What Are Virtual Phone Numbers?
Virtual numbers, or DID (Direct Inward Dialing) numbers, act as entry points into a hosted PBX system. They serve as gateways between regular phone and Voice-over-IP (VoIP) networks. VoIP is a method of delivering voice audio online instead of by landline or cellular tower.
People dial virtual phone numbers no differently than other numbers in a specific location. You can find virtual local, national, and toll-free numbers with hosted PBX as you might with a traditional phone system. The difference: you can buy these numbers without maintaining a physical presence in that location.
Local Phone Numbers
National Phone Numbers
Toll-Free Phone Numbers
How Do I Make a Phone Call Online?
Many new customers ask, “Do I have to buy new phones to use a hosted phone system?” In short, the answer is no. PBX call forwarding lets you send calls to ordinary devices. This way you can answer calls on your existing landlines and mobile phones. For outbound, you will require a phone that hooks up to the internet. IP desk phones, or SIP devices, plug into routers/modems instead of phone jacks. They connect via Ethernet, making them highly portable. Unlike landline systems, you need not install IP desk phone lines. SIP devices look like traditional phones. However, some models carry hotkeys—buttons for fast access to PBX features. Common hotkeys include redial, transfer, hold, and menu. Some phones offer more built-in features than others and some come with added hardware. For example, you can find SIP devices with wireless network cards and conference speakers. Softphones are voice applications for computers. They work like ordinary SIP phones but rely on input devices (i.e. mouse and keyboard) and headsets or microphones. Softphones are the cheapest way to connect to an online phone system—most are free! All landlines can receive phone calls. However, to place calls, you need an Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA). ATA boxes convert landline signals into digital ones. They are a type of bridge between PSTN and data networks. Note that upgrading an analogue phone system can be costly. Since entry-level SIP devices are rather inexpensive, replacing old hardware may be more cost-effective.
IP Desk Phones
Softphones
Analogue Telephone Adaptors
Device Accessories