Non-fixed VoIP numbers are simply virtual numbers. In short, they aren’t linked to a specific phone and don’t require a fixed location so are great for businesses with hybrid working models.
What is a non-fixed VoIP number and how does it work?
Also referred to as a virtual phone number, a non-fixed VoIP number is very similar to a normal VoIP phone number. However, the main difference is that it isn’t assigned to a traditional phone line. Individual users are given their own virtual phone number instead.
In practice, non-fixed VoIP numbers don’t require a physical address like landlines do. This is great when you consider that traditional landlines are being switched off by 2025. Additionally, non-fixed VoIP numbers mean you can order phone numbers in locations where your business isn’t actually located. In our experience this really appeals to businesses whose staff work remotely, or who have customers based in other countries.
Non-fixed VoIP numbers can also be assigned to other portable devices like tablets and mobile phones as well as VoIP phones. This adds an extra layer of flexibility that can push your business on to the next level.
Advantages of non-fixed VoIP
There are many advantages of non-fixed VoIP phone numbers, with the main ones being as follows:
Non-fixed VoIP numbers are easy to provision
If you need to supply more phone numbers to your customers or end users, non-fixed VoIP phone numbers mean you can quickly procure additional phone numbers that can easily be assigned to users.
Reassigning a number to a new device or user is also super quick, often only taking a few minutes.
Easy to configure
Non-fixed VoIP phone numbers are simple to set up, and the CNAM tag on these types of numbers can be edited pretty easily. This means you can choose a non-fixed VoIP phone number to suit how you want it to appear when you make a call.
Disadvantages of non-fixed VoIP numbers
All the above points are certainly useful. But in some situations, these benefits can actually be a hindrance.
Non-fixed VoIP numbers are easy to use and very flexible which is great. However they can also be manipulated by scammers who target people using what look like legitimate local numbers. If the person who is called then blocks the number, it’s all too easy for scammers to simply get another one.
Additionally, people receiving calls can’t simply look at their caller ID in order to see when it’s a non-fixed VoIP phone number calling. Having said that, spam filters may spot them more easily. This has pros and cons in itself in that it can help block scammers, but will also block genuine businesses.
Finally, non-fixed VoIP numbers can be a pain when it comes to making emergency calls. This is because they don’t have a fixed address assigned to them and so can’t be routed to a local emergency call centre. They also can’t be traced, so may hinder an emergency response.
Who uses non-fixed VoIP?
Organisations use non-fixed VoIP numbers for a huge range of purposes. Common cases include:
Call centres
Many call centres use non-fixed VoIP numbers in order to create large call centre teams quickly and easily. These call centre teams could be working remotely anywhere in the world - it’s simply a case of providing them with non-fixed VoIP numbers with local area codes. Building remote call centres in this way can save businesses big money, because they don’t then have the overheads involved in being in a physical location.
Managed service providers (MSP)
MSPs may use non-fixed VoIP numbers when there’s a requirement to quickly give their clients a new number (as long as no physical address is needed). Because non-fixed VoIP phone numbers are straightforward to configure, MSPs can offer their clients large amounts of control over the set up of their non-fixed VoIP phone number. This in turn can reduce the time the MSP needs to spend on customer service.
OTT communication apps
Facebook Messenger, Google Voice, WhatsApp, Skype and many other social media apps have non-fixed VoIP numbers within them to facilitate voice communication.
By using only their email address to set up an account, users can make voice calls whilst using the app via a non-fixed VoIP number assigned on a short-term basis. Non-fixed VoIP numbers can also be used to make it look like a user is calling from their personal mobile phone or landline number.
How do you tell if a number is a non-fixed VoIP number?
You can’t spot a non-fixed VoIP number just by its appearance. The only way you can tell is by looking at the data from the phone number provider. Often you can tell this by carrying out an internet search of the number, but not always.
Is non-fixed VoIP better than fixed VoIP?
This depends on several different factors and there are big pros and cons to both fixed and non-fixed VoIP options. However, non-fixed ones offer the kind of flexibility that many businesses are highly attracted to. Having said that, local businesses that have been established for a while often find a fixed VoIP service better suits their needs.
If you’re not sure which option to go for, feel free to call our team for advice on 0203 514 0949 to discuss.
Try out a bOnline VoIP system for free
Times are tough and choosing a new VoIP phone system for your business can feel daunting.
The good news is you can sign up for a free 7-day trial, allowing you to test out all the business-friendly features a VoIP phone from bOnline has to offer. At the end of the trial, if you want to sign up to any of our great value packages you can do so by signing into your MybOnline account. Everything will then be done for you by us remotely within 24 hours with no down time.
You might find our recent article useful too: What is a VoIP phone - everything you need to know.
