Do you want to have several phone numbers on your smartphone? Would you like to call from anywhere, with impeccable sound quality? Find out how to create a virtual phone number, and what it can do for you.
What is a virtual phone number?
A virtual telephone number has the particularity of not being linked to a telephone socket or to a SIM card. It can be used from a computer, tablet or smartphone, thanks to the installation of a softphone which will simulate a new handset on your terminal. Once created, it allows you to make calls to landlines or mobile phones, generally with advantageous voice plans. When subscribing, you are assigned a standard telephone number. This is the sine qua non for being able to receive calls on the standard telephone network. With a virtual number, obtained by subscription, with or without unlimited communications, the user has access to the same type of telephone services.
The advantages of the virtual phone number
Call from anywhere
To use a virtual number, you have to use software (a softphone) installed on your device, which will simulate a handset on your terminal. It can be used anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. For example, the softphone will continue to receive incoming calls and make outgoing calls when you are abroad, without this having any impact on your telephone bills (excluding the cost of Internet connection).
Several numbers for a smartphone, and call quality
Another advantage, the virtual number relying on Voice over IP to route calls, the quality of the communication you have is excellent. Lastly, important: the virtual telephone number being independent of the one you usually use on your mobile phone, it can be dedicated to professional communications, while your personal mobile number will be reserved for private communications. Your personal telephone number may therefore never be communicated to your customers.
Business uses for virtual phone numbers
Have a fixed landline number
The first case where the use of a virtual telephone number can be very useful to you is a classic one. Let’s say your company is based in Paris, with sales representatives located in America and your customer services are outsourced to India. You would like your sales representatives and customer services to each have the same fixed number and not different numbers depending on the location as it used to be with old toll free numbers, with 0844 representing area code 844 or 0800 for area code 800 and so on. A virtual fixed telephone line will not only allow for a more professional image of your business, but also to compartmentalize professional and personal communications.
Customer service by SMS
With some telephone operators, the other possible use of a virtual telephone number is SMS customer support. A virtual telephone number is displayed on the company’s website: passing customers can use it to send their requests by SMS, the conversation then continuing through this means. Except that it is not a mobile phone that the customer contacts, but a pre-sales or support operator, who will receive questions directly on his computer, with specialized software connected to the relationship management tool. Simultaneous access to CRM software (Customer Relationship Management) is a plus for customer support, because it will allow your employees to better respond to their requests.
Virtual fax
With some telephone operators, the other possible use of a virtual telephone number is SMS customer support. A virtual telephone number is displayed on the company’s website: passing customers can use it to send their requests by SMS, the conversation then continuing through this means. Except that it is not a mobile phone that the customer contacts, but a pre-sales or support operator, who will receive questions directly on his computer, with specialized software connected to the relationship management tool.
How to obtain a virtual telephone number?
Pretty much all your local telecom and internet providers are able to offer virtual telephone numbers, on subscription, with or without unlimited calls. Technically, any VoIP line that is neither attached to a landline nor to a SIM card can be qualified as a virtual number. Nowadays you can also get subscription applications and software that provide this service along with technical support.
