Get a VoIP number for your business

What is a VoIP number?

Unlike traditional landlines, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems use an internet connection to make and receive calls. VoIP numbers are virtual—they don’t have to be tied to a specific location or device—so you can use them anywhere, on anything from a mobile phone to a computer.

How to get a VoIP UK number

If your business is based in the UK or you want to reach UK customers, you’ll likely want a UK VoIP number. Although there are some free VoIP calling services available, your best bet is to sign up with a dedicated business VoIP provider who can give you full functionality and reliability.

The first step is to check that you have a decent internet connection and then select a VoIP vendor. When you sign up with Dialpad, for example, a new VoIP number is included in your package. (Or you can choose to “port in” your existing numbers—more on that later.)

Since VoIP numbers are virtual, it’s also possible to choose a local number with an area code outside your region or country. This helps you establish a presence in your chosen area, even if your business is not physically based there.

For instance, if your main office is in London but you have customers in Birmingham, you could use an 0121 number to call them. People are more likely to answer calls that come from their local area.

Why get VoIP phone numbers with Dialpad?

Other features you get with Dialpad (in additional to the VoIP number)

The big differences between VoIP numbers and landline

Cost

VoIP plans are typically less expensive than the cost of a regular telephone service (or mobile phone contract). That’s because VoIP taps into your existing broadband connection and transmits data by the fastest route, making calls cheaper.

Most VoIP providers let you make free calls, instead of charging by the minute. Dialpad is no exception, giving you unlimited calling in your country (plus the US and Canada) even in its lowest-priced plan.

VoIP telephony also means you don’t have to pay for the infrastructure of a traditional phone line-based or PBX system, with wiring, desk phones, and line rental for each user. You’ll save on installation and maintenance, and the only essential piece of hardware is a router. Turn computers and mobile devices into softphones by downloading VoIP software, or use dedicated IP desk phones if you prefer.

While some businesses install a VoIP phone system on their premises, you’re better off with hosted VoIP. With a cloud-based system owned by your vendor, you don’t have to worry about maintenance or upgrades. You just pay a monthly subscription for what you use.

Dialpad, for example, gives you loads of smart features in one unified package, including conference calls, video meetings, and messaging. This represents real value for money. (If you want to keep your traditional desk phones, it’s possible to convert them for VoIP using a plug-in analogue telephone adapter or ATA.)

Flexibility

An internet phone number gives you a degree of flexibility that you can’t achieve with traditional landline numbers. As we’ve mentioned, VoIP numbers don’t have to be tied to a particular device or location. That means multiple devices can use a single virtual phone number, even if they’re spread across more than one branch of your business.

VoIP is also ideal for remote and hybrid work, as employees can make and receive calls from anywhere on the same business number (and access the same data and messages as their office-based colleagues).

Because there are no physical phone lines to install, you can set up new employees in minutes. Just download the software or plug in an IP phone, and that’s it. VoIP is fully scalable, especially as Dialpad makes it so simple to add or remove users and numbers in your online dashboard when you need to:

Dialpad’s features also give you more flexibility, including the ability to forward calls to different numbers or flip calls between devices. You can change routing rules or auto attendant greetings in a few clicks, and port in your existing number (or take it with you if you ever leave Dialpad—not that you will!).

International/distance calling

VoIP phone services are low-cost or even free when you’re making regular calls, but what about long-distance and international calling? Good news; those rates are cheaper too. It’s all due to the way VoIP technology works.

With traditional PSTN phone calls, you’re being charged on the basis of distance. If you call someone who’s far away, it takes more time for the signals to arrive, and the circuits have to remain open for longer. However, VoIP uses the internet to route calls along the most efficient path, meaning the provider doesn’t need to charge so much.

This is a real bonus for companies that make lots of long-distance or overseas calls. If you’re thinking about expanding your business or client base into other countries or regions, VoIP is the way to go. Its flexibility will also help you recruit employees from anywhere.