Why virtual telephone companies can sell so many phone numbers from different countries
Virtual telephone systems have become common tools for businesses that need flexible communication options. These systems allow companies to set up local or international phone numbers without owning physical lines in each country. This article explains how virtual phone numbers work and why companies like Twilio and Infobip can offer such a wide variety of numbers worldwide.
What is a virtual phone number?
A virtual phone number is a phone number that is not tied to a specific physical phone line. Instead, it is connected to a software platform that manages calls and messages electronically. When someone calls or texts a virtual number, the system routes the communication to a different phone, computer, or application. This setup allows businesses to establish a local presence in many countries without installing traditional phone lines.
How do virtual numbers work?
Virtual numbers operate through cloud-based telephony systems, also known as cloud PBX. These platforms act as intermediaries between the caller and the business's actual communication device. When a customer dial a virtual number, the system receives the call and forwards it to the company's desired device, whether it is a mobile phone, office phone, or web application.
The process involves several components:
- Number provisioning: The company obtains a virtual number from a provider. This provider owns a large inventory of numbers from many countries.
- Routing rules: The provider's software defines how incoming calls are handled. Calls can be forwarded instantly to different devices or answered through voice applications.
- Communication infrastructure: Underlying networks move the call data through internet protocols, rather than traditional copper wires. This flexibility reduces costs and increases options for routing calls anywhere.
Why do companies like Infobip and Twilio sell so many different numbers?
Companies like Infobip and Twilio are what is called "communications platform providers". They have partnerships with telecommunications carriers and platforms worldwide that give them access to a broad range of phone numbers.
Some reasons why they sell so many international numbers include:
- Large inventory: These companies purchase and lease blocks of numbers from local carriers. Through deals with multiple carriers, they can offer a huge variety of numbers from different countries.
- Automated provisioning: Using advanced software, they can instantly activate new numbers for customers. This automation makes it easy to get local or international numbers quickly.
- Global reach: Clients often need numbers from multiple countries for marketing, customer support, or verification purposes. These companies meet that demand without clients needing to work with local telecoms themselves.
- Regulatory compliance: They handle the legal and technical requirements involved in owning and operating phone numbers in different countries. This reduces the complexity for their clients.
- Cost efficiency: By managing large volumes of numbers, these companies can lower costs and pass savings to customers, offering affordable access to international numbers.
The benefits of virtual phone numbers for businesses
Having virtual phone numbers offers many advantages:
- Local presence: A business can appear to have a local phone number in each country where it operates, helping build trust.
- Cost savings: Virtual numbers eliminate the need for physical infrastructure in every location.
- Flexibility: Numbers can be added or removed easily, and calls can be routed to multiple devices or services.
- Enhanced communication: Virtual numbers enable SMS, voice calls, and even fax services, all managed through a cloud platform.
- Better customer service: Companies can assign local numbers for different regions, making it easier for customers to reach support.
Virtual telephone systems function by routing calls through cloud-managed platforms, which offer a wide variety of phone numbers from different countries. Companies like Twilio and Infobip succeed because they work with international carriers to maintain large inventories of numbers, automate provisioning, and offer flexible routing options. This allows businesses to have a global presence, improve communication, and reduce costs—all through virtual numbers managed online.
