Alternatives To Skypein? And Sip Did Service
What is a virtual number? A virtual phone number – “virtual tel #” is a number without a directly associated telephone line. Such numbers are typically redirected to either a voice over IP (VoIP) device or service, or to another phone line, landline or cellular.
Virtual numbers are sometimes used together with mail drop service to create a “virtual office” in a separate location. A business may, for example, purchase a virtual phone number with NYC code 212, along with a mail drop (forwarding) service in Manhattan, to make an impression that the business is located in New York, when in fact it may be located in Utah or Nevada, or overseas – in a different country.
For instance, Toll-free phone numbers, or 800 numbers in North America, are virtual telephone numbers. For businesses or individuals located out of the area, or serving another city, a virtual local number in the other area will allow callers from that area to call without incurring long distance charges.
Virtual numbers are especially appealing to hi-tech companies (for international user support), exporters (to give the impression that the business is located onshore) and customer service outsourcing companies, such as call centers.
Can I get actual telephone numbers on my Skype™?
Yes. This service is offered by Skype™ and is called SkypeIN™.
It allows users to receive calls on their PC software when a regular phone subscriber dials their international virtual phone number.
Skype™ offers DID numbers in the following countries: Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
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Calls to the international virtual numbers are charged as calls to landlines in that country. Some jurisdictions, however, like France and Germany, restrict the registration of their telephone numbers to users with a physical presence or residency in the country.
I want a DID number (virtual number) in Bulgaria, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, China, Iran or another country that Skype does not have. What do I do?
There is a way! Some virtual operators (ISTPs) will provide with a number in Moscow, St.Petersburg, Tehran, Sofia, Riga or Vilnius (to name the few) and they will actually send the call to your Skype™ software.
- www.DIDlogic.com is an online DID exchange for those looking to buy DID numbers (virtual numbers) or sell their DIDs.
- www.HotTelecom.biz also provides numbers around the world and can forward them to any number you specify, including Skype™
How do I buy virtual numbers for Skype?
In fact, you do not have to use Skype exclusively for the virtual number service. There are several alternatives to Skype™, and various SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) operators are sometimes a cheaper choice than Skype™. Let’s use www.didlogic.com as an example:
Your business is looking for a presence in China, however, you can’t get a Chinese number on Skype™. Log on to www.didlogic.com, purchase a number in China, and set your destination to you Skype™ username. The number will arrive to your Skype™.
You really want a virtual number in Moscow, Russia to talk to some girl you met at the Russian embassy reception, but have no idea where to get it. Log on to www.didlogic.com, purchase a number in Russia, and send it to username@sip01.sipphone.com Use free Gizmo software. You don’t even need Skype™. Forwarding is free.
You are an international security contractor with some really good prospects in Riga, Latvia. You must get calls on your US number, and you need it setup fast. And Skype™… well.. does not offer this. Not a problem! Log on to www.didlogic.com, purchase a number in Riga, Latvia, and send it to your Google Talk™ software by entering someuser@gmail.com (yes, you may also use Google Apps and send it to your hosted Gmail service). Answer calls on Gtalk – forwarding is free.
Finally (for the really technical types) you can use didlogic.com to send calls to any SIP capable device, including Asterisk. If your service provider allows you to receive SIP calls from outside the network, you can receive calls on just about anything – any betamax clone like voipcheap.com (user@sip.voipcheap.com), or FWD, anybody in Sipbroker.com peering list – you name it.
Skype, SkypeIN, Google Talk and Gtalk are trademarks of their respected owners. For complete description of their services, please visit www.skype.com or talk.google.com. Wikipedia.org articles on DID numbers and virtual phone number were used.
DID Logic is your source for SIP DID origination, VoIP termination and wholesale pricing to most destination in the world, including a low-cost webcall option from your SIP/Skype sfotware to many mobile networks at 50% off the lowest possible discount rate you can find on the Internet.