5 things you didn’t know about business VoIP numbers

If you’ve used an online phone service, you might think VoIP technology is just about making and receiving calls online. But there’s much more to it than that. Here are five of our customers’ most valued VoIP features.

1. You can get a number for any area code

VoIP lines aren’t tied to your local phone exchange, you don’t have to have the number you’re given. You can opt for a local number in your home town, plus additional numbers in key areas that you advertise in. That builds trust, and helps you to engage local customers.

In addition, business VoIP customers can obtain non-geographic numbers. We recommend the new 030 and 033 numbers. These are similar to the old 0845 and 0870 numbers businesses have been using, but your customers won’t pay a premium to call them because they come out of inclusive minutes. Note that 030 is for non-profits, charities and some public sector organisations.

2. You can keep your number

If you’ve switched mobile phone networks, you’ve probably discovered that you can take your existing number with you. The same process applies to VoIP: let us move your number so you can enjoy all the benefits of our service without the hassle of changing your number.

We port numbers from regular landlines in less than two weeks. We can also port from other business VoIP providers in some circumstances. If you need to move a range of numbers, ask us about package prices.

3. You can have an international number

Business VoIP providers often have a small allocation of international numbers that you can rent for a monthly fee. While these are usually a little more expensive than a domestic number, having a telephone number in the countries where you do business can improve conversions.

Once you have your number, route it through to any extension on your account.

4. You can still use your mobile

Business VoIP is flexible enough to go with you wherever you are, so you still benefit from the mobility you enjoy with your smartphone. The caller doesn’t know that you’re out and about when you answer.

There are two ways to go mobile: either redirect calls from your VoIP number to your mobile number, or use an app on your phone to receive calls. If you’re not sure which option to choose, we’ll talk you through the pros and cons.

5. You can customise your extensions

VoIP lets you create multiple extensions and assign numbers to those extensions flexibly. Have one number per extension for every member of staff, or set up your phone system so that one number calls multiple extensions in a hunt group, where each one rings in turn.

You can also connect multiple devices to each extension. For example, you could connect your laptop or desk phone for when you’re in the office and your smartphone for when you’re out and about. That way, you never miss a call.

More advice

Want to know more about the benefits of VoIP? Don’t hesitate to ask Sipcentric.