In today’s globalized world, businesses and professionals need phone numbers that work across countries and regions.
Traditional phone numbers are tied to specific locations and carriers, limiting their connectivity. iNum DID provides a solution to this by offering virtual phone numbers that route calls internationally utilizing VoIP technology.
iNum DID, which stands for Internet Number DID, provides users with a single number that can receive calls worldwide. This allows for greater mobility, lower costs, and enhanced customer reach.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what iNum DID is, how it works, the benefits it offers, use cases, and frequently asked questions.
Whether you are a freelancer looking for a global business line or an enterprise with international offices, iNum DID can provide the flexibility and seamlessness needed in modern telephony.
What is iNum DID?
iNum DID refer to Internet Number DID, a type of virtual phone number service.
DID stands for Direct Inward Dialing, which is a feature that provides callers with an individual phone number for each person or department in an organization.
iNum DID takes this concept and applies it internationally through Voice over IP (VoIP).
With iNum DID, users are allocated virtual phone numbers that have no geographic ties. When someone makes a call to an iNum DID number, it is routed over the internet via VoIP to the end user, who could be anywhere in the world.
This allows for inbound calls to be received globally while bypassing traditional telephony networks.
How Does iNum DID Work?
The technology underlying iNum DID leverages VoIP to transmit calls over the internet. Here is an overview of how it works:
- A user signs up for iNum DID service through a business VoIP provider. They are assigned a virtual, geographic number.
- The VoIP provider converts the iNum DID number into a SIP address, which enables VoIP connectivity.
- When someone dials the iNum DID number, the call is converted into digital IP packets and routed through the internet.
- These packets are transmitted globally until they reach the destination SIP address assigned to the end user.
- The call data is then converted back into analog audio so the iNum DID user can receive the call.
This allows for seamless international call routing, bypassing traditional telephony networks.
Advanced features like call forwarding, voicemail, IVR menus, and more can also be implemented with iNum DID numbers.
Benefits of iNum DID
There are many advantages to using iNum DID virtual numbers, including:
- Single Global Number – Have one number for an entire business that works internationally. No need for multiple numbers in different countries.
- Flexibility – Route calls differently based on time of day, caller ID, or other rules through programmable PBX features.
- Cost Savings – iNum DID provides lower-cost international calling through VoIP.
- Portability – Numbers can be transferred between providers easily without changing the number.
- Productivity – Features like call forwarding improve reachability and collaboration.
- Scalability – Add and remove numbers instantly as business needs change.
Use Cases for iNum DID
Here are some of the most popular use cases for iNum DID phone numbers:
- Global Businesses – Companies that operate internationally can have one virtual number for the entire organization.
- Remote Teams – Distributed teams can collaborate and share lines regardless of location.
- Freelancers – Independent contractors can project a professional image with an international line.
- Sales & Support – Route customers to the right department anywhere in the world.
- Call Centers – Automatically distribute calls to agents based on availability, location, skills, and more.
- Click-to-Call – Website visitors can speak to sales or support instantly with no toll charges.
- Conferencing – Set up virtual meeting rooms that participants worldwide can join via a local iNum DID number.
- Emergency Services – Designate country-specific iNum DIDs for emergency routing.
iNum DID Numbering Plan
Like traditional DID numbers, iNum DIDs follow a specific numbering structure:
1. United States/Canada +1 NXX-NXX-XXXX
The NXX represents the area code and local exchange, while the last four digits are the line number.
2. United Kingdom +44 NXXXX XXXX
The first 5 digits are the area code, followed by a space and the local number.
3. Australia +61 N XXXX XXXX
The first 1-3 digits are the area code, the next 4 digits are the exchange code, and the last 4 digits are the subscriber number.
4. France +33 9 XX XX XX XX
The 9 is always used for iNum DIDs in France, followed by 8 digits split into groups of 2.
5. Singapore +65 3XXX XXXX
The first 2 digits (30, 31, 32, 33) designate the carrier, and the remaining 8 digits identify the subscriber.
How to Manage iNum DID Numbers?
There are easy ways to manage iNum DID numbers depending on your provider:
- Provider Account Portal: Most VoIP providers have an online account dashboard that allows you to add, delete, and configure numbers.
- Provider Mobile App: Many providers also offer iOS and Android apps to manage numbers through your smartphone.
- Number Management APIs: Companies with developers on staff can leverage provider APIs to fully customize and automate number management.
- Number Assignment Features: Administrative features like assigning specific numbers to departments, users, or offices helps organize iNum DIDs.
- Number Scheduling: Scheduling when certain numbers should be active allows businesses to route calls appropriately on holidays or after hours.
iNum DID Call Routing
A key benefit of iNum DID numbers is the ability to intelligently route inbound calls:
- Location-Based Routing: Route calls to different geographic destinations based on the caller’s origin.
- Overflow Routing: Send calls to secondary destinations if all agents are busy or offline.
- Time-Based Routing: Route calls differently depending on the time of day, day of the week, or date.
- Individual Routing: Assign unique routing rules to specific iNum DID numbers.
- Simultaneous Ringing: Have inbound calls simultaneously ring multiple devices to improve answer rates.
- Voicemail Routing: Customize voicemail greetings and email notifications for each iNum DID number.
- On-Demand Routing Changes: Make easy real-time routing changes through your provider’s dashboard or API.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Ques 1. What types of phones are compatible with iNum DID?
Ans. Any VoIP desk phone, softphone, or smartphone app will work. Calls can also be forwarded to landlines and mobile numbers.
Ques 2. What infrastructure is needed to use iNum DID?
Ans. You’ll need a VoIP phone service provider, internet connection, and VoIP phones or apps. Some providers include phones with service.
Ques 3. How much does iNum DID cost?
Ans. Pricing depends on the provider, but costs are generally lower than traditional phone services. Expect small per-number fees and minimal usage charges.
Ques 4. Can iNum DID integrate with CRM platforms?
Ans. Yes, many providers offer integrations or APIs to connect iNum DID with popular CRM/ERP platforms.
Ques 5. How are emergency services handled with iNum DID?
Ans. Providers designate emergency DIDs for each country the number operates in. These route to local PSAPs based on caller location data.
