One of the challenges of many technologies is finding out about them and applying them. Recently I discovered that I can get my free answering service to text me when someone leaves me a message. It’s not very exciting, but it saves the hassle of having to dial in to check for messages and solves the problem of missing that important message when you’re out and about.
So, for anyone who uses BT Answer 1571, here’s how to do it: call 0800 389 5660. Once you receive a text alert, you can call home to collect the message using your registered mobile (it has to be the one that the text was sent to). If you want to read more about it, look here: www.1571.bt.com, where you can also find out how to listen to your messages online.
The same facilities are available for user of BT’s paid-for voicemail services (Enhanced 1571 and Call Minder). The only thing that I’d like to see added to this is the ID of the caller, but you can get that online. Each text costs a standard BT text price of 10p.
The nicest thing about this is that it’s quick and easy to set up and I don’t have to buy any new or specialised equipment: I already have everything I need to use it.