ITFS both offer toll-free numbers for your business, but which is best for you and suits your business is the real confusion for you. What factors do you need to consider when choosing between UIFN and ITFS? Let’s look at some of the factors that you need to consider before choosing UIFN and ITFS. 

1. Coverage

At present, only 62 nations participate in the ITU-regulated UIFN scheme. In comparison, you may obtain international toll free numbers from over 160 countries, including difficult-to-reach and rural areas. If you use ITFS numbers, you have a better chance of achieving extensive global coverage.   

2. Formatting

Callers attempting to call a UIFN number must enter their country’s international access code. Otherwise, they will be unable to contact the company.

This means that callers must enter their International Access Code(IAC), followed by the toll-free prefix and the 8-digit subscriber number.

Most callers may be unaware of their IAC or country code, making it difficult to contact your company. 

3. Restrictions

Certain governments impose restrictions on universal numbers. In some countries, UIFN is not required by law. Hence, certain phone companies do not allow voice access through their service.

In addition, people contacting a UIFN from certain countries may receive a notice indicating that they are being charged for the call. This can be disappointing for some potential clients.

4. Cost

A  universal registration fee is necessary before you can use your UIFN number. Moreover, there is an annual maintenance fee and monthly membership fee for each activated nation.

ITFS numbers are less expensive than other numbers since the supplier pays the fees rather than the business. 

UIFN vs IFTS: Which is Better For Your Business?

UIFN and IFTS are both great options for your business, but which option is best for your business depends upon your business type, size, and requirements.

Both are designed for a specific business purpose. UIFN is suitable for businesses that have a large number of clients in several countries, and IFTS is suitable for businesses that have customers in a limited area, region, or a few countries. 

In detail, choose UIFN if your business deals with international clients and make international transactions. Choose ITFS if your business goal is to offer toll-free numbers to clients within the country and deal with limited countries. 

Lastly, UIFN or ITFS, which number system is better for your business depends upon your business’s global reach, types, requirements, and unique needs.

You can compare the features and functions of both number systems and consider which is best for your business. An ITFS number works mainly within one country, while UIFN can work in multiple countries. 

Final Words

UIFN and ITFS are modern and effective systems for many types and sizes of enterprises. However, it is dependent on the budget and requirements of the business, on which expenditures are to be made, and this decision will lead organizations to achieve a significant presence in the market. 

Both kinds of numbers will assist your business and make international customers more comfortable approaching your business rather than another. Despite the tiny differences, it is crucial to note that each serves a unique purpose. 

FAQs

What is the main difference between UIFN and ITFS numbers?

The main difference between UIFN and ITFS is that the UIFN number can be activated in more than one country, while the ITFS number can only be accessible from within the country. 

What is an International Access Code(IAC)?

The International Access Code(IAC) is the exit code of the source country. It goes first in the UIFN number sequence, so you can make international calls from one country to another.

How much does a UIFN and ITFS number cost?

The pricing of UIFN and ITFS varies per service provider. UIFN usually charges a time registration cost of $200-$500. On the other hand, the ITFS service plan varies according to the service provider.

Is there any restriction for these global toll-free numbers?

Yes, some countries may impose greater standards for UIFN and ITFS commercial phone numbers. Your international VoIP provider should be able to educate you on country-specific limitations, and that may affect your operations. 

Are ITFS numbers available in all countries?

ITFS number is available in over 160 countries, which is greater in compared to UIFN numbers.