Only qualified calls
You're charged only when a caller is in your area, wants what you offer and answers the questions. Spam and wrong numbers are refunded automatically.
AI Switchboard by Fonepod
One number for every local service
Customers call one number and say what they need. The switchboard finds the best provider nearby, by availability, responsiveness and reviews, and puts them straight through or books them in.
Try it
Call the switchboard
Describe a problem and a postcode, choose how urgent it is, and place the call. Watch the switchboard qualify it, rank the providers and route it. The providers are examples.
The callConnected
Fonepod AIHello, you've reached AI Switchboard by Fonepod. What do you need help with, and where are you?
CallerWater is leaking under my kitchen sink – E8 3RL
Fonepod AIGot it: plumbing and heating in E8 3RL. Is water still coming out, and can you turn off the stopcock?
CallerYes, I need someone as soon as possible.
Fonepod AIThanks. Finding the best provider near you now.
Fonepod AIKingsmead Plumbing is free now and rated 4.9. I'm putting you through and passing on your details.
Matching
free now 45%distance 25%answer rate 20%rating 10%
1
Kingsmead Plumbing
2.8 miFree nowAnswers 96%Calls back in 4 min★ 4.9 (212)
87
2
FlowRight Plumbers
1.3 miFree nowAnswers 78%Calls back in 22 min★ 4.6 (95)
86
3
Pipe & Valve 24
2.6 miFree nowAnswers 84%Calls back in 12 min★ 4.4 (61)
80
4
Arden Heating & Plumbing
0.7 miNext slot tomorrowAnswers 91%Calls back in 9 min★ 4.8 (340)Sponsored
48
OutcomeConnected live to Kingsmead PlumbingWarm transfer with the caller's notes. Both sides get a text, and the caller rates the job afterwards.
Ranking weights change with urgency: "as soon as possible" favours who is free now and nearby; "this week" favours ratings.
How it works
About a minute from hello to the right provider
- One numberCustomers call the switchboard directly, or through a partner's branded line.
- AI qualifiesIt asks what, where and when, and screens for emergencies before anything else.
- Match and rankProviders who cover the postcode are ranked on availability, responsiveness, ratings and distance.
- Connect or bookIf the best match is free, a warm transfer with notes. If not, a slot in their diary.
- Rate and learnBoth sides get a text. The caller's rating feeds the next match.
Matching
Ranked on who will actually pick up
Every provider on the switchboard runs its phone on Fonepod, so the ranking uses real behaviour, not profile claims.
- Live line status and real free diary slots
- Answer rate and callback speed from call data
- Ratings only from switchboard customers
- Sponsored matches always labelled to the caller
| Step | Signal | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Filter | Service and specialism | Provider profile |
| Filter | Covers the caller's postcode | Service area |
| Filter | Open now, or a free slot in the caller's window | Fonepod line and diary |
| Rank | Answer rate and callback speed | Fonepod call data, last 90 days |
| Rank | Post-job rating | Text survey after every job |
| Rank | Distance | Postcode |
For providers
Customers sent straight to your phone or diary
Already on Fonepod? Switch on the switchboard and start receiving qualified calls in your area.
Your own customers stay free
Callers already in your records are recognised by number and never charged as switchboard calls.
See every result
Your Fonepod dashboard shows each switchboard call, booking and rating, and your own ranking scores.
| How you pay | When |
|---|---|
| Per connected call | A qualified caller is put through to you live |
| Per booking | The switchboard books a job into your diary (instead of the call fee, never on top) |
| Switchboard listed | Optional monthly add-on for more turns in rotation, always labelled as sponsored |
Prices per category are set during the London pilot.
For partners
Give your customers one number for everything
Letting agents, insurers, coworking spaces and dealerships hand out the switchboard as their own branded help line, and earn a share of every call.
| Partner | Their customers | What they call for |
|---|---|---|
| Letting agents and property managers | Tenants and landlords | Plumbers, electricians, locksmiths, cleaners |
| Insurers and brokers | Home and motor policyholders | Repairers, glaziers, garages, recovery |
| Coworking spaces | Member companies | IT support, cleaners, office moves |
| Dealerships | Car owners | Tyres, bodywork, valeting |
| Estate agents | Buyers and sellers | Conveyancers, surveyors, removals, cleaners |
Your brand on the line
Callers hear your name in the greeting. The switchboard does the rest.
Pin your preferred providers
Already work with contractors you trust? They're tried first, with the switchboard as fallback.
A share of every call
You earn a percentage of the fees from calls your customers make.
Rules
Trust is the product
Emergencies first
Gas, fire or danger to life are sent to 999 or the gas emergency line before any routing.
Vetted providers
Identity, insurance and trade registration such as Gas Safe are checked before a provider gets calls.
Honest ranking
Sponsored matches are labelled, and only real switchboard customers can leave ratings.
Callers agree first
Callers hear a recording notice and agree before their details go to a provider.
At launch the switchboard doesn't route insurance, mortgage, legal or clinical advice.
Questions
About AI Switchboard
Does it cost callers anything?
No, only the cost of a normal call to a UK landline number.
Where does it work?
London first, borough by borough. Manchester and Birmingham follow, then the US once Fonepod has a US carrier.
Which services can I call about?
At launch: plumbing and heating, electricians, locksmiths, estate and letting agents, and cleaners. More categories follow as providers join.
What if nobody is free?
The switchboard says so and offers the first available slot, or a call-back when a provider covering your area becomes free.
Do I need to be on Fonepod to receive calls?
Yes. That's how the switchboard knows you're free, how fast you answer, and can book into your diary.
Get on the switchboard
List your business to receive qualified calls in your area, or partner with us to give your customers one number for everything.