What is non-fixed VoIP, and why does it matter?

As VoIP vendors continue to proliferate the telecommunications market, numerous capabilities also continue to advance in terms of cost-efficiency and performance. Non-fixed VoIP is one such capability. Enabling businesses to obtain numbers that are outside of their local region (such as numbers with external state/area/country codes), non-fixed VoIP is a boon for companies that need to call external customers - or have them call on a number that is local and therefore more familiar.

Just like any other capability, non-fixed VoIP has both pros as well as cons. Not requiring a physical address, non-fixed VoIP can prove to be less trustworthy - unlike its fixed VoIP counterpart. However, doing a quick comparison of some of the largest VoIP providers in the market can provide your business the insight needed to make a wise software decision, and especially one that is within budget.

Nonetheless, precisely knowing how to buy the best VoIP software (or any other enterprise software product, for that matter) requires stringent collaboration with all your business teams - from end users to those on the C-level who will eventually decide which product to purchase. Strategically and mindfully tallying budgets, needs and vendor capabilities together is what shall help your business shortlist suitable VoIP providers, and subsequently choose the ideal one. 

Here, we focus on the intricacies of non-fixed VoIP, so you can decide whether it’s a VoIP component that deserves to be a part of your business.

Also known as a virtual phone number, a non-fixed VoIP number is assigned to a user with an active SaaS-based subscription. In other words, an email address and payment method is sufficient to arrange for a non-fixed VoIP number. By transferring voice signals as data packets over the internet, non-fixed VoIP works just like any other VoIP service, so that moving to VoIP (especially if you still haven’t) is a process that is as smooth as possible.

Easier to obtain.

Unlike its fixed VoIP counterpart which requires a physical address, non-fixed VoIP can easily be assigned to a user simply with an email address. 

Easier to scale.

Since non-fixed VoIP numbers can be purchased easily, they can also be scaled up just as easily by provisioning them to different users and devices as and when needed. VoIP can also be connected to a landline phone, thereby offering businesses extra versatility should they need it.

Non-fixed VoIP numbers are particularly compatible with mainstream devices and applications in use today - from smartphones to WhatsApp. As a result, non-fixed VoIP numbers can be administered across most users and devices, due to high levels of compatibility by default.

Go beyond local numbers.

What makes non-fixed VoIP all the more convenient is the fact that out-of-state and international numbers can also be created and distributed for use. This is particularly advantageous for businesses that have customers overseas, as such numbers can provide a local feel for those who want to get in touch.

Not an official means of proof - especially for businesses.

As non-fixed VoIP numbers are so easy to administer, they are not considered as official contact numbers for businesses. All contact numbers for official purposes need to be connected to a physical address, so only fixed VoIP connections are viable for such undertakings.

Often used by scammers and spambots.

Again, due to the absence of a physical address and easy administration, non-fixed VoIP numbers are often used by scammers and spambots. This is also one of the contributing factors towards not counting non-fixed VoIP as a legitimate contact method. On top of that, the likelihood of non-fixed VoIP numbers being blocked by spam filters is much higher, due to this very reason as well. 

Not a replacement for emergency calling services.

As a physical address isn’t associated with non-fixed VoIP numbers, emergency calling services such as 911 cannot track the physical location of a call made from such a number, for providing immediate help and security. However, the ability to make 911 calls through a VoIP system which offers static or dynamic location tracking has now become possible - but still bears limitations.

On the outset, there are no visible differences between fixed and non-fixed VoIP numbers; they both look exactly the same. Therefore, answering this question is all a matter of what your business requires. 

As no two business needs are identical, consulting various teams across your organization to understand precisely what is required out of the numbers which connect various stakeholders to your business is a great way to identify whether fixed or non-fixed VoIP numbers are better suited to your organization.