Toll-Free Numbers: What is it, How does it help, Where to buy?

If this is the first time you hear about such a service, its name may confuse you. It seems to be something strange or unusual. But, if we get to the point, in terms of functionality, it is almost identical to the one you use, and even better.

A virtual phone number is related to softphones and VoIP, but users can receive calls just like a regular phone. Calls can be both local or from any corner of the world. The system works just like traditional telephony. But, there are notable benefits. Let’s analyze them in more detail.

What is a Toll-Free Number?

It is a multichannel virtual number that allows users to get in touch with customers or citizens of other states, regardless of their locations. For example, if you need a virtual number in the USA, diverse codes are provided for different states. For example,

• +1-917 for New York;
• +1-313 for Detroit;
• +1-617 for Boston, etc.

By getting a toll free number for USA, you’ll be able to stay in contact with citizens of American states.

8 Key Benefits of Toll-Free Numbers

• No service contracts.

To register a virtual number with online providers (for example, the American service “Talkroute”), a user does not have to sign anything. You can stop using the service at any time.

• No fees for redirecting calls.

Phone companies usually charge extra money to redirect calls from your home phone to your mobile device. In most cases, a virtual phone number allows getting this service for free when you forward calls to a SIP app.

• Convenient for publishing in business directories.

You can list a virtual contact in any business directory, making it easier to find your organization’s data.

• Save your number.

Telecom providers from different regions have different phone codes, so the number may change if the location of the company changes. Modern technologies allow solving this problem.

• Extremely low cost, both within the country and when making international calls.

This is especially true when we talk about corporate communication in organizations with a large coverage of territories, for example, logistics firms. Economic feasibility will be felt from the first month of operation.

• An easy registration and user connection.

All that is required is a device with Internet access and software that could be freely downloaded.

• Freedom of location and movement.

There is no binding to a specific office, apartment, house, and place in general. Customers can always use their toll-free numbers in any city and anywhere in the world.

There is the possibility of choosing a virtual number not only by region but also by state. For example, you might be in Texas, but the phone number would belong to Los Angeles.

Why do you need Virtual Telephony?

• for business. This option allows businesses to expand their target audiences, enter new markets, and save on communication with customers.

The service caters to business and allows simplifying a wide range of communication issues. Businessmen use toll-free numbers for incoming and outgoing calls, SMS/MMS correspondence, and fax messages. Such numbers have significant benefits for firms that operate in several cities and regions. Roaming implies huge costs, while partners and customers are unlikely to want to overpay for calls abroad. Thus, it makes sense to connect an additional number, from which incoming calls will be redirected to the main phone.

• for registration on various Internet portals, social networks, and shopping in online stores. This allows creating any number of accounts without fear of spam and fraud.

Many websites and social networks request a mobile number. This is a reasonable security measure since SMS confirmation significantly reduces the risk that your account will be hacked. But the process also has its downsides. There is a high risk that your contact details will fall into the hands of unscrupulous advertisers, and you will be sent unnecessary advertising and spam.

• for hunters for “freebies”. Paid music, game, and movie sites often offer a monthly trial subscription. Using different mobile numbers, the subscription can be renewed indefinitely.

Toll-free numbers are an excellent solution for different groups of people, starting from businesses (primarily) to personal use for browsing the Internet. This solution has a great number of benefits. In addition to convenience, prices for virtual numbers are much more favorable than the offers of local telecom operators. Connecting a virtual number is easy; it is enough to choose a tariff, a number you like, and leave your contacts on the website of a service provider.