In the modern era, more and more people are opting to work remotely. With this shift toward remote work, the ability to conduct business over the phone is more important than ever before. One innovation that you may have yet to consider is a virtual phone number. By utilizing a virtual phone number, you can connect with people around the globe using a device connected to the internet. With virtual phone numbers, you can alter your area code, protect your privacy, optimize business calls, and much more.

So, what exactly is a virtual phone number? What are the benefits of using a second phone number? What is the best option for obtaining a virtual phone number?

Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding virtual phone numbers.

What Exactly is a Virtual Phone Number?

While standard phone lines are great, they come with limitations. Landlines are tied to a physical address and often require time-consuming and tedious onsite setup. Cellphones and smartphones are much more convenient, but the telephone number is directly attached to the device’s sim card. This means you must always keep the cell phone on you to make or receive calls.

Unlike landlines and cell phones, virtual phone numbers aren’t tied to one specific location or device. Instead, virtual phone numbers make and receive calls using VoIP or a voice-over-internet protocol. VoIP enables users to make and receive phone calls using any device with an internet connection. This doesn’t just include cell phones, desk phones, or landlines and means users can make and receive calls on devices such as laptops and computers.

What are the Benefits of Using a Virtual Phone Number?

Conducting Business on Your Mobile Device

One of the most significant benefits of utilizing a virtual phone system is optimizing how you conduct business on your mobile device. Particularly for small business owners, it can be essential that you have access to your business even when you aren’t in the office. However, taking business calls with your phone number can clog up your device. This is where a virtual phone number comes in very handy.

You can designate a specific business phone number and route all business calls to your business phone system by utilizing a VoIP number. Doing so will allow your clients to reach you quickly, even outside of business hours, without clogging up and congesting your mobile phone. This can help separate your work and personal life without risking missing an important incoming call or voicemail from a client. Furthermore, having a designated business phone number can add an element of professionalism to your small business.

Ability to Change Your Area Code Prefix

Another great feature of a virtual phone system is the ability to change your area code. Outside of utilizing a virtual phone number, the only options for obtaining an area code from another location are to contact your phone service provider or to purchase another phone with a new sim card from a location with the desired area code. For example, if you wanted to change to a 970 area code number, you would either have to purchase a new phone in northwestern Colorado or dial the number for your service provider and go through the hassle of being put on hold and transferred throughout the department.

With a virtual phone system, you can easily change your area code. Changing your area code can be beneficial from a personal and professional standpoint. If you are moving to a new location or have a second residence out of state, having a local area code can make others feel more comfortable answering calls or text messages with a local area code in the caller id. The same can be said from a business standpoint. With a virtual phone number, you can establish a local presence in out-of-state areas by using a local phone number, and you even have the opportunity to develop a virtual toll-free number.

Maintain Your Privacy

Besides optimizing your remote work and quickly changing your area code, virtual phone numbers are great for protecting your privacy. Everyone has experienced inputting their number on a subscription or website only to receive unwanted spam or telemarketing calls. With a virtual phone system, you can designate one number for all subscriptions. This will keep your number private and route all spam calls to one location.

Virtual phone numbers can also be an excellent option for online marketplaces like Craigslist. Nobody wants to give out their line to strangers over the internet. With a VoIP phone service, you can select a new number for these online transactions. This number won’t be tied to a physical location like a traditional landline number meaning online strangers have access to less of your personal information.

What is the Best Option for Obtaining a Virtual Phone Number?

Although several virtual phone number providers are available, the best option is SLYNUMBER. Pricing for SLYNUMBER starts at just $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year. Although there are a few free virtual phone number providers, they don’t have nearly the same utility as SLYNUMBER.

SLYNUMBER provides all users a separate inbox for all calls, voicemails, and SMS messages to your virtual phone number. Furthermore, SLYNUMBER features an automatic caller ID system, even if the incoming call uses the *67 prefixes to hide their number. With the caller ID system, SLYNUMBER also includes a one-touch block feature. You can instantly block any spam calls or scammers in real-time.

SLYNUMBER travels with you everywhere and even works great for international calling. You can find the SLYNUMBER mobile app through their website or the app store.

Summary: What is a Virtual Phone Number?

Virtual phone numbers are cloud-based and utilize VoIP services to enable voice calling and SMS messaging over the internet. Unlike landlines or cell phones, VoIP phone numbers aren’t attached to any physical location or SIM card. Furthermore, unlike a traditional phone number, your virtual phone number works from anywhere with internet service. Users can access a virtual phone number from their mobile device or desk phone, so long as there is an internet connection.

With virtual phone services like SLYNUMBER, users can designate a specific number for business communications without sacrificing call quality. Users can also change their area code prefix, block spam or telemarketing numbers, and protect their privacy with subscriptions and online marketplaces.

Everyone should consider a virtual phone number with SLYNUMBER.