How to Get a Phone Number?

Are you getting unwanted calls 🙅🏻‍♀️📞due to not having a separate business line? Are you carrying an extra bulky device💻 with you for business phone calls? 

If so, yes. Then, you need to get a phone number highlighting the convenience and professionalism of having a dedicated business number without needing an extra device.

Keep scrolling to discover significant ways of getting a number, along with the importance, categories, and factors of choosing a phone number.

Why do you need a phone number? 

Generally, you need a phone number because it is used to make and receive phone calls and send and receive text messages. 

You need a phone number because it is required for customer service or to contact potential clients. It is also used for security purposes, such as two-factor authentication for online accounts.

Why is it essential to get a phone number?

It is essential to get a phone number for the following reasons: 

• It offers personalized and prompt communication, which is vital for handling complicated or pressing matters.
• It lets businesses maintain privacy by keeping personal and professional calls separate.
• It makes it easier for businesses to track sales, provide customer service, and manage logistics.
• It prevents certain levels of credibility that customers desire, showing a local, national, and international presence.

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What are the different types of phone numbers? 

The different phone numbers are available for you, described in the below-mentioned points:

1. Local Number 

A Local Phone Number is a type of phone number that represents a specific area in a city or state with a specified code of the area. Unlike traditional landline phone numbers, local phone numbers are hosted on the internet and are not linked with any physical phone line. It helps expand your operations and create a regional presence without a physical office.

2. Mobile Number

A mobile number is a series of numbers that are a unique set of digits you dial when making a telephone call to a particular person, business, etc. The format of a mobile number varies depending on the country code. It is crucial to place calls to the particular device you intend to call.

3. National Number 

A National Number is a national telephone number used within a specific country. A virtual national number is obtained from a virtual phone system provider that is not tied to a particular physical location or device but has a local area code, making it appear that the business has a presence in the national area. 

4. Toll-Free Number 

A Toll-Free Number is a unique telephone number with a distinct three-digit code that doesn’t charge the person making a call to reach the business but charges to the business instead. Toll-free numbers are free phone numbers that are easy to remember and boost your business with brand awareness. 

5. Shortcut number 

A shortcut number is an abbreviated dialing or short code used for specific mobile functions or services. A shortcut number refers to a number that is a more direct route to a quicker method of calling someone. It can boost productivity by reducing time spent on calling tasks.

6. 10-digit long codes

A 10-digit extended code (DLC) is a North American system for sending application-to-person (A2P) business messages using standard 10-digit phone numbers. When you use this kind of number, your text shows up as a local number translated into a higher open rate, giving your texts more of a human touch than short code texts.

How to get a phone number for your personal or business use? 

You can get a phone number for your business or personal use by choosing the best phone number provider, buying a telephone number, assigning your phone extension, and setting up optional features. There are three simple methods to get a phone number for your personal or business use, which are as follows:

Method 1: Temporary or Disposable phone number 

You can get a temporary or disposable phone number when you buy temporary-use SIM cards or prepaid cell phones in convenience stores or mobile phone shops. Such phone numbers are suitable for temporary or short-term needs like travel.

Another way to get a phone number is through web-based services or apps offering free temporary phone numbers for receiving messages, OTPs, and verification codes. 

Pros of getting a temporary or disposable phone number:

• Privacy: Keep your number confidential, particularly when engaging with online services.
• Security: It is used for two-factor authentication and online verification.
• Flexibility: It is adaptable and can receive verification codes without needing an extra physical phone.
• Anonymity: It avoids spam and unwanted calls by providing a number that is easy to change or deactivate anytime you want to. 
• Business Use: It promotes marketing and customer service. It also maintains a separation between personal and professional communication.

Cons of getting a temporary or disposable phone number:

• Fraud Risk: Chance of getting exploited by frauds for scams.
• Limited Ownership: Only limited ownership is available due to the use of third-party services.
• Service Limitations: It has limitations towards the services since it might not support all calls or services.
• Cost: Few providers offer temporary phone numbers without any cost, whereas many charge an upfront payment.

Below are the steps to get a temporary phone number:

1. Download the app or visit a temporary number provider
2. Sign up for an account and choose the number you need.
3. Select the area code for your temporary phone number.
4. Set up your temporary phone number by following the provider’s instructions.

Method 2: Virtual Phone Number 

Virtual phone numbers are just like regular numbers without any connection to a particular device or location; they just have an internet connection. 

You can operate virtual phone numbers by routing calls and messages to your phone number or app on your device. They are helpful since they offer businesses and users more flexibility in making and receiving calls.

Benefits of using a virtual phone number:

• Enhanced Privacy: These numbers offer a layer of privacy.
• Create Local Presence: With these numbers, you can have your presence in a local area using local codes and numbers without the actual physical presence of any offices.
• Flexibility: Virtual phone numbers offer flexibility by offering local phone numbers in each location where your businesses run.
• No hardware: Virtual Phone Numbers can work with mobile phones, removing the need for hardware or physical devices.

Steps to get a virtual phone number with KrispCall:

1. Create a KrispCall account. 
2. Select the country from the pool of countries list.
3. Enter the city or state of your phone number, select the desired phone number type (local, mobile, and toll-free), and make payment.
4. Now, start making and receiving calls.

Method 3: Mobile Carriers

You can get a phone number through a mobile carrier by buying a SIM card from the mobile carrier online or in retail stores. After getting the SIM card, activate it by following the carrier’s activation instructions. 

Then, you must submit documents for postpaid plans, identification proof, and an address. They will offer you available numbers, and you can choose one. However, if you want to transfer an existing phone number from another carrier, you must provide the current account information and finish a number porting request with the new carrier. 

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5 Best Phone Number Providers in 2024

To win your trust and faith in getting the best phone number, There are the five best phone number providers for personal or business use in 2024. Keep reading to find out who the best phone number providers of 2024 are:

1. KrispCall 

KrispCall stands out from other phone number providers, offering an extensive range of advanced features like call recording, unified callbox, shared numbers, and global calling, suitable for business and personal use of all sizes. 

To ensure the customer’s trust in KrispCall, it provides free demos to try out its services before committing to a plan. It offers virtual phone numbers to over 100 countries at a low cost with excellent performance.

Pros of choosing KrispCall:

• Global Accessibility: It offers phone numbers in over 100 countries, enabling businesses to expand globally.
• Scalability: Its system allows for easily adding new numbers, users, and even international lines as your business scales up.
• CRM Integration: It syncs with CRM platforms to ensure every customer interaction is tracked and accessible within your CRM system.
• Streamlined Workflow: KrispCall helps to manage and monitor teams quickly and automate mundane tasks effortlessly, enhancing workflow.
• Affordable Pricing: It provides an affordable and efficient solution that helps businesses expand their operations without investing in costly physical infrastructure.

Cons of choosing KrispCall:

• Mobile App Performance Issues
• Device Limitations for Single Subscription

2. Verizon

Verizon is a famous multinational telecommunications solution that offers flexible plans and high-quality and innovative communication services.

Verizon is considered the best phone number provider due to its strong network coverage, diverse phone selection, and integrated services.

Pros of choosing Verizon are:

• Best Coverage
• International Features and High-Speed Hotspot Data
• No Annual Contracts for Home Internet

Cons of choosing Verizon:

• Expensive Plans
• Limited Data Options
• Speed Not Guaranteed and Home Customers as Second Priority 

3. Sprint

Sprint is a company that was previously known as a major American telecommunications provider and offers a wide range of phone services, including wireless and landline phone plans, along with customer support options.

However, Sprint is now part of T-Mobile following a merger between the two companies, and the services are being integrated into T-Mobile’s Network. 

Pros of choosing Sprint:

• Unlimited Plans
• Special discounts
• Reliable Network Performance 

Cons of choosing Sprint:

• Inconsistent Network Coverage
• Unsatisfied Customers
• Limited Handset Selection

4. AT&T

AT&T is a famous US-based telecommunications company that provides phone services and wireless and landline phone plans. 

AT&T offers a variety of plans, such as unlimited data plans, shared data plans, and prepaid plans. Additionally, it provides special discounts for customers who are first responders, military, and families.

Pros of choosing AT&T as a phone number provider:

• Wide range of plans like unlimited data plans, shared data plans, and prepaid plans.
• Good customer service
• Extensive network coverage
• Special discounts

Cons of choosing AT&T as a phone number provider:

• Higher Prices
• Limited international coverage 
• Contract requirements 
• Hidden Fees

5. T-Mobile  

T-Mobile is a prominent phone number provider that provides many plans along with great customer service and numerous advantages.

It provides both prepaid and postpaid plan options that fit a wide range of customers. They offer their service 24/7. Use a T-Mobile phone number to communicate virtually from any devices, such as phones, tablets, and computers.

Pros of choosing T-Mobile:

• Largest 5G Network
• Perk-Heavy Plans
• High Limits on Premium Data
• Outstanding Customer Service

Cons of choosing T-Mobile:

• Plan Pricing
• Mobile Hotspot limits
• Exclusive Phone Deals

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What are the Factors to Consider When Choosing a Phone Number? 

There are several factors to consider when choosing a phone number. However, first get to know the steps for choosing the best phone number, which are:

• Determine your needs: The first step for choosing the best phone number is to understand your needs, like the type of number, the features, and the budget you need.

• Choose a provider: After you evaluate your needs, you should select a phone number provider that offers you the required factors.

• Select a plan: Then, choose a plan that aligns with your needs and budget. If your business is large-scale or small-scale, choose accordingly.

• Choose a phone number: Choose the best phone number that is easy to remember and shows the brand image of your business from the phone number.

• Sign up and activate: After all the processes, now sign up for the plan and activate your phone number, knowing the provider’s instructions to set up your phone and begin using it.

Conclusion 

Learning the ideas and methods to get a phone number is essential for any business or personal use. You can get a phone number through three methods: Temporary phone number, virtual phone number, and mobile carriers. Before getting a phone number, choose your phone number provider wisely and consider the important factors.

Now, if you have any queries about getting the best phone number, then don’t hesitate to contact us. Below are some of the most asked questions that might help you understand getting a phone number even better.

FAQs

What are the apps that give out free phone numbers?

The apps that give out free phone numbers are:

1. Google Voice
2. TextFree
3. Callcentric
4. Dingtone
5. Hushed
6. TextNow

Can I get a custom phone number on the web?

Yes, you can get a custom phone number on the web. 

How much does a phone number usually cost?

A phone number usually costs in the range of $12 to $ 50 per month.

How can I get a free phone number from Google?

You can get a free phone number from Google by setting up Google Voice.

How can you know the details of a phone number?

You can know the details of a phone number by the use of various online tools and services, such as TechWelkin Mobile Phone Tracking, NumberTrackerPro, and Emobiletracker.

Can I use my phone number to make an international call?

Yes, you can use your phone number to make an international call by dialing the plus sign(+) or the International Direct Dialing (IDD) code, followed by the country code, area or city code, and phone number.

Arun Chaudhary

Arun is SEO Analyst at KrispCall. He has written in extensively in the field of cloud telephony and call center solutions.