BT and other traditional landlines
BT and most other landline providers offer call diversion. On many lines you set it by dialling a short code from the phone itself; on others the provider has to switch it on first. It may be included in your package or cost extra, and diverted calls may be charged like a call you made.
Ask your provider:
- Is call diversion switched on for my line, and does it cost extra?
- Can it divert only when the line is busy or not answered, not just all calls?
- What do diverted calls to a UK landline number cost?
The Linesteward app shows the codes to try with your receptionist's number filled in. If they don't work on your line, your provider can switch diversion on.
Internet phones and hosted phone systems
If your phones plug into the internet (VoIP, a hosted phone system or a cloud PBX), forwarding is usually set in the provider's web portal or app. Look for a rule such as "forward when busy or not answered" or "after-hours routing", and enter your receptionist's number. You can often set different rules for opening hours and closed hours.
The move to digital phone lines
The UK's old copper phone network is being switched off, and landlines are moving to digital lines that run over broadband. After the move, your provider's way of setting diversion may change, for example from a code to an app or web page. If a code stops working after you switch, check your provider's help pages.
Test it
Once diversion is on, ring your landline from a mobile and let it ring. Your receptionist should answer and say it's an AI assistant. If it doesn't, check the number you entered and whether diversion is switched on for your line.