Industry Internet | Headquarters Israel | |
Israel Bezeq 144 services include the online business directory, also optimized for mobile; the 144 call center, and mobile app. These services allow users to find phone number and address information for any business or individual in Israel. The website also includes stuff such as: street- and house-level photos, navigation, traffic jams, and more.
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144 – Call Center Service
This service started out as a call center where operators connected callers to their requested numbers. Later, the service was upgraded to provide requested phone numbers manually, using info cards. In the 1980s, the first automated systems were rolled out, which found phone number details for private individuals and businesses. In the mid-80s, the operator call center number was changed from 14 to 144. In the 90s, a new IT system was installed which read out requested numbers, and which is still in use today. At the same time, the call center infrastructure was upgraded, offering additional services such as ‘call completion’ which connects callers to the requested number. The 144 center is a manned call center, operating 24 hours a day, year-round (except Yom Kipper). The 144 call center is a paid service, as opposed to the b144 website which serves millions of users free of charge.
Technological improvements in the 144 call center, and the Internet age
As new technology became more and more prevalent, and specifically as web and mobile usage increased, it was necessary to offer users a readily-available, instantaneous and free-to-use platform. Thus, at the start of the new millennium, Bezeq launched its online 144 directory. The website offered Bezeq’s 144 services free of charge, but still relied on legacy technology. In February 2007, Bezeq launched its call center, which were ultimately united under the ‘b144’ brand. The new unified website was unique in that, for the first time ever, it included phone numbers from all mobile and domestic landline operators in Israel. In addition to the new b144 online business and personal number directory, Bezeq also launched a new service to commercial clients – the b144 Business Directory.
b144 and the Business Directory
The directory also offers businesses marketing solutions through online advertising on the website, various search engines, and through collaborations with Israel content websites. The site includes a business search engine, regularly updated by Bezeq manually on a daily basis with information from the various phone companies. The directory allows users to search for businesses, people, government offices, and non-government organizations. In 2011, Bezeq integrated a map system, which allows users to enjoy door-to-door navigation, using the directory.
Business Referrals
b144 promotes its business directory through Google’s organic and paid promotion tools, in addition to various online tools such as: price lists, coupons, recommendations and rankings, etc. These tools allow Bezeq to guarantee greater exposure for business owners advertising on its website, while maintaining a user-friendly web experience. In addition to posting basic business details on the website, business owners can purchase various advertising plans, raise their result ranking on the website, etc.; as common on online indexes. Furthermore, as a bonus service to small and medium business owners, Bezeq offers its Business Portal, with articles, videos, buying guides, success stories, and additional content assisting business owners in promoting their businesses on the website. This content is available to everyone, not just Bezeq clients. Since 2009, the b144 website is also available through a mobile app allowing users to find businesses, people and maps.