Adding Local Access Numbers to VoIPStudio

Although there are significant differences between hosted VoIP and SIP trunking, certain features are commonly available regardless of which alternative is used by your business. Some of these features may be implemented differently depending on the service provider while others are pretty universal throughout the industry. For instance, things like visual voicemail or caller ID are standard features across providers.

Local Access Numbers or Virtual SIP Numbers

Local access numbers are commonly used by organizations to maintain a substantial presence in various geographic markets around the world. These numbers allow customers, partners and other entities to contact the enterprise without incurring international call charges. Local access numbers are inexpensive compared to more traditional alternatives like toll free numbers as well. The price for setting up these numbers can vary significantly between providers and the list of countries/areas in which this service can be purchased can also make a difference.

Local Access Numbers on VoIPstudio

The sister services of VoIPstudio and GoTrunk also offer virtual SIP numbers which are available in more than 4000 cities scattered across 50 countries. There is a setup fee and a monthly recurring costs for each number, depending on the country in which it originates. Some numbers can take longer to set up than others because of regulatory requirements or to comply with local legislation. The list of available countries in which local access numbers can be purchased is being added to continuously in order to keep up with customer demand.

Adding Inbound Numbers to VoIPstudio

Inbound numbers can be added via the Administration dashboard. Clients can access this dashboard by clicking on the Administration button in the top right-hand corner after they have logged into VoIPstudio’s website with the user account and password. On the far right side of the administration interface, the topmost panel is where you can add new inbound numbers.

When you click on the ‘Add’ button, a new window opens up which gives the option of purchasing new local access numbers or for adding a number that is included for free within certain plans. The same window can be used to purchase different numbers in various countries and cities, one after the other.

First the user has to select the country in which they want the new number. After that select the city to set the area code for the new virtual number. Finally the user can select how many new numbers they would like for that particular city/country combination. After the selection has been made, the window will display the charges for set up as well as the monthly expenses, if any. Clicking the ‘And the basket’ button will add the selected numbers to the checkout process. Note that some numbers in certain locations may be included for free as part of the plan that you have already purchased with VoIPstudio.

Once all the design numbers have been added to the checkout basket, the user can complete the checkout process by filling in the relevant payment details. Depending on the location, some numbers may require additional information before they can be activated.

For instance German regulatory authorities require a verified address before a new number can be activated. The business will have to upload a document that demonstrates a connection between the user and a physical address within the city. These may be national identity documents, bank statements, utility bills etc. In such cases, it may take a few days for the number to become active after verification.

Inbound numbers can also be edited after they have been purchased and added. Local access numbers can be bound to a particular target such as a user, the ring group or even virtual conference rooms. Inbound numbers can also be canceled if they are no longer needed.

Adding Local Access Numbers to GoTrunk

New local numbers can be added on the GoTrunk service from the online dashboard. Clicking the Telephone Numbers tab on the far left opens up a panel in the interface from which new numbers can be purchased and existing numbers can be edited to add addresses (for those locations which require address verification).

Adding local access numbers is similar to the process on VoIP studio – first select the country and then the city to determine the area code for the new number. Multiple numbers in different destinations can be purchased as well. If a higher number of concurrent calls is desired, additional channels can also be purchased in the same transaction.

If location information is required, that can also be added for local numbers. In the same window, it is possible to configure emergency calling and fulfill regulatory obligations. For instance address verification documents may be required before the new number can be activated in certain countries. The target and number of channels can also be configured for each local access number.

Local access numbers are a valuable and indispensable tool for modern businesses that operate on a global scale. While global operations used to be the bastion of large multinational corporations, today even a small consultancy may have offices in different countries. Even if an organization does not have physical offices, they may still wish to maintain a local presence in multiple geographic areas. Virtual SIP numbers are also useful for temporary projects such as marketing campaigns, research endeavors etc. With VoIPstudio and GoTrunk, businesses have a powerful option for purchasing and managing hundreds of different numbers around the world.