What Is a VoIP Number?

What Is a VoIP Phone Number?

A VoIP phone number is a telephone number assigned to a VoIP phone service. When you make a call using VoIP, your voice is converted into digital data and transmitted over an internet connection.

Unlike a traditional landline, a VoIP number does not have to be connected to a physical telephone line at a specific location. A business can use a VoIP number through a desk phone, computer, smartphone, or other internet-connected device.

VoIP numbers are commonly used by businesses that want a flexible phone system that can be managed through software.

Some common VoIP features include:

• Call forwarding
• Voicemail
• Auto attendants
• Call routing
• Business extensions
• Multiple devices
• Remote calling
• SMS and MMS (through a text messaging service)

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How Does a VoIP Number Work?

When someone calls a VoIP number, the call is converted into digital information and sent over the internet. The VoIP provider then routes the call to the device or phone system associated with the number.

The person making the call does not need to use VoIP themselves. They can call a business VoIP number from a regular cell phone or landline just like any other phone number.

VoIP numbers can also have local area codes. This means a business can have a local business phone number even when its calls are being handled entirely through an internet-based phone system.

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What Is the Difference Between a VoIP Number and a Landline?

The main difference is how the phone service connects calls.

A traditional landline uses a fixed telephone service connected to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). A VoIP number uses an internet connection to transmit calls.

From a customer's perspective, there may be very little difference. Both can be used to make and receive regular phone calls.

The difference becomes more noticeable when a business wants to add features such as text messaging, call management, or remote access.

Learn more about what a landline number is.

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What Types of VoIP Numbers Can Be Text-Enabled?

Not every VoIP number can automatically send or receive text messages. Texting eligibility depends on the phone number, provider, location, and the requirements of the texting service.

Business VoIP Numbers

Business VoIP numbers are commonly used for company phone systems and may be eligible for business texting.

A supported number can potentially be used for both voice calls and SMS, allowing a business to keep one recognizable phone number for customer communication.

Existing Local Numbers

An existing local business number may be eligible for text-enabling even if it has traditionally been used only for phone calls.

This can be useful for businesses that already have the number on their website, business cards, advertisements, signs, and customer records.

Numbers From Supported Providers

The VoIP provider matters when determining whether a number can be text-enabled.

Texty Pro supports many business VoIP numbers in North America, including eligible numbers from providers such as Verizon, Optimum, AT&T, Xfinity, Vonage, Cox, Spectrum, Mediacom, and Frontier.

Provider support does not mean every number from that provider is automatically eligible. The specific number still needs to meet the texting service's requirements.

Numbers Already Associated With Another SMS Service

A VoIP number that is already connected to another SMS service may require additional steps before it can be used with a different texting provider.

If your number already sends or receives text messages through another service, check its current configuration before attempting to text-enable it elsewhere.

Unsupported Number Types

Some types of phone numbers are not supported for business texting with Texty Pro. Depending on the provider, these can include:

• Cell phone numbers
• Short codes
• Toll-free numbers
• Numbers from certain free texting apps
• Certain specialty numbers
• Numbers that do not meet registration or verification requirements

For example, Texty Pro does not support phone numbers from texting apps such as Google Voice.

Geographic Considerations

Texting eligibility can also depend on where the number is located and which numbering plan it uses.

Texty Pro supports eligible landline and VoIP numbers using the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which covers the United States, Canada, and several other countries and territories in North America and the Caribbean.

The only reliable way to know whether a particular number is eligible is to check the texting provider's current requirements.

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Can a VoIP Number Send and Receive Text Messages?

Yes, an eligible VoIP number can send and receive SMS when it is connected to a compatible business texting service.

This allows a business to continue using its existing VoIP number for phone calls while also using it for text conversations with customers.

Texty Pro supports eligible business VoIP numbers for two-way business texting. Messages can be managed from a computer or mobile device without requiring the business to replace its existing phone number.

Learn more about text-enabling a business phone number.

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Why Do Businesses Use VoIP Numbers?

Businesses often choose VoIP because it provides more flexibility than a traditional phone system.

A business can use one phone system to manage calls across different employees, locations, and devices. Employees can answer business calls from a computer or mobile device, while features such as call forwarding and voicemail can be managed through software.

For businesses that want to add texting, an eligible VoIP number can also become a convenient way to keep phone calls and customer messages connected to the same business number.

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VoIP Numbers and Business Texting

A VoIP number is not automatically a texting number.

If you want to send and receive business text messages using an existing VoIP number, first check whether the number is supported by your texting provider.

Texty Pro supports eligible business VoIP and landline numbers in North America, allowing businesses to add texting to numbers they already use for calls.

Check if your business phone number is supported by Texty Pro.