A virtual number, also known as direct inward dialing (DID) or access numbers, 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: fixed, mobile or VoIP. A virtual number can work like a gateway between traditional calls (PSTN) and VoIP.
Subscribers to virtual numbers may use their existing phones, without the need to purchase additional hardware, i.e. use the numerous available software.
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 using time of day routing;[2] for example, between 9 and 5 on working days incoming calls will be forwarded to one's workplace, but in the weekends to one's cellphone.
The availability (and acceptable use) of virtual phone numbers are subject to the regulatory situation in the issuing country.
Virtual numbers faced popularity due to the growing trend of remote working, as it allows for employees to make and receive calls as their businesses' phone number remotely. It is especially popular in small businesses, startups or businesses with remote workers using virtual numbers to manage their inbound and outbound calling.
Most voice over IP providers offer virtual numbers; unbundled providers label these as "DIDs" (direct inward dial). These are typically offered as local geographic numbers in various selected cities or as toll-free numbers, with the non-geographic number carrying higher per-minute cost to receive calls.
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 over 600 area code or local exchange codes 01 & 02 numbers which can be set up as virtual numbers as well as the 0800 & 0345.
A virtual number is a telephone number that is not directly associated with a telephone line. It is used to forward incoming calls to one or more pre-set telephone numbers chosen by the client. Virtual numbers are often used for privacy reasons, as they allow users to keep their personal phone numbers private while still receiving calls. They are also used for business purposes, as they allow companies to have a local presence in multiple locations without having to set up a physical office.[5]