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How do I set up an announcement line?

Announcement lines allow callers to hear a prerecorded message such as a daily school announcement, seasonal sale or promotion, etc. Because announcements are continually changing, it is helpful to set up these lines so that any user can record and update these recordings without needing access to the admin portal.
Note:
  • If announcements do not change often or an admin is updates the recordings, you may consider using a sound clip in a dial plan instead of the steps below.
  • Callers will need to be routed to the announcement line via an auto attendant on your dial plan or by directing a phone number to the extension.
  1. Sign in to GoTo Admin.
  2. Select Phone system > Call routes > Shared voicemail and then select Add (plus sign) IconAdd shared voicemail on the top-right.
    Note: This shared voicemail box will only be used as the announcement line.
  3. The next available number will automatically populate the Extension; change this number as needed.
  4. Enter a Name for the shared voicemail box.
  5. Select Save and then choose the new shared voicemail box.
  6. Select the Settings tab and then select Notifications.
  7. Enable Email notifications.
  8. In Recipient email address, enter the email address for where you want voicemail notifications to be sent.
  9. Optional: From General, enable Escape to operator and then choose the desired extension. This allows a caller to press 0 during the announcement to be transferred back to the beginning of a dial plan or a different line for assistance.
    Note: Enabling this setting does not automatically prompt callers to press 0 to escape to another extension. You will need to include these instructions in your announcement recording.
  10. Select Save.
What to do next: Record an announcement.

Record Announcements

  1. Dial *98 from a phone.
  2. Enter the extension assigned to the announcement line.
  3. Enter the voicemail password (default 0000).
  4. Press 0 for Mailbox Options and then press 4 to record a Temporary Message.
    Note: When recorded, this message overrides any other voicemail greetings. In your recording:
    • Record 10-20+ seconds of silence after your announcement to ensure the caller does not hear a beep and leave a voicemail.
    • If escape to operator is enabled, include instructions to press 0 to be transferred to the specified extension (see step 8 above).
  5. Follow the voice prompts to accept, review, or re-record the recording.
  6. Optional: To delete a temporary message, dial *98 or *99 to access the voicemail menu. Press 0 for Mailbox Options, 4 for Record Temporary Message, and then 2 to Delete Temporary Message. If you are an admin, you can also delete these directly from the admin portal.
What to do next: Route a phone number to the announcement direct extension or use it as an option in a dial plan.
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Article last updated: 3 May, 2023