Virtual Phone Numbers: How does it Work?

A virtual (DEF) number is an opportunity to reduce telephony costs by several times and stay connected anywhere in the world without roaming. All you need to use this service is a stable Internet connection. If you buy virtual phone number, you will be able to communicate through software and analog communications, paying only for Internet traffic at the internal rate of your provider.

How do Virtual Numbers work?

Depending on the region, a DEF number can have different formats (+1, +44), be mobile or city, intercity and international, etc. It differs from ordinary numbers only in the connection method. The chain is the following:

• calls are received by the provider;
• the provider addresses them to the server;
• and from there, they are redirected to the specified devices.

This service is based on the transmission of data over the Internet. SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is the most common and universal protocol for data transfer. This protocol processes and distributes calls according to the “client-server” algorithm, allowing data to be exchanged over the Internet. The SIP protocol converts analog voice signals into digital ones, compresses them, and transmits them over the IP network to the recipient. At the output, they are decoded and converted back to analog.

This data transfer scheme allows users to significantly reduce communication costs. Moreover, only used voice traffic is paid, pauses and waiting time in the process of telephone communication are not counted. Thus, virtual numbers today are the most cost-effective option for building intra-corporate communication networks.

Call forwarding can be configured to a mobile or landline number. This service is paid, but very affordable. This makes toll-free numbers the most convenient for businesses and individuals who travel a lot or work remotely but want to always stay in touch without overpaying for long-distance calls and roaming.

When purchasing a multichannel number, all branches of the company, regardless of the city or country in which they are located, will be able to use it. This feature allows businesses to create the effect of presence in different countries and regions, increasing customer loyalty, and also simplifying the conduct of international business.

To use all the benefits of this service, just select the number according to the required geography and install a softphone or a special application (SIP client) on your mobile, tablet, or PC.

How to Connect a Virtual Number?

To become a user of this service, you need to choose a provider. The connection scheme for different operators may vary, but as a rule, the procedure takes place in several standard steps:

1. Registration on the provider’s website.
2. Choice of number type, country, city, and operator code.
3. Setting up forwarding destination to receive calls, SMS, or faxes.
4. Replenishment of the balance (the sum should cover the cost of the number and the monthly subscription fee).
5. Confirmation and activation of the number.

After activating the number, you can select one or more devices to which calls will be redirected. It can be a regular PC, tablet, smartphone, mobile or analog phone connected to the Internet.

You need to install special software (SIP client utilities) on a computer or other device. Most of these applications can be downloaded for free. There is a special software for different operating systems on the market: Android, Windows, and iOS. The most popular SIP clients are Zoiper, 3CX, X-lite, Linphone, PhonerLite, and PortGo. In any case, connecting a virtual number requires minimal investment; costs are lower than installing a regular telephone line.

After connecting the service, the number will be managed through the personal account. If desired, it will be possible to connect additional numbers, change the number of lines, create a user group, etc.

Additional Opportunities of Virtual Numbers

• recording conversations;
• call forwarding;
• getting call statistics;
• voice menu;
• black and anti-spam lists;
• conference calls, etc.

A virtual number is the most profitable way to organize corporate communications. It will always stay with you even if you change the physical address of the company and provide all employees with corporate-free communication. With such services, you can gather all available company numbers into one and distribute the load on employees, depending on current work tasks.

Connecting this service is relevant for businesses. The work is associated with the intensive use of telephone traffic, such as sales firms, online stores, international logistics enterprises, etc. In fact, this is an opportunity to completely replace a mini-PBX, receiving a full range of services at the lowest price and with minimal investment.