How to Get a VoIP Number

If you're wondering about how to get a VoIP number, odds are your business is looking at, or has already invested in, a VoIP phone service. First of all, that's an excellent choice! VoIP is a fast, cost-effective option for businesses that need flexible communications. Second of all, acquiring a VoIP number is quite simple. We'll walk you through the steps below.

Steps to Acquiring a VoIP Number

1) Pick the right kind of number

Before you begin your VoIP number ordering and provisioning process, you should know which of the four number types your business needs: local, toll-free, vanity, or virtual.  

• Local numbers are numbers unique to your business' specific area code that are typically easy to procure and quick to set up.  
• Toll-free numbers are numbers that usually begin with 800 and aren't tied to a specific location and sometimes seem more professional to potential customers.  
• A vanity phone number is a step above a toll-free number in price and customization allowing businesses to add specific words or phrases to their number to stand out from the crowd. For instance, 1-800-FLOWERS sets its company apart and is an integral part of its overall brand. But, because of this personalization, the number you want may already be claimed. If it is not, make sure to acquire the right to that number as soon as possible.

• Virtual phone numbers are relatively new and aren't for everyone. Especially because they usually act as a call forwarding service. If you want to forward calls to a number that cannot make calls, choose a virtual number.

2) Contact your VoIP phone service provider

If you've signed up for a VoIP service plan, your provider will be able to provision a VoIP number for you in a matter of minutes. Some even offer a do-it-yourself number ordering platform! All you must do is log in, select the number you want from their inventory, and activate on your account.  

Do you already have an existing phone number you want to keep? Simply transfer it from your previous provider to your new VoIP provider via number porting. No matter if you have an outstanding balance with the provider, the FCC mandates that they cannot refuse to port your business number to a new provider. So, take advantage of it!

Whether you transfer old numbers or add new ones, VoIP numbers are a great asset to businesses of all sizes – including yours.

3) Experience all the benefits of VoIP number

Not only can VoIP numbers be utilized for texting and instant messaging, but they also allow businesses to pick the number's area code, give multiple users access to that one number and so much more! If you're looking to upgrade your communications, look no further than a VoIP number.

VoIP Numbers vs Regular Numbers

VoIP numbers are a great investment. But other than increased flexibility and additional communications features, how do VoIP numbers differ from normal phone numbers? VoIP numbers and regular numbers differ in two distinct ways. First, regular phone numbers are assigned to a location while VoIP numbers aren't. Second, regular phone numbers complete calls over traditional copper phone lines. VoIP numbers complete calls using any broadband connection and – sometimes - local area networks (LAN).

You Can't Have VoIP Numbers without VoIP

If you're looking into purchasing a VoIP phone number, it is crucial that your business first has a VoIP service implemented. To implement a VoIP service, your business must have a reliable internet connection with the highest speed and excellent bandwidth. If you don't, you'll suffer from frequently dropped calls, missed connections, and frequent outages.

While there are many excellent options available, at costs that fit any budget, the fastest and most reliable option is fiber optic internet. It's about 20 times faster than regular cable internet and 80 times faster than DSL. Not to mention it has lightning-fast download and upload speeds and won't be throttled if the amount of messages on it suddenly increases.

However, there are a few downsides to the technology. Many businesses don't have access to the service. After all, it's relatively recent technological advance. Even more won't be able to afford the rates some of the larger companies are charging for fiber internet. Which is why Tierzero offers affordable and obtainable fiber services to our entire customer base. We know how crucial a top-notch internet connection is when all your communications are built on it.  

Tierzero: Your Ground-Up VoIP Provider

Whether you're on the hunt for a new set of VoIP numbers, looking to transition from legacy communications tech to VoIP-capable devices, or just looking for better internet – Tierzero has you covered. We've provided services for over twenty years, removing the hassle and cost of dealing with a communication "middle man."  

We employ industry experts who can help you at a moment's notice 24/7/365. Plus, we proactively monitor all our services at absolutely no cost to our customers. So, what are you waiting for? Reach out to us today – via phone or email - to experience all these benefits yourself!

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