Virtual number: Difference between revisions
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A '''Virtual Private Number''' is a telephone number that forwards incoming calls to any of a number of pre-set telephone numbers. These are also called a [[follow-me]] number, a [[virtual telephone number]] or (in the UK) [[Personal Number]].<ref>http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/telecoms/numbering/guidance-tele-no/070-guidance#acc070</ref> |
A '''Virtual Private Number''' is a telephone number that forwards incoming calls to any of a number of pre-set telephone numbers. These are also called a [[follow-me]] number, a [[virtual telephone number]] or (in the UK) [[Personal Number]].<ref>http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/telecoms/numbering/guidance-tele-no/070-guidance#acc070</ref> |
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Usually a virtual telephone number can be set to forward calls to different telephone numbers depending on the time of day and the day of the week; for example, between 9-5 on working days incoming calls will be forwarded to one's workplace, but in the weekends to one's cellphone. |
Usually a virtual telephone number can be set to forward calls to different telephone numbers depending on the time of day and the day of the week; for example, between 9-5 on working days incoming calls will be forwarded to one's workplace, but in the weekends to one's cellphone. Usually it's one of a [[Virtual Office]] services.<ref>Irvine Virtual Office. http://www.irvinevirtualoffice.com</ref> |
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== International == |
== International == |
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Revision as of 10:58, 8 April 2012
A virtual number is a telephone number without a directly associated telephone line. Usually these numbers are programmed to forward incoming calls to one of the pre-set telephone numbers chosen by the client; either Fixed, Mobile or VoIP.
Subscribers to virtual numbers may use their existing phones, without the need to purchase additional hardware.
A Virtual Private Number is a telephone number that forwards incoming calls to any of a number of pre-set telephone numbers. These are also called a follow-me number, a virtual telephone number or (in the UK) Personal Number.[1]
Usually a virtual telephone number can be set to forward calls to different telephone numbers depending on the time of day and the day of the week; for example, between 9-5 on working days incoming calls will be forwarded to one's workplace, but in the weekends to one's cellphone. Usually it's one of a Virtual Office services.[2]
International
Some companies offer International Virtual telephone number. Thus a company located in China can have a phone number in Los Angeles or London. Virtual Numbers are very popular among call centers which appear to be located in one country, when in fact they are in one or more countries in different time zone, delivering efficient 24/7 cover. Other popular users of international virtual numbers are immigrants, who appreciate the fact that their friends and family back home can contact them using a local call.
Some countries limit the use of Virtual Phone Numbers because they may bypass restrictions on international calls.
Examples
Some notable companies offering Virtual Numbers are:
- eVoice
- Google Voice
- FleXtel
- Vonage (forwards virtual numbers to a VoIP service)
- Skype
In the North American Numbering Plan, Area code 500 and Area code 533 are follow-me numbers, and referred to as Personal Communications Service (NANP).
In the United Kingdom, these are offered under the 070xx non-geographical dialing code, referred to as Personal Numbering Service (PNS).
References
See also
- Follow-me, the same concept for PBXs
- Unified Messaging
- Universal Personal Telecommunications