LOCATION-BASED SERVICES
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages to 10-Digit routing over using NPA/NXX and ZIP codes?
Accuracy and reliability. NPA/NXX and ZIP Code routing use the center of the telephone switch service area or ZIP code, respectively, as a basis for determining the caller location. This method often causes the incorrect location to be returned.
TARGUSinfo uses the full 10-digit telephone number to determine the caller location, so we can pinpoint a caller's actual location within 105 feet.
With our precise routing services, you can:
- Eliminate mis-routed calls
- Capture actionable marketing data on every caller
- Build custom routing logic, including the use of distance or exclusive territories, time of day, location hours and services offered by particular locations
- Eliminate the time-consuming efforts required to maintain and update ZIP- and area-code splits
- Convert more prospects to customers
Please contact TARGUSinfo for more data on scenarios that may be specific to your business.
What is the source of your data?
TARGUSinfo is not a traditional single-source supplier, as are White Pages compilers and Directory Assistance providers. These databases have inherent weaknesses in accuracy, completeness and coverage.
We have relationships with over 90 proprietary sources, including a unique membership in the US Telecommunications Network (USTN).
The USTN is the ultimate platform for up-to-date information on all phone numbers, including nonpublic and wireless numbers. By becoming a trusted member of the USTN, TARGUSinfo has built a foundation for data that is exceptionally precise, relevant and actionable.
How often is your database updated?
Data for TARGUSinfo solutions is updated 10 times per day. Over the course of every month, our network is refreshed by more than 90 proprietary data sources.
Do you have access to wireless, VoIP and Direct Inward Dial (DID) data?
Yes, we have access to data on wireless, VoIP and DID phone numbers where available and our coverage leads the industry.
How quickly is contact information provided?
Query-response speed varies with the type of connection our customers choose to use. A typical response to a query is as fast as 100 milliseconds, or 0.1 seconds.
What is the response rate?
TARGUSinfo's mission is to provide, On-Demand, the highest quality and quantity of information possible in response to a client's query. We are the market leader in providing information based on address or phone queries. For example, we have data on 100% of the phone numbers in the North American Dialing Plan.
How do you handle cell phone callers?
Today, wireless carriers do not pass caller location data, so doing a distance calculation is not feasible. However, TARGUSinfo can instantly determine whether a caller is using a mobile phone, so you can provide an alternate and improved customer experience for the mobile user.
What alternatives can you offer cellular callers?
There are several options, including:
- Sending the caller to a call center
- Invoking a speech session to determine caller location
- Requesting the caller to manually enter a non-cellular phone number via the phone's key pad.
In each of these scenarios, a caller location can be determined so the locator request can be accurately fulfilled.
How many locations can be provided?
The client ultimately determines this. In some cases, such as with franchises, a single location is determined and the call is automatically transferred. For others, such as with drop-off locations, there can be multiple locations returned. In this case, the industry standard is three, but up to 10 may be offered.
Who are your preferred platform partners?
TARGUSinfo connects to many IVR and telco platforms today, giving you the freedom to go with your IVR or carrier of choice. On many occasions, customers have asked us to build a routing solution from A-Z including the IVR, transport, reporting, and consumer data. In these scenarios, TARGUSinfo is happy to choose an IVR partner that meets their requirements and build a bundled, turnkey application.
I have an IVR in-house. Will your solutions work with it?
Yes. TARGUSinfo services are platform independent, so whether you outsource your IVR, use a carrier solution or use your own in-house IVR platform, TARGUSinfo On-Demand Data can be easily integrated. Best of all, there are no large databases that are required to be installed. So if you decide down the road that you want to move to another IVR or bring the IVR in-house, TARGUSinfo services can easily move with you.
Can you only provide data when it starts with a telephone number?
No, we have lots of applications that begin with a name and address — or a name, address and phone number — where we verify that what you have is valid and confirm that the name, address and phone number belong together. Additionally, if the information you provide looks incorrect, then we can append the correct information to it.
