StarStar Number
Encyclopedia
A StarStar Number is an intelligent phone number that allows the request and receipt of information directly to a mobile phone
.
The Zoove Corporation operates the StarStar Number Registry and content delivery platform in the United States leasing StarStar Numbers that are available for mobile subscribers to call on the major U.S. carriers. AT&T
and Verizon launched support for StarStar Numbers in July 2010. Sprint
and T-Mobile
partnerships were announced in March 2011.
A StarStar Number combines a toll-free number
, a web address and a short code
into one simplified number. It is a 1-15 digit string of letters or numbers that is preceded by the character * on the common alphanumeric dialpad found on phones since its introduction in 1962.
StarStar Numbers are called just like a regular telephone number. The caller can be presented with any one of a variety of responses that an advertiser defines - a voice or IVR call
, a text message, a video or audio clip, a mobile coupon, game or an application.
A StarStar Number is not the same as an abbreviated dial code
which only supports voice calls, basically abbreviating a standard phone number and connecting the caller to a person or machine (interactive voice response system
or voice messaging system) that answers the call.
A StarStar Number is not the same as a 2D bar code which must be photographed or scanned by a mobile phone camera prior to presenting the caller with a response.
An example of a StarStar Number is **USA (**872) which allows a mobile phone user to download an iPhone
or Android application from USA Today
with news, sports and weather updates.
Mobile phone
A mobile phone is a device which can make and receive telephone calls over a radio link whilst moving around a wide geographic area. It does so by connecting to a cellular network provided by a mobile network operator...
.
The Zoove Corporation operates the StarStar Number Registry and content delivery platform in the United States leasing StarStar Numbers that are available for mobile subscribers to call on the major U.S. carriers. AT&T
AT&T
AT&T Inc. is an American multinational telecommunications corporation headquartered in Whitacre Tower, Dallas, Texas, United States. It is the largest provider of mobile telephony and fixed telephony in the United States, and is also a provider of broadband and subscription television services...
and Verizon launched support for StarStar Numbers in July 2010. Sprint
Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel Corporation is an American telecommunications company based in Overland Park, Kansas. The company owns and operates Sprint, the third largest wireless telecommunications network in the United States, with 53.4 million customers, behind Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility...
and T-Mobile
T-Mobile
T-Mobile International AG is a German-based holding company for Deutsche Telekom AG's various mobile communications subsidiaries outside Germany. Based in Bonn, Germany, its subsidiaries operate GSM and UMTS-based cellular networks in Europe, the United States, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands...
partnerships were announced in March 2011.
A StarStar Number combines a toll-free number
Toll-free telephone number
A toll-free, Freecall, Freephone, 800, 0800 or 1-800 number is a special telephone number which is free to the calling party, and instead the telephone carrier charges the called party the cost of the call...
, a web address and a short code
Short code
Short codes are special telephone numbers, significantly shorter than full telephone numbers, that can be used to address SMS and MMS messages from certain service provider's mobile phones or fixed phones...
into one simplified number. It is a 1-15 digit string of letters or numbers that is preceded by the character * on the common alphanumeric dialpad found on phones since its introduction in 1962.
StarStar Numbers are called just like a regular telephone number. The caller can be presented with any one of a variety of responses that an advertiser defines - a voice or IVR call
Interactive voice response
Interactive voice response is a technology that allows a computer to interact with humans through the use of voice and DTMF keypad inputs....
, a text message, a video or audio clip, a mobile coupon, game or an application.
A StarStar Number is not the same as an abbreviated dial code
Abbreviated dialing
Abbreviated dialing is the use of a very short telephone number to reach public services. Typically these are two or three digits, and are most commonly known as being emergency telephone numbers like 9-9-9, 1-1-2 and 9-1-1. Other services may also be available this way, such as the N11 codes in...
which only supports voice calls, basically abbreviating a standard phone number and connecting the caller to a person or machine (interactive voice response system
Interactive voice response
Interactive voice response is a technology that allows a computer to interact with humans through the use of voice and DTMF keypad inputs....
or voice messaging system) that answers the call.
A StarStar Number is not the same as a 2D bar code which must be photographed or scanned by a mobile phone camera prior to presenting the caller with a response.
An example of a StarStar Number is **USA (**872) which allows a mobile phone user to download an iPhone
IPhone
The iPhone is a line of Internet and multimedia-enabled smartphones marketed by Apple Inc. The first iPhone was unveiled by Steve Jobs, then CEO of Apple, on January 9, 2007, and released on June 29, 2007...
or Android application from USA Today
USA Today
USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...
with news, sports and weather updates.