Definition, Utility, and Considerations For Choosing A Good Provider of DID Numbers
Definition And Utility
DID is the abbreviation for the term Direct Inward Dialing and a DID number represents a virtual phone number pertaining to a given city, region, or country (a local number). Calls to these numbers can either act as traditional calls directed at mobile or stationary phones or they can be redirected via the Internet, taking the form of VoIP calls. This is normally done using one of the following protocols: SIP, IAX, H.323.
- The major utility of this technology is given by the fact that these numbers are virtual so they can be established by the company in a number of regions of interest and can act as local numbers without requirements of connecting to the physical infrastructure of local landlines or mobile networks (also spares the effort and trouble of adapting to regional telecommunication systems). To make use of such numbers, a company should reach out to one of the did number providers and contract the specific types of services desired.
- As the company is no more required to have a physical presence in all the regions of interest (e.g. office workers connected to landlines phones in order to answer to local calls), this also leads to significant savings in terms of logistics and infrastructure.
Another crucial aspect allowing huge savings is that DID numbers can be connected to the Internet locally and the traffic can be farther transmitted across regions or countries for a really small price (as compared to international calls).
Another key utility of DID numbers (and actually, the reason they were invented for) is that they allow assignment of phone numbers to certain employees/departments without the need to connect to or adjust the infrastructure of traditional phone systems.
Such virtual numbers can even allow to easily scale up or down the number of channels (making it possible for every employee to have his/her own extension connected to the same DID number).
How To Select A Suitable Provider
A few important considerations for choosing a reliable provider are as follows:
- low latency for any call – this is usually allowed by good infrastructure and extensive connections with reliable regional and worldwide carriers;
- international coverage (via SIP trunking or PSTN forwarding) – the specific countries covered matter a lot. Top providers normally cover dozens of countries with the most populous and economically dynamic being a priority;
- support for both inbound and outbound calls on the same local carrier connection, also offering native Caller ID;
- good value for money – you might find that the provider offers significant discounts in the case of a large volume of services being contracted (or other types of discounts advantageous for small businesses).
DID number can offer great savings for your business also extending its efficiency and outreach. Choosing a reliable provider is a key aspect of ensuring that this technology is put to its best use within your company.
