Advanced technologies have changed the way we communicate and interact with the world. The most significant advance in telecommunications in recent years is VoIP. This cloud-based technology has become very popular among businesses and individuals, allowing them to make and receive calls from anywhere using an internet connection. You will need a VoIP number to make or receive calls provided by VoIP service providers. Now, you can connect with your clients, customers and employees regardless of your geographical location. A VoIP number is a telephone number that is linked to your business phone system, so you need to understand these numbers.
In this article, we will describe VoIP phone numbers, how they work, and the benefits for businesses.
What Is A VoIP Number?
A VoIP phone number is a real phone number that operates on an internet connection. These numbers are assigned to users and not to any physical location, which means you can use your phone number anywhere across the globe through a VoIP app. You can make calls using any mobile device, laptop, or desktop computer.
Since VoIP is a cloud-based system, it does not bind you to your desk or specific location. You can enjoy the flexibility and allow your users to work remotely.
VoIP phone numbers are not much different from traditional phone numbers from a user’s point of view. They are a sequence of numbers you use to make a call to a person.
How Does VoIP Phone System Work?
VoIP phone systems use an internet connection to make calls. Unlike traditional phone systems, which use local telecommunications companies to route calls, VoIP uses your broadband connection. This route ensures that calls are routed along the most efficient path.
This advanced phone system converts analogue voice signals into digital small digital packets and transmits them over the internet. On the recipient side, these digital packets are again converted into clear voice audio. Voice over Internet Protocol also allows communication over different channels like chat and messaging using a VoIP number. You can select VoIP numbers for your onsite and remote employees as a business owner. Over time, traditional landlines are becoming obsolete, and VoIP is taking over its place.
VoIP Phone Numbers vs. landline
- Difference In Technologies
- Flexibility of use
- Device restriction
- Hardware requirements
- Cost
VoIP and landline numbers both allow you to make and receive calls, but that is where similarities end. Here are some differences that you must know:
1- Difference In Technologies
The most significant difference between a VoIP number and a landline is the technology. VoIP numbers facilitate internet-based virtual communication, while landlines offer only voice calling through Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), which can not work without a physical PSTN connection.
2- Flexibility of Use
With a landline number, you are bound to a specific location. On the other hand, with VoIP numbers, you can make or receive calls from anywhere in the world; the only thing you need is a reliable internet connection.
3- Device Restriction
Traditional landlines are connected with PSTN through copper wires, so you can only make calls through a device linked to that landline. But with VoIP phones, you can make or receive phone calls using mobile phones, laptops, computers, or any mobile device.
4- Hardware Requirements
You do not need any physical wires or additional hardware to set up VoIP; your service providers have the necessary hardware. In contrast, traditional landlines require phone lines, copper wires and other hardware on your premises.
5- Cost
With traditional landlines, you need to spend money on hardware installation and maintenance, but with VoIP, there is no such cost. Moreover, with VoIp numbers, you can call international numbers cheaper than landline numbers.
Types Of VoIP Numbers
- Portable phone numbers
- Toll-free phone numbers
- Local phone numbers
- International phone numbers
- Vanity phone number
There are different types of VoIP phone numbers. We describe them here so you can choose the right one for your business.
1- Ported phone numbers
Your existing business is transferred to your VoIP account. This way, you can make and receive calls without changing your phone number.
2- Toll-free phone numbers
A number that charges the calling cost from the business that owns the toll-free number, not from the customers. These numbers start with fixed prefixes such as 800,888, 886, and 887.
3- Local Phone numbers
It is a VoIP number with a local area code chosen by its owner. It helps businesses maintain a local presence and offers unlimited inbound and outbound local calling.
4- International Phone Numbers
This type of phone number has an international country code that helps businesses to establish a local presence anywhere in the world. International calls are usually charged according to the fixed rates of every country.
5- Vanity Phone Number
It is a toll-free toll-free number with a toll-free toll-free number prefix and alphanumeric code, which creates a memorable branded business phone number. For example, 1-800-Cookies and 1-886-BUYCARS.
How To Get A VoIP Number
If you have decided that VoIP will be the perfect communication solution for your business, it is time to get a VoIP service and number. Surprisingly, it is simple to get a VoIP number. Once you sign up, your service provider does most of the hard work. When you sign up and subscribe to any pricing plan of your service provider, they ask you which type of phone VoIP number you need. Most VoIP providers also allow number porting, which means you can continue using your old phone number by porting it into your account. You may get a free VoIP number from your provider, but with a free number, you have access to limited features.
What Are The Benefits Of VoIP Number For Business?
- Choice of Area Code
- Reduced Cost
- Better Voice Quality
- Greater Mobility
- Multiple Devices
- Number Probability
A VoIP number may look and work similarly to a regular number to an end user. Still, it offers numerous opportunities and benefits that a traditional landline number can not offer.
1- Choice of Area Code
Traditional landline companies link area codes to a number to determine all rates, specifically for international calls, but this is not the case with VoIP numbers. These numbers are independent of geographic location.
You can choose the area code where you are not currently present. Most service providers offer a wide range of local numbers that you can choose for your business to create a local presence. No matter if you are currently operating in California and want to expand your services to Florida, you can get a local VoIP number with the area code of Florida and operate remotely without putting up an office at another location. With an area code of your chosen locality, set up your business at multiple locations and expand your service.
2- Reduced Cost
VoIP numbers do not use traditional phone lines or internet connections to make and receive calls. Even when subscribed to monthly service, the overall expense is less than maintaining a conventional phone system.
Moreover, when you subscribe to a monthly plan from your service provider, you can access numerous advanced features. These features, such as auto attendant, call forwarding, conference calls, and IVRs, help you improve efficiency and boost sales.
3- Better Voice Quality
When you have a reliable internet connection with bandwidth, VoIP call quality will be better than the traditional phone connection. You may be wondering how. VoIP uses advanced sound compression technology called codecs to convert sound into digital packets, which eliminates fuzziness in the line and transmits it over the internet. This advanced codec technology ensures more clarity and HD call quality.
VoIP providers also offer service Level Agreements (SLA) that guarantee service quality. This means you can enjoy high-quality calls with VoIP numbers anytime, anywhere.
4- Greater Mobility
Your VoIP number is geographically flexible, allowing you to access your account from anywhere. Unlike traditional landlines, which require transferring your phone line when moving to a new location, VoIP lets you keep your existing number without hassle. It means you can continue operating seamlessly when your business relocates, saving you from the downtime and expenses associated with installing new phone lines and updating marketing materials such as websites, brochures, and business cards.
5- Multiple Devices
One of VoIP’s most significant benefits is the ability to use multiple devices with a single virtual number. Unlike traditional phone numbers tied to a specific location, a VoIP number is assigned to a person, allowing them to take their number anywhere and access their account from any device.
After logging in, users can make calls from a VoIP-compatible personal or company laptop, computer, or cell phone. These virtual numbers can also be configured to forward calls to different telephone numbers.
VoIP’s customizable call routing is a testament to its adaptability. It allows you to set up your system to perfectly suit your business needs. For instance, you can have incoming calls ring simultaneously on all or selected phones within your sales team, giving you confidence that no call will be missed.
Using multiple devices with a single telephone number provides users with ultimate flexibility.
6- Number Portability
Phones are no longer stationary. In the past, moving required calling the telephone company to update your number and often needed a service technician’s visit to set up new phones.
VoIP number portability offers a more efficient solution and eliminates unnecessary downtime for business owners. With VoIP, you can retain the same phone number regardless of location, provided you have reliable IP connectivity.
This portability means you do not need to change your phone number if you switch to VoIP service or update your website, business cards, or marketing materials, or even change your phone number. Simply transfer your old number and continue operating seamlessly.
What Are The Uses of VoIP Numbers?
Businesses use VoIP numbers for seamless and improved communication and improving their business. Here are some common uses of these numbers:
1- Internal Communication
With VoIP numbers, you can communicate with your staff, team members and others within your organization. VoIP calls offer seamless communication through calls, Video conferencing, and messaging.
2- Customer Service
Businesses also use VoIP numbers to manage custom service calls more effectively.
3- Remote Work
Since VoIP numbers are not bound to specific locations, employees can use them from anywhere. So, these numbers promote remote and hybrid working.
Conclusion
VoIP numbers represent a significant advancement in telecommunications, offering businesses unparalleled flexibility, cost savings, and enhanced features. These numbers enable seamless communication across various devices and locations and ensure businesses can maintain efficient operations and connectivity with clients, customers, and employees worldwide. As traditional landlines become obsolete, businesses need to embrace VoIP technology that aims to stay competitive and agile in the modern digital landscape.
