MASS MAIL 13 APRIL 2006 - STANDARDISATION - LISTING OF TELEPHONE NUMBERS

FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICA
"Participation Builds Unity"

"MADE IN AFRICA - FOR AFRICA"

FDA NEWSLETTER

MASS MAIL
13 APRIL 2006
STANDARDISATION - LISTING OF TELEPHONE NUMBERS
(All)

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The FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICA proudly presents you with the following information that may add value to Africa's development. Please direct any correspondence to: info@isupportafrica.com

STANDARDISATION - LISTING OF TELEPHONE NUMBERS
A few weeks ago we started a campaign that will lead to the standardisation of how we list telephone numbers on our correspondence (including email 'signatures'), business cards and a host of other applications showcasing these vital connecting digits.

I have noticed that a number of our email contacts have adhered to this request and would once again appeal to all, in the interest of Africa's development, to make an effort in ensuring that the way you 'write' your telephone number will be as detailed below

Most of us who regularly deal throughout the continent will identify with this issue. All too often we endeavor to call a number in a foreign country, and receive no response or an engaged signal and then blame the situation on the lack infrastructure. I am not insinuating that there is NO problem with telecommunication infrastructure - I am just trying to highlight the possibility of how the inclusion of one digit to the dialed number could cause great frustration.

When researching the way telephone numbers are written on business cards, we are faced with a zillion combinations - making it very difficult to select the right option. Surprisingly, some business-cards, circulated into the international market, fail to provide the full international codes required to connect.

Therefore, when listing a number we should follow certain basics. Our number in Northwold, Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa is listed as follows:

+27 (0)11 793 4409

+ = The International Code '09'
27 = This code designates the country - South Africa
(0) = This digit is only required when dialing the number locally e.g. in South Africa - therefore listed in brackets
11 = This is the code for particular region or area - Johannesburg
793 = This is the code that further defines the region or area - Northwold and Randburg
4409 = This is our code or number.

A number in London, Great Briton (Our FDA PARTNER - The World Summits Organisation) would list their number as follows:

+44 (0)20 7253 5440

+ = The International Code '00'
44 = This code designates the country - Britain
(0) = This digit is only required when dialing the number locally e.g. in Britain - therefore listed in brackets
20 = This is the code for particular region or area - London
7253 = This is the code that further defines the region or area
5440 = This is their code or number.

A mobile number (South Africa) would be written as follows:

+27 (0)84 333 7777

Please forward this email to all your contacts - in particular we need to get the message to printers; DATA capturers; web designers and anyone constantly listing telephone detail.

Our FDA AFRICA SUPPORTERS and FDA PARTNERS contribute towards the wellbeing of the Foundation for the Development of Africa. In return we showcase these organisations and individuals on our world-ranked website.

This is a plea for you to support our FDA AFRICA SUPPORTERS and FDA PARTNERS. There wellbeing indirectly means our wellbeing.

Our FDA AFRICA SUPPORTERS are showcased and branded on every 'index page' within our 600 plus page websites - see:
http://www.foundation-development-africa.org/fda_info/africa_supporters.htm

Our FDA PARTNERS are showcased on our dedicated FDA PARTNER website - see:
http://www.fdapartners.net/partners/index.htm
or
http://www.fdapartners.net/com/logodisplaylist.htm

The services and products of our supporters/partners are indexed on our PRODUCTS AND SERVICES SERVING AFRICA - This section is becoming very popular and is receiving substantial 'hits' from around the globe - see:
http://www.fdapartners.net/products_services/index.htm

It may be in your interest to participate as a FDA PARTNER - see why:
http://www.fdapartners.net/com/why_participate.htm

We need you to support our efforts - please participate:
http://www.foundation-development-africa.org/fda_info/how_then_can_i_support_fda_africa.htm

Please add your name to a growing list of names proclaiming - "YES! I support Africa" - see:
http://www.isupportafrica.com/isagen/names/index.htm

Take care

COMMENTS RECEIVED

13 March 2006
Thanks Peter.
This is brilliant.
What is the implementation approach that you guys are going to follow?
Good luck
Harry
Harry PRETORIUS
Nakatomi Consulting
South Africa

13 March 2006
Hi Peter,
I would be interested to know if this method of writing a phone number, is the internationally accepted one?
I have always written phone numbers...(27)(11)326 3332 (as is my number).
Regards,
Rob Filer.
Roejay Equipment
South Africa

13 March 2006
Hi Peter
My bug bear is the differentiation between telephone and fax number - and quite often call a person and end up talking to a fax machine.
On our business cards, we now put the telephone number in bold as a way of highlighting the difference!!
Just a thought to help things along.
Dave
Dave LOCKWOOD
Naledi3d Factory (Pty) Ltd
South Africa

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