What is a virtual number? How to get it? How does it work?

Virtual numbers allow you to link with people around the whole world. It helps the user communicate globally with any internet connected device. The number is also known as the digital number which does not require a physical location or the device. The voice calling system of this number works based on the cloud-based number through the internet. The virtual number is different from the traditional numbers, this number works remotely from anywhere while the traditional number requires a landline for connection to address. It is getting more popular with time due to its flexibility and connectivity. 

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What is a Virtual Number?

A virtual number is a gateway between regular numbers and VoIP(voice over internet protocol), it is a telephone number that works without a line. It is a programmed system that helps in flexible worldwide communication and call forwarding to the client’s pre-set number. Clients can use the number on their existing devices and don't need to buy the new hardware.

How does the virtual phone number work?

You have a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, the virtual number works on all these devices. The numbers work on the voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP), which makes the connections worldwide without any SIM card or phone lines. The phone number works in steps as your voice signals in the form of data packets move through the internet. These data packets are received by the recipient data cell with the help of an online network. 

Virtual numbers vs Traditional numbers

The local telephone companies install the phone lines in the street address through which the phone numbers are provided to us. This installation process is given to the offices for work but is not an easy task to do. In the case of virtual numbers, there is no need for a specific location. In the case of office work it is possible to connect in the office, home or any other place. 

Traditional phone numbers make the connection to the user with the address through the landline and call is made by the physical phone. The internet is required for virtual number users and the call is made through the VoIP app on computers, cell phones, and IP desk phones. 

How To Get a Virtual Phone Number?

The process of getting the virtual number is simple and easy to do. You get it online with your account. The steps to follow are these.

• Sign in to VoIP Service Provider: The VoIP offers networks to use the virtual number, you have to sign in to the voice-over-internet protocol service provider. It allows you to make and receive the calls without specification of location. 
• Purchasing the number: The providers of numbers have different purchasing plans to select. Once you sign in, you can purchase the number you are already using from the VoIP provider. The provider will give you the form to send to your previous telephone company, for selecting a pre-existing number for a virtual system.
• Navigate to a user account: once you navigate to the user account, you can manage it now. You will log in to the VoIP app from the provider and now can make and receive the call.

Business benefits of getting a virtual phone number

The virtual phone number for business purposes is more beneficial to the regular user. It makes calling easy to manage with the employees, clients, or customers. The performance and presence are managed through the ID of the caller. The employees do not need to install their home desks; they can attend to the calls from their cell phones. These numbers offer all the big call center communication solutions. 

The auto-attend feature allows businesses to take incoming calls. The network enables call forwarding which is possible with the control panel of PBX. The panel helps to adjust the system and the calls move to voicemail for outside office work.

Top Virtual Phone Number Providers

Globally many providers of virtual phone numbers offer amazing features and low-cost pricing plans. One of the recommended virtual phone number providers is an eSIMCard. They offer the best features of worldwide connectivity, texting, sending and receiving calls, and flexible communication. eSIMCard offers virtual number services to business companies to maintain their professional presence.

The customer should visit the eSIM provider site to get the best and fully featured virtual phone numbers of countries like the US, UK, Canada, Hong Kong, Sweden, Netherlands, and Puerto Rico. The price plan is different for each country starting from 1$ to 20.9$ per month.

 It is simple to get the virtual number from eSIMCard, initially, the customers get the access to the calling section in their dashboard and have a number over there. The next step is to choose the number of your desired country and activate the number to use it. Overall the virtual numbers of eSIM are simple to manage and easy to use.

Features of Virtual Phone Number

Virtual numbers work based on VoIP technology, it has many valuable features that increase its use worldwide. 

• The virtual phone number allows messaging and chatting worldwide. Massage texting is the same as the other traditional numbers.
• Making and receiving calls is also a feature of the number. It is not linked to a specific device so the call may ring to the different devices and the user can respond at any time and place.
• In the team, the extensions are added to the number which makes easy communication and efficient performance.
• The apps of VoIP have a virtual dashboard, which includes call control, conferencing, voicemail, analytics, and team calling and communication.
• The feature of automatic call distribution allows the transfer of the call to that specific person.

Types of Virtual Numbers  

Here are the types of virtual numbers.

Toll-Free Number

These are US-based numbers that begin with some specific digits 800,833 and 888. Toll-free numbers cost some amount for calling which the business has to pay not the customers.

International Number 

International numbers charge international rates and cost more than the regular numbers. These are the numbers that are given to use outside your domestic country.

Local Numbers

These are the normally used virtual numbers based on the country or the area you chose.

Vanity Numbers

The numbers are easy to remember and are similar to the toll-free numbers.

Advantages of Virtual Number

Virtual numbers have beneficial features for both the regular consumer and the business. Some are discussed here.

Multi Device communication at your place

Virtual numbers offer a clear and easy way of communication with no worry of proper location. The traditional numbers do not have any other option than voicemail if the person is not at his place. Once the voicemail is sent the person can't call you back. Virtual numbers solve this problem and provide seamless communication between the employees, co-workers, and the client whether they are inside or outside the office. This benefit is valuable for both remote and hybrid work patterns.

24/7 availability of service and support team

The numbers service works 24/7 worldwide. Different businesses can use a single number for the inbound calling. The customer is connected to the agent at the time when they call. The support team of the virtual number works remotely and is available every time in case of any query.

Effective cost

The number has an effective cost and the pricing plan is set according to the per-user usage. There are different plans for the domestic and the business users. VoIP numbers offer easy packages for businesses for sufficient savings as long-distance international calls and conferences. 

Better communication with client and customer  

A VoIP system is an easier way to communicate with a business at any time to the right person. One of the studies found that 74% of customers for business communication prefer texting and virtual numbers make it easy for them. The others who make a call get the quick answer directly if not the virtual receptionist forwards the call to the other team members.

Improved security

We all are concerned with security of sensitive information which may be about us or related to business. Virtual number security is enhanced when the number is compliant with HIPAA regulations. Your information could be stolen from your traditional number but it is not possible in the case of a virtual number.

Disadvantages of Virtual Number

Virtual phone numbers have some disadvantages that the customer should consider. One of the main drawbacks is its internet connectivity. You need a powerful and stable internet connection for it to work. If the internet signals become weak due to any hindrance, the connection will be disrupted.

Similar to traditional phone numbers, virtual numbers are the potential for spam calls. While using this number the user should take caution to avoid these calls. In business cases, the use of virtual numbers has various issues. For example, remote working employees in virtual call centers get depressed because of the lack of social life.

FAQs  

Is it safe to use the virtual number?

Yes, using a virtual number is safe. These numbers are more secure to use as compared to traditional phone numbers. As we know it is a technology, and for better security of your sensitive information the user needs to take guaranteed security measures.

How to get the free virtual number?

Getting the free virtual number is not a difficult task. The best suggestion is to use Google Voice, which offers free voicemail, call forwarding, and texting. It is easy to use, the user has to sign in with a Google account and start using it. Virtual apps also have a set of features for free like calling, texting, and free data.

What is the use of virtual numbers?

Virtual phone numbers are the numbers that work without any landline. Both the business companies and the domestic customer use it for flexible and easy communication. These are helpful for both the inbound and outbound business calls, texting, and auto transmission of the call at any time and any place.