We’re living in a technological age. Everywhere you look, advanced devices, programs, and systems are changing the way things are being done; with consumer products paving the way (AIs like Alexa and Siri continue to dominate the market), it’s no surprise that such powerful technologies have permeated commercial industries. Pioneered by the innovative company StraticsNetworks, ringless voicemail drops are the next stage of evolution for call centers, politicians, and phone-based businesses around the world.

That being said, how much do you actually know about them? Let’s take a look at some of the frequently asked questions consumers and companies alike have about ringless voicemail drops.

What Is A Ringless Voicemail Drop?

There’s no mystery here — ringless voicemail drops are exactly what they sound like. They allow voicemail messages to be placed in consumers’ voicemail box without the phone ever ringing, ensuring that your business can communicate directly with its demographic without running the risk of getting hung up on or cut short. StraticsNetworks ringless voicemail technology is currently compatible with over 300 million landline telephones and more than 80% of all mobile lines in North America; whatever you have to say, your customers will hear.

How Do Ringless Voicemail Drops Work?

Though it might be difficult to make sense of, ringless voicemails work because they allow a server to insert (“drop”) a voicemail message directly into a customer’s voicemail server; essentially, they completely bypass the calling part of a phone call. A voicemail is dropped directly onto the backend of the phone system, so no traditional call is made. The result is a non-intrusive form of communication that connects you with your consumers with ease.

Are Ringless Voicemail Drops Legal?

There are currently no laws in the U.S. or Canada prohibiting the use of ringless voicemail drops, but — as with most things — there are restrictions. The Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) is the department in charge of regulating interstate communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable; if the service is not being used correctly or responsibly, there are statutes in place that allow users to be prosecuted. 

The legality of ringless voicemail drops is similar to robocalls and other telemarketing strategies. They aren’t illegal when properly implemented, but the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) established in 1992 ensures that sales callers must abide by certain rules. They may not:

  • Call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
  • Call you if you have chosen to opt out of calls from that specific caller or if you have added your name to the Do Not Call List.
  • Send unsolicited fax messages to your home or office.
  • Refuse to provide their name, the name of the person or organization on whose behalf they are calling, and contact information for that person or organization.

Provided that you’re not harassing customers or sending drops that have been explicitly prohibited and that you are using the product in a responsible way, you won’t have anything to worry about. 

In fact, ringless voicemail drops have been proven to be profoundly effective when employed correctly; churches, hospitals, and schools trying to reach congregants, patients, and parents — as well as companies trying to contact consumers, of course — are able to do so without the interruption of an annoying phone call. Simply be open and upfront about who you are and why you’re calling, and do your best not to sound spammy or squeeze in any fancy marketing tricks; the more casual your message and tone, the more successful your campaign will be.