What is a Virtual Phone Number, And How to Get One?
A virtual telephone number is one of the key services of modern IP telephony. In simple terms, this is an ordinary phone number with many additional advantages.
We will discuss the features of the virtual phone number and the scope of phone number features in this article.
All needed information: What is a virtual phone number, and how to get one?
A virtual phone is a communication service based on the use of a virtual PBX. It is multichannel, provided by a phone service provider, and does not require the installation of physical equipment from the subscriber. These are its main differences from traditional landlines and mobile numbers. A stationary device or a SIM card is not necessary for communication.
Another important advantage of the virtual phone numbers is the ability to forward calls from virtual phone numbers to any other. The function is used not only in small business but also by ordinary users.
To create and connect to a virtual number, as mentioned above, it is enough just to have Internet access. If there is one, go to the next step: choosing a site that provides such phone number services. It is not necessary to think and search for a large company.
For example, a phone service that allows you to activate via SMS is called eSIM Plus. This is a relevant and reliable virtual phone numbers service that can provide necessary service and security.
How does the virtual phone number work?
Signal transmission in IP telephony is carried out thanks to VoIP technology, in which voice communication takes place over the Internet. The work of popular messengers is based on the same technology. With the help of SIP protocols, the voice signal is encoded, transmitted in the form of a digital signal, and decoded back into voice. Redirection takes place according to the following scheme:
- The incoming call goes to the virtual phone number registered in the cloud PBX.
- The remote server, following the configured algorithms, redirects the call to one or more subscriber devices.
The phone numbers principle works not only for calls but also for SMS messages. Redirection is carried out to different devices — smartphones, tablets, laptops, personal computers, and analog or SIP phones. In some cases, you may need to install a special program or application, as well as equip the meeting place with an appropriate headset.
According to the tasks performed, virtual phone numbers are divided into three main groups:
- for calls — with their help, you can receive and make only calls;
- for messages — can only accept SMS messages, quite often used for registration on various sites;
- for calls and messages — assumes full use as a regular phone; you can communicate with any subscriber anywhere in the world.
According to the ability to receive several calls at the same time, virtual phone numbers are divided into:
- single-channel — only one line is presented, and at the second call the subscriber will hear a busy signal; such phone numbers are mainly used for receiving SMS and registering online;
- multichannel — you will be able to receive several calls at the same time; this feature is extremely useful for organizing the work of contact centers and improving business efficiency.
The virtual phone service eSIM Plus allows quickly and efficiently setting up the forwarding of your calls and messages to almost any device.
Where the virtual phone is used?
The extensive capabilities of a virtual phone telephony have found their application in almost all areas of communication. Both small business and private users appreciated the benefits of using virtual phone. With the help of eSIM Plus technology can be solved various tasks.
- In business
The IP telephony service turns out to be relevant in your business direction where continuous direct communication with customers is required. The service is often used in the following areas:
- taxi services;
- car sharing;
- cargo transportation;
- courier centers;
- food and grocery delivery;
- travel companies;
- hotels;
- medical care.
Depending on the size of the company, one or more virtual phone numbers are purchased.
- For regular users
The service solves the issue of personal data security. It can be used in the following situations:
- registration in social networks;
- traveling around the world;
- SMS confirmation on various websites;
- verification on resources that require verification;
- linking accounts of payment systems.
Read also:
A virtual phone number for your business
Basically, virtual phone numbers are ordinary telephone numbers that contain 9 digits and the corresponding province prefix. But they differ from the rest in that they work only via the Internet. That is, they are not connected to a physical cable or a directly connected telephone line. Which are also known as “access numbers“
In this sense, it is a technology that allows you to get free numbers from any country, even without living in it. So you can use it as a local telephone number. This way, you will find it easy to communicate with someone from abroad as if it were a local call.
For example, this can be illustrated as follows: it assumes that you have a company in Barcelona-Spain, and from it, you sell products to different cities, for example, to Paris. Therefore, you need to have a local telephone number in that city to be able to serve customers who place orders from there.
To do this, as usual, you must have a working group that is responsible for providing customer service in this city and in all other countries to which you ship products, so that calls are made by consumers without costing them a lot. Which may be a point of view against your company.
However, when you receive a virtual number, the same one will allow you to configure it so that it accepts a call directly in Barcelona and at the same time guarantees the customer the same cost concerning a local call.
In short, virtual phone numbers help you receive “local” calls in any city in the world, even without moving to where you live.
Read also:
Connection methods
The basis of a virtual phone number is a special SIP protocol that transmits data (voice calls or SMS) into digital information and transmits it to your interlocutor.
The main condition for the operation of such a virtual phone service is a stable connection to the Internet. In case of its absence, the functioning of the virtual phone service is impossible.
- Connection via a mobile operator
To connect to a virtual phone, you do not need to visit communication salons. Connection, registration, and configuration take place in your account in the application from your mobile operator (provided that the operator supports this a virtual phone number service.)
The only disadvantage of a virtual service is that it is paid. You can find out how much a virtual phone number costs on the operator’s website.
- Connecting via various online phone number services
In addition to the possibility of connecting the service through mobile operators, it is also possible to connect the virtual phone number using various services on the Internet.
The main advantage of this option is that it is very convenient. In addition, you will have options at your disposal with codes of various countries of your choice.
eSIM advantages
Not differing in its functionality from the usual one, a virtual phone number has a list of significant advantages:
- Easy to connect
For the service, you do not need to visit the communication salon and stand in line. You can connect a virtual phone without leaving home.
- Ease of management
You can configure, connect and disconnect a virtual phone number directly in the operator’s personal account of the mobile application.
- Ease of use
Thanks to the virtual phone, you will be able to separate your personal and work calls. In this case, it will be possible to turn it off on weekends and during non-working hours, and no one will bother you.
Still wondering if you need the virtual phone numbers? Stop thinking and evaluate the benefits now.
