Overview of Services

Sakon’s concept is based on providing quality telecommunications services together with cost savings to subscribers outside of the United States, as well as to subscribers who travel internationally. Sakon’s Basic Services, described in more detail below, include a range of Callback Services, Multiple Calling, Speed Dial and Detailed Monthly Billing Statements.

Classic Callback

As a Classic Callback customer, the customer calls a unique US phone number, lets it ring once, then hangs up. Sakon immediately calls back the customer at a predetermined phone number (office, home, etc.) giving the customer access to international telecommunication services at discounted rates. The only requirement for Classic Callback service is that the customer has tone dialing capability.

Pre-Paid Classic Callback

This product works similarly to a pre-paid calling card. A customer prepays for their usage and then hears a declining balance when they receive their callback.

This is perfect for the customer who does not have access to a credit card or who wants to continuously monitor their monthly telephone usage.

Classic Callback for Fax

Same convenience and cost savings, as Classic Callback, when using a facsimile machine.

Travel Callback

This feature gives the customer the ability to remotely program or permanently change their callback number. This is especially useful for customers who plan to access Sakon services from various locations.

 

Enhanced callback Features

 

Personalized Voice Prompts

Many companies have switchboards, which are answered by a receptionist or switchboard operator, making it difficult for individuals within the company to efficiently receive callbacks. Sakon has overcome this obstacle through voice prompts. Our computer can be programmed to repeat an extension number so the individual answering the phone will know to which extension the Sakon callback should be forwarded. Customers also have the opportunity to have a personalized voice prompt or choose to have a prompt played in their choice of language.

Multiple Calling

Multiple calling makes using Sakon more convenient because it allows the customer to make consecutive calls, one after another, eliminating the need to initiate a callback for every call they wish to place. After the customer has completed their first call, they simply press the asterisk key two times (**) to regain control of the line, and make an additional call.

Speed Dial Codes

With speed dial codes, the customer no longer has to remember or dial lengthy international phone numbers. Instead they may establish up to 99 two-digit speed dial codes which may be entered in place of their most frequently called destination numbers. Each access code on the customers account can be assigned a unique set of speed dial codes, or the customer may choose to assign only one speed dial list to be shared by all access codes.

Limited Destination

This feature limits the customer’s access number to call only specific destinations determined by the customer. Limited Destination provides customers with control over their telecommunication expenses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classic Callback

Sakon Classic Callback is a leading international call "re-origination" service. This means that calls are rerouted through the United States providing customers with the advantage of the much lower rates offered there.

Customer Instructions:

  1. Dial the Sakon Access Number.
  2. Hang up immediately after hearing the first ring.
  3. Sakon will call your automatic callback number.
  4. After answering the phone, a voice message will instruct you to enter your destination number followed by the # sign. Remember to dial 011 + country code + number for calls outside of the US and for all U.S. numbers, dial 1+ area code + number.
  5. Press * to receive a new voice prompt if you have misdialed.
  6. Press ** to make a consecutive call.
  7. After completing your call, press ## to ensure your call has been

disconnected.

 

 

 

Requirements:

Customers must be calling from a touch-tone phone, that transmits tones rather than pulse signals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-Paid Classic Callback

Pre-paid Callback is a mix between Classic Callback and a pre-paid calling card. Customers prepay for their usage and then are able to hear a declining balance when they receive their callback. It is ideal for customers who do not want to use a credit card or who want to continuously monitor their monthly usage. When the customer’s balance approaches zero, they can simply replenish their account in order to enjoy uninterrupted service.

 

Requirements:

Same as Classic Callback

 

 

Classic Callback for Faxing

 

A customer can have the same convenience and savings of Classic Callback when using their facsimile machine to transmit faxes.

Customer Instructions:

  1. Set your fax machine to manual.
  2. Pick up the fax machine receiver when the switch calls back.
  3. Dial the number you wish to fax to: 011 + country code + number followed by the #. Remember to dial 1 + Area code + number for calls within the US.
  4. When the receiving fax machine answers, press the Start button and hang up the receiver.

 

 

Requirements:

The fax being used must be able to be switched to the "Manual Mode".

 

 

Enhanced Prompt Features

 

Multi Language Greeting Prompts

Customers can choose prompt played in their local language such as:

Extension Prompts

Individuals whose calls are answered by a receptionist are able to efficiently receive callbacks because the person who first receives the callback knows to which extension the call should be forwarded.

  1. Voice: If you are calling from a hotel or from a location in which the phone will be answered by a switchboard or receptionist, you can record your own voice or extension prompt. Each time a call is initiated and answered, an extension number will be repeated by the computer, for example, the computer will say "Extension 1515 Please," until the call is transferred and a destination number is entered. The prompt can also be recorded with a person’s name, for example, "Please connect me with Joe Smith".
  2. Digital: Extensions can also be recorded with DTMF tones for calls that are answered with an automated switchboard.

 

 

 

Requirements:

When requesting an Access Number for Classic Callback, you must specify the extension number, personalized, or greeting language that you would like.

 

 

 

 

 

Multiple Calling

The multiple calling feature is used by any customer who needs to place multiple calls, one right after another.

After you have completed your first call, press **, to obtain an open line. You will hear a voice prompt asking you to dial your destination number. You may continue to place as many calls, in this manner, as you wish before hanging up the phone.

Multiple calling makes using Sakon more convenient because it allows you to make calls all at once, eliminating the need to initiate a callback for every call you wish to place.

Speed Dial

With Sakon, customers can establish up to 99 two-digit speed dial codes, which may be entered in place of their most frequently dialed destination numbers. Instead of dialing a 10 to 12 digit phone number, now customers can enter a two-digit speed dial code, for example 55#.

Each access number can be assigned with a unique set of speed dial codes, or a customer may choose to assign a speed dial list to be shared by all access numbers on their account.

This feature saves time because there is no longer a need to dial lengthy international telephone numbers.

 

Customer Instructions:

  1. Initiate a Sakon callback.
  2. Dial the speed dial code, corresponding to the number wished to be dialed, followed by the #key.

For example 55#.

 

Requirements:

A list of your most frequently dialed destination telephone numbers must be submitted to Sakon.

Limited Destination

Dialing privileges can be limited to specific destination numbers. Simply submit a list of 30 or fewer destinations and specify whether dialing restrictions should be placed on one access number, a few numbers, or all access numbers on your account. Sakon will then supply you with a list of speed dial numbers, each assigned to the destination numbers submitted by you. When placing a call, the speed dial numbers are to be entered in place of the desired destination number; if anything other than the assigned speed dial number is entered, the individual placing the call will hear "invalid".

The limited destination feature provides control over telecommunication expenses. Employers find this particularly useful because it gives them more control over the calls placed by specific employees within their company. Parents also find this service beneficial because they can give their children an access number with limited dialing privileges so that children can call mom and dad while away at school or on the road traveling.

 

 

 

Requirements:

A list of 30 or fewer destination numbers must be submitted with instructions to restrict dialing privileges for one or more access codes on the account.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Types of Payment

Sakon will accept the following forms of payment:

A. Credit Card

B. Pre-payment

  1. A check or wire transfer may be sent to Sakon’s US account (see below). The payment must be made in U.S. dollars. If sending a check, the check must me drawn from a U.S. bank and the check must have encoding on the bottom (see the attached sample check).
  2. Local payments. In countries where Sakon has a local customer care center, customers may make payments directly to the local office. These payments must still be in US dollars.

The pre-payment amount should be two months of estimated usage, or a minimum of $75.

ABA: 0212-021-62

Account Number: 4048 02008 1

Bank Name:

Summit Bank

7000 Blvd. East

Guttenberg, NJ 07093

 

C. Post- payment

Post payment is limited to large companies and Multi-national corporations. The Sakon Corporate office must approve post payment applications. The attached form letter must be signed and stamped by the financial office of the company seeking post payment approval. The submission of the letter does not guarantee approval. The agent will be notified of the decision within 72 hours of the submission of the application.

D. Letter of Credit

In some cases Sakon will accept a Letter of Credit as payment guarantee. Sakon Corporate must approve these applications. The agent will provide the applicant with a Sakon approved "letter of credit" format. Submission of application does not guarantee approval. Agent will be notified of approval within one week of the submission of the application.

Credit Card Authorizations/Limits & Renewal

All credit cards used for payment of Sakon services will go through the following authorization process.

  1. Billing address verification
  2. The issuing credit card Company is contacted to match the applicant’s and the credit cardholder’s address. If there is no match, services are not provided until additional information is obtained.

  3. Ten dollar authorization

All cards will be authorized for ten dollars. This process is used to determine the validity of the card. This is not a charge on the credit card.

3) Credit Limits/ Automatic Renewal

Customers can choose a credit limit up to $200. Upon reaching their limit the customer’s credit card will be charged. Depending on the renewal choice of the customer, the account will either remain active or be disabled. Upon approval of the Sakon Billing Department, some customer will be allowed credit limits above $200.

 

Customers have the option of choosing from the following reinstatement options.

Each time the limit is reached the customer’s credit card is charged but their account remains open. There is no break in service unless an authorization is not received for the credit card.

When customer’s limit is reached, the credit card will be charged and the account is closed. It is automatically reopened the following month with the same credit limit.

 

Sakon reserves the right to ask for a photocopy of the back and front of a credit card. The cardholder name and signature must be legible. The Sakon billing department will determine the criteria under which a photocopy will be required.

Sakon’s billing department reserves the right to decline an application if it feels the credit card information submitted may be fraudulent.

If a customer is declined because of an invalid credit card, card-reported lost/stolen or incomplete application information, the agent will be contacted and asked to obtain the correct information or a new method of payment.

Shut Off Procedures

Shutting down an Account or Access Code, either temporarily or permanently, is done by filling out a User Information (Addition, Changes, Deactivation & Closures) Form and faxing it back to our Customer Care Center. Please be sure to check the correct box.

There are several reasons that may lead you to request an Account or Access Code to be shut off. It is important for Customer Care that you know the following two distinctions and use only these correct terms when making your request.

Deactivation: This is a temporary shut down of an Account or AC. We will keep their account open, but they will not be able to use it until you tell us to reactivate the entire account or AC, whichever is relevant to the situation.

Examples of when to deactivate an Account or AC:

  1. If a customer is not paying their bills
  2. An employee with an AC leaves the company
  3. An AC is being used by an unauthorized personnel

Closure: This is a permanent shut down of an account. Once we have closed an account, it cannot be reopened with the same access numbers. Please be certain that this is what you want to do before requesting an account closure.

Examples of when to close an Account or AC:

  1. The customer no longer wants to use the service
  2. A customer deactivated for non-payment refuses to pay their account
  3. Customer has not used the account for a long time and cannot be contacted by phone or mail

 

 

 

 

Fraud Protection

 

Sakon’s billing department practices the following procedures in order to control credit card fraud.

 

  1. If a credit card has been declined, in order to resubmit, a photocopy of the back and front of the card must be faxed into the local office and Sakon Corporate. The cardholder name and signature must be legible.
  2. If a card has been declined three times, the application will no longer be accepted.
  3. Only one account will be provisioned per credit card.
  4. Credit limits.
  5. Automatic shut-off after 60 minutes. There will be a complete shut down of the line is there are more than three 60 minute shut offs in one day. Under certain circumstances, determined by Sakon Corporate, this feature can be disabled.
  6. Usage pattern monitoring.