Non-fixed VoIP

In simple terms, you can make calls or send texts from a non-fixed VoIP number with an area code of a particular location without residing or having an address there.

This flexibility makes it easy for businesses to establish a local presence in an area even if they aren’t physically present. All you need is a wireless VoIP router or some other modem, and you’re good to go. Also, by calling customers in a particular location with numbers bearing a matching area code, they are more likely to gain their trust. This is a smart way to boost your business reach.

Non-fixed VoIP numbers are also cost-effective to use as you can call people in different locations for the same price.

Skype and Google Voice are common platforms that offer free non-fixed VoIP services. To start using them and making non-fixed VoIP calls, simply install the respective mobile apps and create an account.

How can you tell if the caller is using a VoIP number?

VoIP numbers look like regular cell phone numbers. So, you can’t tell if a call or text is from a VoIP phone simply by looking at it.

VoIP providers allow you to make calls using the voice over internet protocol. This technology is cloud-based and lets you make calls through an internet connection. Hence, when someone calls you using an internet phone or VoIP service, it’s difficult to tell which physical location the phone call originated from.

Looking up the caller ID or CNAM (Caller Name Delivery) of the number, however, can help you find out if the phone call originated from a VoIP number.

Who uses non-fixed VoIP?

Non-fixed VoIP users range from individuals to businesses. Due to the flexibility it provides, a VoIP number is a valuable tool that allows companies to serve their customers who are based in areas where they don’t have a physical presence.

Businesses with employees spread across a large area can also use non-fixed VoIP lines to stay connected without the cost of getting a physical location.

Cloud-based call center providers like LiveAgent also integrate non-fixed VoIP providers into their software. This way, their users can create call centers with agents in any part of the world. In this case, the call center provider automatically assigns non-fixed VoIP numbers with the same local area code as locations where the most calls come from.

Apart from operating without the location barriers, these businesses also get to save costs that come with using a traditional office phone system for long-distance or international calls.

Unfortunately, because of the flexibility and ease with which anyone can get these non-fixed numbers, they are also used for criminal activities by scammers and fraudsters.

Can you call and text back a non-fixed VoIP number?

Non-fixed VoIP number assignments can receive incoming calls and texts as long as the VoIP caller has an active internet connection. A VoIP number assignment is a number you get for VoIP calling when you sign up with a service provider. 

If you own a VoIP account, you can also make calls and send texts from your non-fixed number to other VoIP numbers or regular phone lines.

If you’re having difficulty making calls or sending texts, contact your VoIP provider’s support team.

Can a non-fixed VoIP be traced?

As mentioned earlier, non-fixed VoIP lines are easy to get and provide flexibility, especially when it comes to international calling. Unfortunately, this flexibility also makes it challenging to trace. However, it isn’t impossible to trace a non-fixed VoIP number to the caller.

Tracing voice communications from a non-fixed VoIP phone comes in handy if you suspect criminal activity and want to report it to the authorities.

Although it’s not always easy to trace a non-fixed VoIP call, there are different ways to do it safely.

You can search phone books and records or use an identification service such as caller ID.

• Phone books and records: One way to identify a VoIP caller is by checking telecommunication companies’ phone books and records. These records can be online or offline. When you get access to these records, simply search for the user associated with the number.

Note, however, that VoIP assignments can change without a corresponding update in the records. So, the user associated with the number may no longer be the current holder.

• An identification service: If you have access to an identification service, you might be able to figure out the owner of a VoIP line. The problem with this method is, most callers with criminal intentions fake their caller ID, so it’s difficult to identify them.

While these methods may work, you may still find it challenging to find the caller’s physical address. So, you cannot rely on the results you get. The best approach to dealing with fraudulent VoIP numbers is reporting them and leaving the rest to the authorities.

What is the difference between fixed and non-fixed VoIP phone numbers?

There’s one main difference between the two types of VoIP numbers. While fixed VoIP numbers are associated with the holder’s physical address, a non-fixed VoIP number isn’t linked to the holder’s physical address.

If you’re trying to decide whether to opt for a fixed or non-fixed VoIP number, here are some pros and cons you should consider:

Pros and cons of fixed VoIP numbers

Pros

• A credible business phone number that your customers can easily trust.
• Emergency services can easily trace your exact location in case of safety issues, e.g., making 911 emergency calls.
• Access to more advanced calling and routing features for your customers and employees.

Cons

• Non-fixed VoIP providers require a detailed physical address- including your street address- from you before issuing a phone number.
• Fixed VoIP service providers generally charge fees for the setup and usage of their features.
• Long-distance calls are expensive.
• If your business caters to people in a large area, it’ll be challenging to establish a local presence since your phone numbers must be tied to one of your offices or headquarters.

Pros and cons of non-fixed VoIP numbers

Pros

• You can easily establish a local presence with your customers regardless of your physical location.
• Non-fixed VoIP numbers are easy to get and simple to set up.
• Unlike with fixed VoIP numbers, traditional landlines, or other business phone services, you can call people in different locations for the same price.

Cons

• Non-fixed VoIP numbers are not easily identifiable, and your customer might confuse your calls with spammers or fraudsters.
• Limited access to emergency services since it’ll be difficult to trace your phone call to a physical address.

Benefits of non-fixed VoIP numbers

Using a non-fixed VoIP number can boost your business’s external communications and give you more flexibility in the following ways:

Cheaper call prices

Non-fixed VoIP solutions allow you to make calls to different locations without the high prices. Since you’ll be making calls over the internet, all you have to pay is your internet subscription cost (no phone bill!). This makes it a highly cost-effective option for business purposes.

Ease of acquisition

Most business VoIP providers require only an email address to create an account with them. After a few sign up steps, you’ll be assigned a non-fixed VoIP number and can start communicating with your customers in no time.

For example, if you run an online business with no brick-and-mortar shop, you can own a non-fixed VoIP business line with little more than an email address.

Easy business expansion

By owning a non-fixed VoIP number, you can expand your business’s reach beyond your physical location. For example, you can live in the US and contact your Canadian customers with a local phone number.

Unlimited cloud calling features

Many non-fixed VoIP solutions come with additional features. For example, LiveAgent’s VoIP call center phone system is equipped with advanced features such as IVR, automatic callback, ACD, smart call routing, call transfers, softphones support, unlimited call recordings, video calls, and so on.

If you have a team of remote workers, they can collaborate effectively regardless of their physical location, thanks to LiveAgent’s calling features.