Communication on the phone, exchange of messages, SMS verification — all these things have become routine for us. However, where there is a need to cope with specific daily tasks, there are also different possibilities. Therefore, mobile communication replaced the lazy telephone, and now, another opportunity is added to it — virtual telephony. Looking ahead, we can say that virtual telephony is unlikely to replace other methods of communication completely. However, almost everyone has at least once used a virtual phone number to receive SMS with a confirmation code when registering on a social network, for example. So, let’s take a closer look at the differences and advantages of virtual telephony.
Key differences
The main difference is that virtual telephony was created for other needs and has a slightly different purpose than mobile communication. A typical number is used for constant everyday personal or business communication. Everyone who has a smartphone has this number.
Virtual telephony originally appeared to meet corporate needs. In particular, many offices had a problem with organizing a conventional telephone line where every client or partner could call. The situation was complicated because when a business expands or changes location, it loses customers because it is difficult or impossible to change the phone line but keep the same number. Virtual telephony has saved businesses from such an issue.
Now, they can even have several offices or hire remote workers, and everyone will have the same number, which can be used without unnecessary restrictions or prohibitions.
This is just one example. In fact, there are many advantages for businesses when using virtual numbers. In particular, it gets the opportunity to better communicate with customers, monitor marketing activities’ effectiveness, control customer support quality, etc.
How did virtual telephony move from the corporate world to ordinary users?
Virtual telephony has created a space for protecting one’s privacy, expanding opportunities, and saving money. Therefore, ordinary users also quickly appreciated the advantages that such a format offered them.
- Geographic flexibility. You can choose a number from one of more than 90 countries and use this number for profitable communication with friends abroad; find a number for yourself when traveling. Such numbers are also used for convenient authorization in regional services. For example, if you want to watch a series on Netflix that is not yet available in your country, you can create a local account with this number and still watch the desired content.
- Lots of functionality. Do you need a number just to receive an SMS? You can order one for yourself. Or you can set up incoming call forwarding to any device or number, listen to recorded conversations, and more.
- Convenient pricing. You pay only for the services you actually use. If you only need a number to receive text messages, you can pay only for that, and not for all the possible services that are available for a particular phone number, as is usually the case with regular mobile numbers. And in general, virtual numbers often cost less than regular phone numbers because they don’t require the same infrastructure as regular phone lines.
- Simplicity and ease of use. Setting up a virtual number can take less time and effort than setting up a regular phone number. You don’t need a physical SIM card. It is enough to create a profile on the website of the service where you order the virtual telephone service.
It is the sum of all these features that became a prerequisite for the popularity of virtual telephony, not only for businesses but also among ordinary users.
Wrapping up
Virtual and traditional phone numbers are used for communication, but there are some key differences between them. Virtual numbers are not tied to a physical phone line or device and can belong to anyone, including individuals or companies. Also, traditional phone numbers are usually associated with a specific geographic location, while virtual numbers can be related to any location.
Virtual numbers offer more flexibility and functionality at a lower service cost. It makes VoIP numbers an attractive option for companies and individuals who need effective communication.