In a world first, Vodafone customers (Vodafone OneNumber is free for all Red pay monthly customers) can now make and receive calls via Amazon Echo devices from any of their contacts using their existing mobile phone plan.

By simply linking their mobile phone number to their Alexa account, customers can enjoy hands-free calling – without needing to stop what they are doing and pick up the phone. So whether they’re busy with housework or cooking a meal they will be able to stay connected. Alexa calling with Vodafone OneNumber also gives customers peace of mind, meaning they can still keep in touch if they lose their smartphone or run out of battery. What’s more, if they need help they can call emergency service numbers directly through their Alexa speaker.  Customers can decide which of their Echo devices will ring and they can turn inbound ringing on or off, any time they choose.

Max Taylor, Consumer Director at Vodafone UK says, ‘‘We are of course proud to be the first to offer this service globally but more importantly provide another easy way for our customers to stay connected.  Vodafone UK customers can now tap into their mobile call allowances, doing away with their landlines, and through an integrated address book make or receive calls over Alexa devices in the home”.

“Every day Alexa connects customers with the people who matter most to them and today we’re making it even easier to do that with the introduction of Alexa calling with Vodafone OneNumber,” said Brian Oliver, Director of Alexa Communication. “This is just one more way Amazon is continuing to expand our Alexa Communication service, making it even easier for our customers to stay in touch with family and friends around the world.”

With Vodafone OneNumber, customers (All Vodafone Red Pay monthly customers can use this service by registering for free for Vodafone OneNumber) can share their mobile plan’s allowance of data, minutes and texts with multiple devices such as their Alexa or smartwatch. As Vodafone OneNumber can connect multiple devices, customers have both the freedom to use the device which is most useful to them at any given time – whether they’re out for a morning run, catching up on emails in a coffee shop or want to go hands free in the kitchen – and the convenience of using their existing mobile phone plan on their chosen device.  Making or receiving calls with Vodafone OneNumber on an Alexa-enabled device is simple – just ask. For example: “Alexa, call mum”.