Conference call

An operator can often be summoned to conference call hosted by a service provider using a combination of keys on a users' (sometimes only the moderator) telephone keypad.

(asterisk and the zero/operator key) Businesses use conference calls daily to meet with remote parties, both internally and outside of their company.

Conference calling is viewed as a primary means of cutting travel costs and allowing workers to be more productive by not having to go out-of-office for meetings.

This allows people on the call to view content such as corporate reports, sales figures and company data presented by one of the participants.

Conference calls are also beginning to cross over into the world of podcasting and social networking, which in turn fosters new kinds of interaction patterns.

In addition, organizers of conference calls can publish a dial-in number alongside the audio stream, creating potential for audience members to dial in and interact.

[citation needed] In November 2011, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published a 732-page Order on InterCarrier Compensation (ICC),[1] including rules governing revenue sharing.

[3] As for revenue sharing, the order adds a measure for high volume call traffic which triggers an immediate terminating access charge reduction to the lowest rate of any carrier in that state.

However, in April 2009 Ofcom, the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, announced that the rebate that is payable to the telecom's supplier when an 0870 number is used would be removed.

[7] Flat-rate conferencing services are being offered which give unlimited access to a conference bridge at a fixed monthly cost.

Because telecommunication carriers offer free long-distance bundled with local service, this alternative is gaining widespread popularity for budget conscious businesses and non-profits.

However, the Internet and improved global VoIP networks have helped to significantly reduce the barrier of entry into this niche.

The conference is typically hosted by the party that perceives value in the call in order to justify the cost: this could be a business owner, a non-profit board member, an educator, lawyer, or expert in any given field.