Time of Day Routing

Automatically route calls to the right place at the right time. Business hours, after-hours, weekends — all handled without lifting a finger.

What is Time of Day Routing?

Very few businesses are truly 24/7 and often have varying requirements for handling their calls at different times of the day. Time of Day Routing allows you to automatically change the behaviour of your numbers depending on the time of day.

A common example is to call your staff during working hours but present to a voicemail box or out-of-hours call centre once the business has closed for the day. Callers often feel frustrated if they are left holding when everybody has gone home — this is an ideal way to avoid that.

Businesses that receive a large volume of calls can also use it during busy periods to divert calls to a larger team or call centre capable of helping customers when all internal staff are busy.

It is fully automated once configured — set it once and forget about it.

Configure everything from the My Virtually Local portal on any device.

Weekly Schedule
Mon - Fri
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Office Team
Mon - Fri
5:30 PM - 9:00 AM
Voicemail
Saturday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Mobile
Sunday
All Day
Voicemail

Smart Call Routing That Works Around Your Schedule

Set your rules once and Time of Day Routing handles everything automatically, day and night.

Day & Time Rules

Create different routing rules for each day of the week and time of day. Weekday office hours, Saturday mornings, evenings — each can have its own destination.

Fully Automated

Once configured, Time of Day Routing runs on autopilot. No need to manually switch your numbers over at the end of each working day.

After-Hours Handling

Send calls to voicemail, a mobile, or an answering service outside of business hours. Your callers are always handled professionally, even at midnight.

Overflow During Busy Periods

Route calls to additional staff or an external call centre during peak times. Ensure your busiest hours do not mean missed calls.

Easy to Update

Change your schedule anytime from the My Virtually Local portal. Adjusting for bank holidays or seasonal hours takes just a few clicks.

Works With Other Features

Combine with Cloud Voicemail, Personalised Greetings, and Advanced Call Distribution for a complete call management system.

Who Benefits from Time of Day Routing?

Any business with opening hours, busy periods, or staff who need to switch off will benefit.

Retail & Hospitality

Route calls to your shop during opening hours and to voicemail when you close. Customers hear a professional message instead of endless ringing.

Professional Services

Solicitors, accountants, and consultants can route calls to reception during office hours and to a mobile or voicemail outside of them.

Customer Service Teams

Spread calls across a larger team during peak periods and reduce the group during quieter times. Match your staffing to your call volume.

Tradespeople & Field Workers

Stop receiving business calls during evenings and weekends. Let voicemail catch them so you can enjoy your downtime and call back on your terms.

The Advantages of Time of Day Routing

  • Fully automated once configured — set it and forget it
  • Ensures callers are never left waiting when your business is closed
  • Route calls to different staff or teams during busy periods
  • Switch off and stop receiving business calls during your downtime
  • Present callers to voicemail or an answering service after hours
  • Different rules for each day of the week and time of day
  • Easy to update for bank holidays, seasonal changes, or special events
  • Combines seamlessly with voicemail, greetings, and hunt groups

Available on Business & Unlimited

Time of Day Routing is included in our Business and Unlimited packages. When setting up your numbers, choose Time-of-Day as your behaviour and follow the simple on-screen prompts.

Configure and update your schedules anytime from the My Virtually Local portal.

View All Packages

Works Brilliantly With These Features

Time of Day Routing is even more powerful when combined with other Virtually Local features.

Cloud Voicemail

The perfect partner for after-hours routing. Send calls to voicemail when you close and receive messages by email instantly.

Learn More

Personalised Greetings

Play a different greeting during and outside of business hours. Let callers know your opening times or that you will call them back.

Learn More

Advanced Call Distribution

Route calls to your full team during the day and a smaller group in the evening. Combine with time rules for ultimate flexibility.

Learn More

Let's Get Started

Select an area from the drop down box, or start typing, to find the area code you need. Our wizard will guide you through the sign-up process.

  • FREE setup and instant activation on all standard numbers
  • Packages starting from just £4.95 per month
  • Choice of phone numbers in all towns and cities across the UK
  • Monthly rolling contract, you can cancel at any time
  • Make outbound calls from your virtual number
  • Keep your BT landline number by bringing it with you