What is a VoIP Number? A Simple Guide

A VoIP number is a phone number that works through an Internet connection. The phone number will look the same as a landline or mobile number, but rather than being assigned to a device or location, it’s assigned to the user.

Because of this, VoIP has skyrocketed in popularity in the past decade. The Internet-based alternative to traditional telecommunications may have taken time to catch up to typical options. Still, now it can provide the same or higher level of voice quality alongside advanced capabilities. How is the adoption of VoIP evolving? One study projects that the VoIP services market will reach US$354.7 billion by 2032 from $123.3 billion in 2022. This level of growth is indicative of the growing value and utility VOIP can provide. In this post, we’ll be breaking down everything you need to know about VoIP numbers to help you decide if they’re the right choice for your business or personal use.

VoIP Phone Number Meaning, Definition and The Basics

VoIP numbers are assigned to specific users by a VoIP provider to enable voice calls and advanced capabilities beyond traditional landlines. Individuals and businesses can benefit from VoIP numbers without losing out on utility. This utility means VoIP numbers can be used on most mobile devices and desktops. However, compatibility will vary based on the specific VoIP provider. VoIP numbers can also be part of a broader Unified Communications-as-a-Service (UCaaS) solution to enable advanced communication capabilities. Similarly, VoIP numbers may have a limited ability to contact non-VoIP users based on the provider, which requires PSTN connectivity. Level 3 VoIP number meaning indicates the PSTN connectivity and can fully replace traditional telecommunications options.

How VoIP Works

A VoIP number is a phone number that works with VoIP services. These services work by making and routing calls over the Internet. Traditional phone services route calls based on the location of the landline or mobile phone, which telecommunications providers handle. Comparatively, VoIP numbers are assigned to specific users, and calls are routed through the Internet. Making a VoIP call is similar to any other Internet usage as independent of traditional telecom infrastructure unless interacting with a non-VoIP number.

VoIP Numbers vs. Traditional Phone Landlines

While the underlying technology is different, the end result is largely the same between traditional phone lines and VoIP phones — making and receiving voice calls. However, while landlines are limited to voice calls and basic features such as holding or transferring, VoIP numbers can offer video calls, rich messaging, or integration with other apps. Additionally, VoIP services are often more affordable when compared to landlines, especially for business usage. Pricing plans and individual fees will certainly vary based on the specific provider, but generally, VoIP numbers will charge less and often sidestep long-distance charges entirely.

What Are the 4 Most Common Types of VoIP Numbers?

VoIP numbers offer the same options as landlines or mobile services, which are:

• Toll-free: Toll-free numbers allow customers to call you for free as you’re charged for usage. While this has become less important for some callers, 1-800 numbers remain popular for businesses of all sizes.
• Local: A local number is ideal for representing specific jurisdictions, whether the headquarters of a corporation, where an individual lives, or a business expanding into new areas. These numbers can be reached as a local number by callers.
• Vanity: Companies often want a number that reflects their brand, name, or slogan. VoIP numbers can be hand-picked, typically at a higher cost, to allow for unique and more memorable phone numbers.
• Fixed: The fixed VoIP number means that the number is assigned to a specific physical address, departing from how many other numbers operate. This utility is useful for many businesses, especially those with a brick-and-mortar store. Fixed numbers can still be moved when needed.

The availability of these options is another reason why VoIP has become a suitable replacement for traditional options.

How Do You Get a VoIP Number?

How do you go about getting started with a VoIP number? Some of the following steps will vary based on the provider you choose, but the general process is:

1. Make sure your Internet connection is reliable and offers the necessary speeds, which are usually 0.1 Mbps per device.
2. Find the right VoIP provider that offers the capabilities you need.
3. Choose the plan that makes sense for your budget.
4. Make sure the provider is compatible with your devices.
5. Sign up and complete the setup process.

Benefits of VoIP Numbers and Services

VoIP services provide several benefits based on the specific provider and chosen plan. Generally speaking, VoIP provides each of the following:

• Cost savings: Per-usage or per-user billing can be less expensive than landlines, especially when international calling is a part of daily operations.
• Flexibility: VoIP services typically allow you to add or remove users as necessary to scale up or scale back alongside your business.
• Better voice quality: A decade ago, VoIP quality was often comparatively lacking. However, several critical advancements have made VoIP call quality equal to or better than traditional voice services.
• Accessibility from multiple devices: A powerful advantage of VoIP numbers is the ability to use them from several devices by default. For example, employees can receive calls on their mobile device, desktop, or laptop, depending on their preferences.

What are the 5 Most Popular VoIP Number Features?

The specific features of a VoIP number are based on the provider, with some offering highly advanced capabilities while others provide a more trimmed-down experience.

Some common VoIP numbers features include:

1. Call forwarding, hold, and transfers: VoIP and UCaaS platforms offer the same capabilities as traditional business lines. Warm and cold transfers holds, and forwarding are commonly available features.
2. Voicemail: Voicemail is common for any voice call solution. However, VoIP and UCaaS platforms can offer transcription to make managing this utility easier. Having more control over managing, sharing, and storing voicemail is increasingly valuable.
3. Integration with other technologies: Most businesses use a variety of software throughout operations. Integrating VoIP solutions with other platforms, like CRMs, can go far in providing better services to customers and improving productivity.
4. Security and compliance: Providing a high level of security is critical for many compliance regulations. For example, GDPR requires secure storage of all user data and applies broadly to any organization with customers in the EU. Other industry-specific requirements, such as HIPAA, also require high security.
5. Number Portability: Moving phone numbers from one VoIP provider to another will take time but is often faster than landlines. Additionally, businesses can immediately move numbers internally between users when necessary.

Start Using VoIP Numbers with Acrobits Groundwire

VoIP numbers and the services that power them are an increasingly valuable option for businesses. Enabling new methods of communication, cross-device compatibility, and cost-effectiveness have given VoIP services an edge over traditional services. Acrobits Softphone makes it easy for you to replace your office phone with an always up to date, features-rich softphone that goes anywhere you go. Are you looking to replace your desk phone? Talk to our VoIP experts today about our flexible and cost-effective solutions.