What is a Virtual Number?
A virtual number, is also sometimes known as DID (Direct inward dial) access number,Virtual Private Number, follow-me number or personal number.
It is a telephone number without a directly associated telephone line. These numbers forward incoming calls to one of the pre-set phone numbers chosen by the user – in the case of Number People – these can be either a UK landline or UK mobile or combination of both.
Subscribers to virtual numbers use their existing phones, without the need to purchase additional hardware.
Examples of Virtual Number usage;
Business use – A company can give a local or national presence instantly by having a new virtual number. For example, a business who is based in Liverpool can have a London number, which could prompt more local business by appearing to have a local presence. The same company could also use a national 0843 number to give a national “big feel” to the company so it is not restricted to a certain physical location.
Individuals – You don’t have to be a business to have a virtual number – anyone can have one – ideal if you want to advertise items to sell – but don’t want to hand out your personal mobile or home number to the general public.
Marketing – You could use virtual numbers for various marketing campaigns allowing you to track which campaign brings in calls. With Number people you can choose a new telephone number for each marketing campaign. This way, when someone calls the new number, the call is registered as a call record so you can view how many calls were a direct result of that particular campaign.
Call distribution – Virtual numbers can be forwarded to multiple destinations – in the case of Number people – this can be up to 10 destinations. What this means, is that a call can be forwarded to many different people or locations – maximising the ability to answer the call.
Calls to your virtual number are charged at the same rate as any normal UK local or national number – with no hidden charges for your callers.
With Number People, your first telephone number is free and if you do need more than one number, they cost just a one-off fee of £1 each. When you first reserve your telephone number we give you a small amount of free credit to test your account – then if you want to keep the number you just need to top up your account.
With Number People, there are no contracts to sign and no upfront costs or monthly charges for your numbers. You simply just top-up your account to pay for the forwarded calls. Our rates are very competive at just 1.5p per minute to forward to a UK landline and 7.5p per minute to forward to a UK mobile. You can also add an unlimited call forwarding bundle from just £10 per month, you can find out more information about our unlimited bundles here. You can also forward your calls to any international destinations – for international call rates click here
