Mobile operators in Belarus take care of their subscribers and provide them with many necessary and useful services, one of which is “Voice Box” on Velcom numbers. After connecting it, the company’s client does not have to worry about missing any important calls, even if the phone turns off, or there is simply no way to pick up the phone in at the moment. If a subscriber used the option for some time, and then wanted to disable “Voicemail” on Velcom, this is his choice and right. The information on how to disable Velcom’s “Voice Box” presented in this material is specifically for such clients of the company.
A function called “Voicemail” is available to subscribers using any tariff offers Velcom. You can use it for free if you mean standard option, that is, when the client has not activated the Plus package.
The service works according to the following principle: forwarding to service phone Velcom company. The user can choose the forwarding type independently: SIM card is not registered, the subscriber does not answer, busy. To ensure that the call is forwarded if all required conditions are met, you can set the general type.
Why disable
Sometimes even a Velcom client who uses Voicemail all the time has to disable this 
How to refuse Voicemail
In order to disable the option (it does not matter whether it is disabled temporarily or permanently), you need to cancel all forwarding on your phone. Instructions on how to disable “Voicemail” on Velcom:
- A user with access to the subscriber information system Velcom can change the list of connected functions and disable what is no longer required.
- Send the combination *441*1# from your mobile phone. If the operation is successful, the operator will disable the function and send an appropriate alert.
- In parameters voice communication, which are in general settings devices, it is also possible to disable and cancel the use of Voicemail.
Connecting to the service and listening to messages
If mail was disabled for some time, and then the subscriber decided to reactivate it, you need to access the Welkom option menu by sending the same USSD combination *441*1. After this, all that remains is to set up call forwarding to the Velcom service number +375296000210 according to the conditions described above.
Important! Also, the phone owner can leave a greeting or appeal to callers no longer than a minute long in “Voicemail”. You can do two, but the duration remains the same: for example, one will last forty seconds, and the second – twenty.
How to listen to messages
Messages are listened to in one of two ways:
- Make a call to the service number.
- Call the public access number – +375296000201, and then indicate the unique code with “#” to the authorization information and the phone number.
The described services are also available to those who are roaming.
Once the message has been listened to, the Velcom client can:
- save it by pressing button 3;
- remove by pressing button 5.
Email messages are deleted only after you finish working with Voicemail. Because of this, the subscriber has the opportunity to familiarize himself with them again by going to the optional menu.
Managing Voicemail on Velcom is quite simple: you can connect and disconnect it remotely, and you don’t need to submit any applications to the company’s office. If you do not want to use this function in principle, you can refuse it immediately after purchasing and installing a SIM card in your mobile device.
Voicemail is a service that allows you to forward calls and not miss calls throughout the day. If the subscriber does not require such options, that is, most often he can answer the call himself without affecting his work and other matters, using the operator’s service is not required, since it is not cheap.
Conditional forwarding in roaming is paid at the established rates; there is no charge for unconditional forwarding.
The option can be quite expensive, but is completely replaced by using an Internet connection and various instant messengers or social networks for communication.
The voice box has two packages - “Standard” and “Plus”. The second provides advanced features. At the end of the month, a fairly large amount may accumulate for using forwarding, since billing is carried out on a daily basis.
USSD command
The option is controlled using the command *441*1#. Through it, the subscriber can configure the mailbox, connect and disconnect additional packages, and also deactivate it using the menu.
On the website in your personal account or in the mobile application
It is possible to connect and disconnect any services, including forwarding, through your personal account and mobile application. To do this you need:
- Log in to your account on the website and go to the “Operation with TP and services” section to deactivate the unnecessary one;
- In the application, select the “Services” category and disable mail.
Call to the call center
It’s easy to remove options by calling the operator - contact a specialist at 411. Calls remain free for all network subscribers, regardless of tariff plan and connected functions. A company specialist will deactivate your voice box and answer all your questions.
It is not always possible to reach an operator if the network is overloaded due to a large number of requests or weather conditions.
How to disable the Plus package of Velcom voicemail
The "Plus" package gives a number of additional functions, which may be useful to certain users who frequently receive large number calls by mobile communications. But since this option is also paid for, if it is not used, the subscriber is forced to unjustifiably overpay.
Disabling a package is done as follows:
- by using special team *441*2#;
- through your personal account on the operator’s website or mobile application on your smartphone;
- by calling the short internal number 411;
- legal entities can leave a request at the company's post office - [email protected].
When the option is deactivated, all user settings, including language and password, as well as recorded greetings, are saved.
Velcom in the Republic of Belarus has well-developed customer self-service services. Thanks to the personal account and the application, it is possible to very quickly deactivate options, including the answering machine.
To turn off voicemail on Velcom, you need to use one of the methods provided by the operator. This can be done by number technical support, through a short system command sent from the phone, or in your personal account on the website.
This operator in Belarus gives you a choice of two mail options – regular and extended “Plus” package. The second type contains additional advantages, this is especially true for those subscribers who spend a lot of time talking and cannot miss an important call. Users of the Plus package have the opportunity to receive e-mail copies voice and fax messages.
Why turn off voicemail?
The standard service is free when you connect without conditional forwarding, that is, when all calls to the number are redirected to another SIM card. If call transfer is set to certain conditions, then a daily fee is charged for the service. These options include forwarding when the phone is busy, turned off, or out of network coverage. When this function is no longer needed by the subscriber, it is recommended to disable it so as not to overpay in vain.
Abroad, the forwarded call is paid at roaming rates. This only applies to conditional forwarding (unconditional is free). In order not to pay a large amount for communication while the subscriber is outside Belarus, he should disable the voice mail service.
If a previously connected “Plus” package with advanced features is no longer needed for some reason, disable it to avoid paying a daily subscription fee.
Disabling voicemail
There are three ways to disable the voice mailbox on Velcom. There is a convenient website for Internet users where subscribers can manage their services independently, without the help of consultants. If there is no access to the network, a regular USSD command sent from the phone will help remove the service. To do this, you do not need to have access to the Internet or money in your account.
If you can’t handle it yourself, call the call center and ask a specialist for help.
USSD command
Voicemail management is available in the mobile menu. To call him, dial *441*1# on your phone and press the call button. A list of actions that the subscriber can perform will appear on the screen - configure service settings, connect and disconnect packages, or completely delete the service.
For the extended version “Plus”, the mobile menu is opened using the command *441*2#.
On the operator’s website in your personal account
Any service can be disabled via the Internet. For this purpose, a personal account has been created for customer self-service. To use it, you need to do the following:
- Go to the website of the operator Velcom.
- Click on the “Login” button on the right side of the page.
- Log in - enter your username and password. If this is your first login, click the “Register” button.
- In the left menu, select the “Operation with TP and services” section.
- In the list that opens below, select forwarding or the “Plus” package - what is connected to the number.
- Use the Edit buttons to change all options to Not Installed.
The same operation can be done in mobile application. Download it to your smartphone and manage services when needed. To open the menu, click on the icon in the form of three stripes in the left corner of the screen.
Call to the call center
To get rid of the service through the company’s specialists, call 411. The call is free for Velcom subscribers. You often have to wait several minutes for an operator to respond due to line congestion. After connecting, ask the consultant to deactivate the service on your number. To do this, the subscriber will need to give his name and provide passport information.
Deleting “Voicemail” on Velcom is not difficult. Even if the subscriber does not use the Internet, he can easily contact a company representative and disable unnecessary options through him. Sending a USSD request works on any phone, even on a regular push-button device, and for this you do not need to have access to mobile internet. There are usually no problems with shutdown. No money is debited for the operation.
As it turns out, a sore subject for many is how Belarusian operators make money on the gullibility of subscribers. But gullibility is not the only “sin” of clients. ARPU can also be slightly increased due to our forgetfulness and inattention.
Part one, reference
"Melofon"
In order to find information about this service of the first GSM operator in Belarus, you will have to tinker. In the description of tariff plans, the procedure for providing services, and even in full description There is not a single mention of the service itself that it is automatically connected to all new subscribers.
Only the skills of Sherlock Holmes will help us find the lost link “Rules” and find among dozens of documents the one we need - “Procedure for the provision of the Melofon service.” Only there it is written that “the Melofon service is automatically assigned upon concluding an agreement for the provision of telecommunication services at tariffs velcom plans(except for tariff plans for the Internet and special tariff plans) and PRIVET tariff plans.”
The essence of “Melofon” is this: instead of the usual beeps, callers hear different melodies, from the imperishable creations of Mikhail Bublik to the soul-touching chants of Stas Mikhailov. How many subscribers need such pleasure? Not sure. But it has been connected to every newcomer for a long time.
The cost of the service is 7,900 rubles per month. The first month is free. Not bad, especially for budget tariffs with a low monthly fee like “In touch” (13,900 rubles). That works out to be a more than 50 percent increase in the subscription fee!
How to get rid of Stas Mikhailov? Via the Internet using ISSA it will not work - in “ Personal account» is not in the list of Melofon services. You will either have to register on the service’s website and disconnect there, or, which is easier, send an SMS with the text rbtoff to number 424. Even better, dial the USSD request *424*5*1#call.
"What's new"
Melofon was sorted out, but that’s not all. The operator also has a “What’s New” service in its arsenal. Here's what velcom itself says about it: “For your convenience, the service starts working automatically after installing a SIM card in the phone. Periodically after ending a voice call or sending an SMS on the screen mobile phone messages appear on various topics. If you are interested in the announcement, just click OK and read, listen, view detailed information, and also use entertainment services.”
The service itself does not provide for a subscription fee, but by accidentally or inadvertently clicking OK, you can easily, as they say, “get into money.” The service is especially dangerous for older people and children, who, without reading it carefully, can click OK to close the window, and end up paying more than a thousand rubles for news about how Taiwanese take “selfies” in bags. In this case, you may also have to pay for Internet traffic.
Getting rid of the service is not easy. Again, “Personal Account” will not help. But we still advise you to look there and activate the services “Opt-out of IVR|USSD newsletters” and “Opt-out of SMS mailings”. This will get rid of some advertising messages, but, judging by the descriptions of the services, it will not in any way affect the nature of What's New. There is also no universal SMS or USSD request to disconnect.
You can try going to the operator’s SIM menu and sequentially selecting “What’s new”, “Settings”, “Service enabled”, “Disable” and “Confirm”. However, for some reason this particular menu item was not on my phone. So the only sure and reliable way is to call the call center at 410 or 411 and ask to be relieved of the service.
Finally one more pitfall, whose name is “Voicemail”. For five years now, it has been automatically connected to all new and existing clients, having already become quite boring for some. Some people have resigned themselves to it and gotten used to listening to voice mail prompts over and over again, while others weren’t too lazy and got rid of a service they didn’t need long ago.
The danger of “Voicemail” lurks primarily for the caller. By default, voicemail forwarding is enabled if the called party is unavailable or does not answer within 30 seconds. As a result, the person making the call pays for the call according to his tariff, although he never spoke to you.
Abroad, the payment problem is easily resolved. The person is given a few non-chargeable seconds to decide whether to leave a message or not.
Let's be honest, almost all callers, when asked to leave a message using voicemail, simply hang up. In this case, as a rule, the money still manages to be written off. It turns out that you are actually paying for “air”. And even if you decide to leave a message, the chances that the called subscriber will listen to it are minimal - they would rather call you back than deal with your voice box.
The service is especially dangerous abroad, when the forwarded call is paid for as an incoming and outgoing call at roaming rates.
There are several ways to get rid of voicemail. The simplest one is using a USSD request. On your phone we dial *441*1#call. Next, select the first item and cancel all conditions for call forwarding. SMS notifications about missed calls should remain.
More fine tuning services are available through ISSA. Let's go to " Personal assistant" and go to the "Call Forwarding" tab. Here you can select under what conditions “Voicemail” is allowed to work.
Part two, practical
The Onliner.by journalist went to the operator's showrooms. The task is as follows: connect to an inexpensive tariff and see if they will offer us to disable third-party services and whether they will say anything at all about them. Or is it still better for the future subscriber to arm himself with knowledge before going on a trip?
It is worth noting that before this I sent the operators only three simple questions, slightly different in wording depending on the recipient. From velcom, for example, I wanted to get answers to the following questions:
- Which additional services outside the tariff plan does a subscriber receive when connecting to velcom?
- For what purpose are new users automatically connected? paid service"Melofon"?
- Does the operator inform the subscriber making the call that money will be debited from his account for a message left using Voicemail?
Almost a week of velcom was not enough to satisfy our curiosity. MTS, by the way, also ignored questions addressed to them.
I visited the operators' salons on the same day, at approximately the same time (there was a place where the service centers of velcom, MTS, and life:) are located nearby). At velcom there was no need to wait at all - three consultants quickly cope with their work and practically prevent queues from forming.
So, I clearly formulate my goal: I want to subscribe to the “Summer Calling” tariff, they say, I chose it especially for my mother and it suits everyone. Attempts to offer something more “talkative” or “Internet” were not successful - I want a cheap tariff, and that’s it!
We must pay tribute to the consultant: he immediately warned that for terminating the contract before three months of service, you would have to pay a “penalty” of something in the region of 60,000 rubles.
A few minutes - and the contract is finalized! Surprisingly, the young man immediately suggested turning off Melofon and did it in a couple of clicks on the computer. But the consultant didn’t remember about “What’s new.” After I asked about the service, a velcom employee carefully wrote on a piece of paper step by step instructions to disable the service.
- Can’t you turn it off right now?
- Unfortunately no. You need to activate the SIM card and disable "What's New" yourself.
Overall I was pleased with the service. They connected and advised quickly, clearly, to the point and as politely as possible. I was pleasantly surprised that they got rid of Melofon immediately, without questions or reminders.
An interesting moment is associated with a call to the velcom call center when I tried to disable the “What’s New” service. The girl on the other end of the “line” noted with surprise that for some reason this automatically activated service was deactivated for me. How did this happen? After all, at the salon they told me that I could only turn it off myself. I just recently installed a SIM card in my phone and haven’t had time to do anything yet!
The operator, no less surprised than me, suggested that perhaps the service was closed during the connection. At the same time, the girl confirmed that it is impossible to deactivate “What’s new” using SMS or USSD, but it is possible through ISSA (although I didn’t have such an item in my “Personal Account”) or by calling the call center.
Well, let this little mystery remain unsolved. Be that as it may, you need to keep your eyes open, and in order not to burden your account with unnecessary expenses, it is enough to take into account a few simple recommendations given in the article:
- *424*5*1#call - USSD request to disable the Melofon service.
- *441*1*1#call - USSD request to disable forwarding to Voicemail.
- 410 or 411 - call the call center and ask to disable the “What’s New” service. Or you can look for the corresponding item in the operator's SIM menu.
In the following articles of the series, we will talk about how MTS and life:) take advantage of forgetfulness and inattention of subscribers, and we will also write how to disconnect from operator services that you do not need.
The “Voicemail” option provides the opportunity to receive and listen to messages from subscribers who were unable to get through at available times. The answering machine works automatically if the user’s phone is busy, completely switched off, outside the operator’s coverage area, and also in cases where the owner of the device does not pick up the phone. The service is included by default in all Velcom tariff packages (that is, available to all clients of the company).
How to disconnect?
- Send the USSD command - *441*1#.
- Use the appropriate command in the menu of your mobile device.
- Use the deactivation option in the ISSA online subscriber service.
Service activation
Access the optional service menu through the hardware menu serving the ISSA service or via the USSD command *441*1#. Then set the call forwarding to the service number +375296000210 according to the proposed conditions (to choose from):
- no answer;
- the subscriber is unavailable;
- line is busy;
- selection of all available conditions.
Additionally, the phone owner can record several greetings in the voice box. But their total footage is limited in time - no more than 60 seconds. If the duration of one of the greetings is 40 seconds, then the second can only be 20 seconds.
How to listen to voice messages?
In case of receiving audio messages, the service sends an SMS notification to the subscriber from the service number +375296000441. It provides information about the number of messages received, the number of the last incoming call who left a voicemail.
1. Call the service number (optional):
- +375296000200
- +375296000441
2. Call the public access service - +375296000201. Enter your phone number and unique password, adding the “#” symbol to the authorization data.
Note. These services can also be used while roaming.
After finishing listening to an audio message, the user is prompted to do one of the following with it:
- key “3” - save.
- key “5” - delete.
Attention! Messages are deleted only after disconnecting the connection to the Voicemail service. Due to this feature, the subscriber has the opportunity to listen to the voice SMS again while in the options menu.
Instructions for the Plus package
In the Plus package the service provides more functionality: delivery of fax and voice messages by email. Address mailbox can be indicated in the ISSA, as well as in the company’s proprietary service centers in the format of a special application.
Activation/deactivation of “Plus” is carried out in the following ways:
- Sending a USSD request - *441*2#.
- Contact help desk Velcom via access codes - 410 and 411.
- Submitting an application to disable/enable at the company center.