Computer key to smart features of TalkPlus

By Keith Newman

Clear Communications is adding a new dimension to its pre-paid phone cards allowing callers to update the value and leave recorded messages even if the called party does not have an answering machine.

The reloadable TalkPlus system is limited to $35 a day while Clear checks issues relating to fraudulent use.

The intelligence is not in the card but in Clear's back-end computer systems, which allow voice messages to be left for the called party if they are not home, or if the time difference between countries makes contact difficult.

The system will try the number every 15 minutes for three hours until the message is received.

Ultimately the stored value will increase and the back-end systems handle "unified messaging" - the convergence of e-mail, fax and voice-to-text with the phone service.

The plastic card will act as an authorisation for pre-paid calls to more than 40 countries. Users dial a toll-free number then enter their card number to make a call.

They can also use a voice-response system to submit credit card details using the telephone keypad to recharge the card.

The TalkPlus card was introduced in June and according to product manager Mahesh Gordhan quickly exceeded its sales forecasts.

An enhanced version will feature multilingual voice prompt options.