A complete guide to Virtual Landlines

What is a virtual landline?

A virtual landline is a phone number that operates over the Internet rather than through traditional telephone lines, allowing you to make and receive calls from any device connected to the internet (via broadband or mobile data) like a phone or computer. Virtual Landlines use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) rather than the copper lines used for traditional landlines.

How do virtual landlines work?

You are assigned a virtual landline number through your virtual landline provider (or you port your traditional landline number over). This number is hosted in your virtual landline providers cloud system and not tied to a fixed geographical location. When someone dials your virtual landline number the call is routed to your VoIP providers server, which recognises the number as a virtual landline and determines its destination.

Through Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) the call is setup. SIP initiates the communication session between the caller and the receiving endpoint (your device). Your voice signal is converted into digital packets of data which are then transmitted over the Internet to the receiving device, which then decodes them back into voice. These data packets can travel in 2 ways depending on the configuration of your setup. With a Peer-to-peer connection a direct connection is set up between the caller and receiver’s devices once the call is established and voice data flows directly between the 2 devices. With a provider routed connection voice packets go from the caller to the provider’s server, then from the server to the receiver.

How do I make and receive calls?

Receiving inbound calls
When a customer dials your virtual landline number, to them it appears they are calling a traditional landline. The call comes through to your mobile app and you answer the call as normal. Making

Outbound calls
To make a call from your virtual landline number simply make the call from your virtual landline app. The receiver of your call’s phone will ring as normal and they will not know you are calling from a virtual landline.

Can I keep my existing business number?

You can transfer your existing business landline number to a virtual landline, often for a small fee. This is called porting. Your existing landline must remain active during the porting process.

Can I use a virtual landline to keep my work and business calls separate?

Virtual landlines are ideal for keeping work and business calls separate. With a virtual landline, you can make calls from your personal mobile phone using your virtual landline number (via an app) rather than your personal mobile number. This means that you can clearly distinguish between work and personal calls. Outside of work hours you can divert your Virtual Landline to voicemail or to another number helping to maintain a good work life balance.

Are virtual landlines reliable?

Virtual landlines are generally reliable when set up and maintained properly. Their reliability is dependent on a stable Internet connection with sufficient bandwidth. Many providers offer automatic call forwarding to mobiles in the event of internet or power outages.

Will customers know that it is a virtual number?

Virtual landlines look and function like traditional landline phone numbers, including having local area codes, so there’s no obvious indication that the number is internet-based.

Is voicemail included?

Voicemail is included with virtual landlines. Voicemail to Email is also available from many providers.

Are virtual landlines secure?

Virtual landlines can be very secure when configured correctly and maintained by a reputable provider. Reputable virtual landline providers will make use of security measures such as encryption and firewalls to protect from phishing, hacking and toll fraud.

What happens if I miss a call?

If you miss a call you can predefine what you would like to happen. The caller could be sent to voicemail or forwarded to another number depending on your needs. Many virtual landline providers offer voicemail to email, which automatically converts your voicemail messages into an email format and sends them to your inbox.

Is a virtual landline the same as VoIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the technology that enables us to make calls over the Internet rather than traditional copper phone lines. A virtual landline is an application that uses VoIP to provide a business phone number that isn’t tied to a specific location. They aren’t the same, but they are closely related. VoIP is how calls are transmitted, and virtual landlines are what businesses use to take calls from anywhere on a business number.

Is Internet required for a virtual landline to work?

Yes, virtual landlines do require an Internet connection to work as virtual landlines use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology to transmit calls. This Internet connectivity could be provided by broadband or mobile data. Some providers offer call forwarding to a mobile number and other services to help maintain call continuity in the event of loss of Internet connection.

Can I get a virtual landline with a local area code?

You can get virtual landlines with local area codes. When setting up your virtual landline, most providers let you choose your preferred area code from a list of available locations. You can even get multiple numbers with different area codes if you want to establish a presence in several regions.

Interested in a Virtual Landline for your business?

For more information about virtual landlines please visit our Virtual Landline page, or reach out to a member of the team on 0330 122 0550 (or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and we would be happy to help.