Opt out of voicemail and transfer to another extension

[NSR]

If a caller reaches a voicemail box, pressing * dials the operator. Is there a dial code for them to transfer to a different extension?

 

[VoIPTools]

This is not possible. The only possibility would be to front the voicemail box with an IVR that says something like:

To leave a voicemail, press 1. To access the company directory, press 2. Or you can dial another extension at any time.

Unfortunately, I can't think of a way for the IVR to know which voicemail box to transfer to if the caller selects 1. That would require an IVR for every person that needs this feature.

 

[leejor]

Pressing * takes you to the designated operator extension.. If you don't actually use an operator extension you can have that extension go to one IVR that gives the caller some options.

Many people, reaching a recording, will try getting "out" by pressing * , hoping it gets them to someone that is actually at their desk, as that will many times work, on other systems.