Introduction to Virtual Phone Numbers
A virtual phone number is a telephone number used to route calls to the user's actual phone number or numbers. Virtual phone numbers are often used to enable long distance service without incurring long distance charges. A virtual phone number makes it possible for someone within a specified area code call an IP telephony user in another area code as if it were a local call.
Benefits of a Virtual Number
As a business owner, having a virtual number enables you to have a local presence in a market without having an actual location there. For personal use, an online phone number allows you to have a local or toll-free number for your friends and family to call if they need to get a hold of you even if you live across the country. In both cases, having a virtual number gives you the opportunity to have a telephone presence anywhere in the world without having to be there physically.
How Virtual Numbers Work
Virtual phone numbers work by utilizing your existing telephone line, which can be a landline, cellular network, or both. In a way, they work similar to e-mail addresses. And just as you can direct all of your e-mail addresses to one point, a virtual phone number enables you to link up to your primary number, from where you can respond to the call as you see fit. Virtual numbers use Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) to complete their calls and therefore require a broadband connection.
Additional features of Virtual Numbers
In addition to telephone service, virtual numbers offer advanced cloud-based communication features including routing phone calls and answering rules that control inbound calls as your schedule changes. Virtual number service providers also enable you to ask for extensions to your Virtual Number. This enables a company to allow a single number to be used while still being able to get in touch with any of the extensions that they have listed with them. These extensions can be in different locations, but as far as the customer or client calling you up is concerned, you may virtually be in the same building. Virtual number service providers would also have an auto receptionist who will automatically ask you for the extension you require or forward your call to a number designated by you. The flexibility and additional features of virtual phone numbers is their primary advantage.
International Virtual Numbers
International virtual phone numbers are also available. These work in the same way as domestic virtual numbers. All international incoming calls are free and can be forwarded to an automated attendant, your landline phone, or cell phone. This is a great option for businesses who are active players in the global market.
As with any VoIP technology, there are some drawbacks as well. VoIP is dependent on a stable power source so if you are using it to route calls to your phone and the power goes out, the routing function might not work. In addition to being dependent on a power source, VoIP technology also requires a stable Internet connection. If the Internet connection is unstable, you run the risk of missing calls much like if the power is unstable.
Area Code
At AreaCode.org, you'll find helpful information on area codes, including area code location. Other phone area codes may be found using AreaCode.org's area code locator. Use the search function for area code look up. Toll Free Number with no setup fees. Toll Free Number with lots of great features.
Area Codes
AreaCode.org is an area code directory with helpful information on the various United States area codes, area code listing, and other area code phone details. AreaCode.org also list international area codes within the North American Numbering Plan. We offer the best UK telephone number and manage many smart features online. UK Telephone Number made simple with TollFreeForwarding.com.
Area Code Finder
Find area codes by using AreaCode.org's area code finder. AreaCode.org provides an area codes map of area codes United States. Area zip codes are different than area codes for calling.
Area Code Lookup
AreaCode.org is an excellent resource for area code lookup and area codes phone information. Here you'll find an area codes list of area codes within the United States, plus Canada area codes.
Area Code Map
For a full list of area codes, visit AreaCode.org. It provides USA area codes and an area code map. Mexico area code is not included in the North American Numbering Plan.
Telephone Area Codes
AreaCode.org is a resource of North American telephone area codes. Beyond area code listings, relevant information about each area code is detailed. You can also search area codes by state, and within the NANP, find country area codes.
Area Codes Locator
The area codes locator shows the coverage area for each phone number area code. Area code locations are also listed by city next to the area code maps on this page.
Area Code Search
Find area codes using the area code search function on AreaCode.org. With area codes search, you can find city area codes in the United States, Canada and elsewhere.
Area Code Location
AreaCode.org shows you the area code location covered by each area code; for example, the LA area code coverage area in Los Angeles. State area codes may be found using AreaCode.org, but Mexico area codes are not included.
Telephone Area Code
The telephone area code is dialed before the local number. For area codes by city, search AreaCode.org. Area codes telephone differ from region to region, and in some places the area code must be dialed even when calling locally within that region. Find out more with area code decoder.