A virtual phone number gives you the freedom to communicate with anyone anytime through an internet-enabled device. It also makes it easy for any person to get an additional private phone number without getting a new SIM or a contract. Furthermore, a virtual number also allows one to get a local number from any city in the world!
With all of these benefits, it makes sense to consider why virtual numbers are getting so popular all over the world! But this also raises the question of what is a virtual phone number and how to get one. Furthermore, how does it work?
In this article, we will take a detailed look at all of these questions related to virtual numbers and answer them in an easy and simple manner:
What Is A Virtual Phone Number?
In terms of functionality, a virtual phone number is just like a normal telephone number. It allows one to make/receive phone calls, voicemails, and even SMS text messages. However, the thing which makes a virtual number so unique is that it is not bound to a physical location.
Furthermore, you also do not need a SIM card to use that number. On the other hand, you usually need to get a SIM card or a dedicated line for a phone number!
Virtual phone number allows one to get a mobile phone number from any location of their choice. For example, you can easily get a virtual number from any city in the USA, even if you are not living in the USA!
Virtual numbers are operated through the internet and thus will work on any device that comes with an internet connection. This functionality makes it very easy to use these virtual numbers on softphones, VoIP desk phones, and even cell phones.
How Does Virtual Numbers Work?
Unlike common phone numbers, which require a SIM card, a virtual phone number is not tied to any such conditions. Instead, it utilizes a technology called VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) for making/receiving phones and text messages. This is the same technology that is used by Google Voice, WhatsApp, and iMessage.
With the help of VoIP technology, your phone calls and text messages are connected to the other party via the internet.
If you are wondering what VoIP is, you can think of it as a protocol that allows the transmission of voice, text, and multimedia content via the internet.
Since an internet connection is the main component of VoIP, your virtual phone numbers will only work as long as you have an active internet connection.
How to Get a Virtual Number?
There are many companies out there that offer virtual phone numbers (free and paid). However, you can’t find all the functions you would need from a virtual phone number by choosing a free one.
That’s why it is recommended to always go with a trusted provider which offers all the features you would need. One such provider is PBXme which offers virtual phone numbers from 150+ countries around the world! With the help of PBXme, you get all the things you need, such as encrypted phone calls, SMS solutions, SIP Trunk, Call routing, and so on.