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Virtual phone numbers
You may have seen the term “virtual phone number” online, but what does it mean?
“Virtual phone number” is not a technical term
“Virtual phone number” has gained popularity as a marketing term, often used by those offering communications services that are not required to be tied to a particular physical device or fixed geographic location. These “virtual phone numbers” may be associated with Voice over IP (“VoIP”) services that allow businesses to expand market coverage and create value. However, the word “virtual” can be used inconsistently or can sometimes create the wrong impression.
Are “virtual phone numbers” real phone numbers?
So-called “virtual phone numbers,” or the VoIP numbers the term is often used to describe, are no less “real” than any other phone number. Specific local phone numbers can often transition between many different types of services and networks over their lifetime.
Use of the term “virtual phone numbers” may not tell you significant information about other communications service(s) being offered. When seeing the term “virtual phone number” in marketing materials, businesses should dig deeper to understand the nature of the service.
Misconceptions about number types
While “virtual phone numbers” doesn’t necessarily refer to VoIP-based services, the association with the word “virtual” can give a false impression about VoIP-based phone numbers or services.
Using phone numbers associated with a service using VoIP or internet-based communications does not mean your communications are “anonymous” or untrustworthy. Like any communication tool, services and their users must comply with all applicable local, federal, and international laws and regulations, especially regarding telemarketing, fraud prevention, and privacy laws.
The value of non-fixed communications
Services that enable businesses to expand and operate across multiple cities using IP-based communications offer significant value and have been a critical enablement tool for countless businesses offering valuable services to consumers across the globe. Powering interactions between consumers and businesses across devices and locations using local VoIP phone numbers has enabled innovation and value.
Bandwidth is a vocal industry proponent for the responsible use of local VoIP phone numbers for legal and legitimate business purposes and closely monitors its network to guard against abuse and fraud.
Types of VoIP phone numbers (sometimes misrepresented as virtual phone numbers)
There are two types of VoIP numbers businesses can choose from:
Local VoIP phone numbers
A local VoIP phone number is a phone number that isn’t tied to a specific phone line or location but can enable VoIP service with such numbers nevertheless. With a local VoIP number, businesses can support IP-communications across different cities or regions without having a physical office in all of them. It’s a cost-effective way to connect with customers in specific regions while giving them the convenience and reassurance of dialing a familiar area code.
Toll-free VoIP phone numbers
A toll-free VoIP phone number is a number customers can call without being charged, regardless of their location. These numbers, which typically start with prefixes like 800, 888, or 877, aren’t tied to a specific phone line or physical location, making them highly flexible. Calls and texts to toll-free VoIP numbers enable businesses to manage customer inquiries from virtually anywhere. They also help create a professional image and can make it easier for customers to reach you, boosting customer satisfaction and engagement.
FAQs
- What is the difference between VoIP and virtual phone numbers?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a technology that allows voice calls to be made over the internet. “Virtual phone numbers” is a product marketing term that doesn’t have a set definition, but that’s sometimes used to describe services offering VoIP communications. The term “virtual phone numbers” can be misleading, as the phone numbers used in VoIP communications are just as “real” as any other phone number.
- Can my business have multiple VoIP numbers?
Yes, your business can have multiple VoIP phone numbers. Each VoIP number can be routed to different devices or locations, offering flexibility and scalability for handling customer inquiries. This setup helps businesses manage various teams or target markets efficiently without physical offices.
- Can a VoIP phone number be used to call 911?
Yes. Interconnected VoIP providers are required to support 911 calling in the United States. Enhanced 911 (E911) services with VoIP phone number usage can be enabled to transmit accurate location data associated with the calling endpoint during an emergency.
- How do you route calls from a VoIP number?
Calls from a VoIP phone number can be routed to any device, such as a mobile phone, landline, or computer. This is done through the service provider’s platform, where you can set rules for forwarding calls to specific numbers, departments, or voicemails.
Terms related to virtual phone numbers:
The information provided in this glossary definition does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice, nor does it necessarily represent Bandwidth's products or business practices. This page is for general informational purposes only.Related posts
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