VoIP simply stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol, it is a way to make phone calls over the internet instead of using the traditional analogue line method. A VoIP number works the same as a traditional phone number though it isn’t tied to a specific phone line nor a geographic location and therefore can be accessed anywhere provided you have internet access to receive and make phone calls.
Why should you get a VoIP phone number?
When considering if you should migrate over to VOIP is it notable one realises that VOIP services are replacing the traditional analogue line method. That aside, there are various reasons for VOIP becoming the preferred way of voice communication for businesses, these include (but are not limited to) cost savings, scalability, functionality and flexibility but most pressing is the announcement from the largest telecoms infrastructure provider BT who said they’d be discontinuing all analogue lines and migrating all its customers to VOIP by 2025. For more information, we have discussed this transition and the benefits of VoIP service separately here.
What are the different types of VOIP phone numbers?
Geographic or Local Numbers (Starting in 01 & 02)
These types of VoIP telephone numbers are associated with towns or cities and are the prefix to an area. They are an ideal choice for a businesses number that operates in a specific locality or even for those businesses who want to deliver their services in particular towns and cities. This is often the case with service type businesses that have offices in large cities across the UK.
Non-Geographic Numbers (Starting in 03 or 0845)
Calls made to these numbers cost the same as calling a geographic number and what is important to note is that these are included in most mobile contracts inclusive minutes. These numbers are best suited to businesses or organisations that don’t want to be tied to one location and need to project a national presence.
Introduced in 1996, the 0845 prefix is typically understood as a service number with typical uses including information and support lines, booking services etc. Though we have found businesses and organisations to take up the 03 prefix equivalent increasingly over an 0845 prefix.
Freephone Numbers (Starting in 0800 & 0808)
The preferred choice for short term marketing and sales campaigns, multiple numbers can be set up to evaluate the success of various campaigns or to run A/B marketing tests or to test effectiveness between different marketing channels. Since the caller isn’t charged you would pay for the inbound calls. Aside from sales and marketing uses for 0800 numbers other uses include customer service lines, charity helplines and information services.
The most popular free phone prefix is 0800 which started in 1985 whilst the 0808 prefix was introduced in 1997 to increase the amount of freephone numbers.
New Voice Service Numbers (Starting in 056)
The 056 prefixed numbers were introduced specifically for VOIP. Calls made to 056 numbers are charged at national call rates.
Can we keep our old phone number and move it to VoIP?
Yes, of course, a VoIP service provider can easily migrate your number so there is no need to change your phone number if you make the decision to benefit from VoIP and saves the hassle of changing your number on your website, business cards and other marketing collateral.
Considering a VoIP phone number?
Given the flexibility and functionality VoIP affords, it’s becoming the first choice in telecommunications. To support businesses and organisations when they are at the stage of considering VoIP we have put together some useful tips and considerations here. If you would like more information, contact our team of experts who are always happy to advise and guide you.
