What is a VoIP number? VoIP numbers & IP phone numbers

A VoIP number is a phone number that works over the internet instead of a traditional phone line. You use it to make and receive business calls on any device with an internet connection: your desk phone, your laptop or your mobile. So far, so simple. But what does that actually change for you and your team?

Picture this. A client calls your office number while you are working from home. Nobody picks up. They try your mobile, get your voicemail and send a slightly grumpy email instead. With a VoIP number, that call would have reached you wherever you were.

 

What is a VoIP number, exactly?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It sounds technical, but the idea is easy. Your voice travels as data over the internet, just like an email or a video call.

A VoIP number looks like any other phone number. It can have a local area code, like 020 for London or 0161 for Manchester. Or it can be a national number, like 0330. Your callers won't notice any difference.

The big difference is on your side. A VoIP number isn't tied to one building or one phone line. That's why people also call it an IP phone number or a virtual number.

 

How is it different from a normal phone number?

A traditional business number is linked to a physical line in one location. Move office and you might have to change numbers. Work from home and your calls stay at the office.

A VoIP number moves with you. You log in on your laptop at home, on your mobile on the train or on your desk phone at the office. Same number, same calls.

The UK is also switching off its old copper phone network. So more and more businesses are moving to VoIP numbers anyway. It makes sense to do it in a way that works for your team.

 

What can you do with VoIP numbers?

Quite a lot more than just calling. Here are a few everyday examples.

Use one number everywhere. Your team works from the office, from home or on the road. Customers always call the same business number.

Show a local presence. Your team is in Leeds, but you want a London number for your southern customers? No problem.

Set up numbers per team. Give sales, support and finance their own VoIP numbers. Every call lands with the right people.

Decide where calls go. You set up call groups, queues and opening hours. Outside office hours, callers hear a message or go to voicemail.

 

What does a VoIP number look like in Xelion?

Let's take a busy customer service team. A customer calls your support number. Xelion shows you straight away who is calling and what was discussed earlier. You also see which colleagues are available.

Nobody answers within 20 seconds? The call moves to the next person in the call group. Is it Saturday? The caller hears your opening hours and can leave a message.

You use your IP phone number in the Xelion app on your desktop, smartphone or browser, or on a desk phone. You can also call through Microsoft Teams. And because Xelion links with your CRM, customer details pop up before you even say hello.

It doesn't stop at calls. WhatsApp, webchat and SMS all run through the same system. So you get one overview of all your customer contact, not five different apps.

As an admin, you manage everything in one place. Add a new colleague, change call forwarding or check reports on missed calls. No engineer visit needed.

 

Can you keep your existing number?

In most cases, yes. You can usually move (or "port") your current business number to Xelion. Your customers keep calling the number they know. You just get a lot more control over what happens next.

Xelion works through accredited partners across the UK. Your partner helps you move your numbers, set everything up and get your team going.

 

Things to check before you switch

A VoIP number needs a stable internet connection. For most offices and home workers that's no issue, but it's worth checking. Think about how many people need a number and which devices they use. Your Xelion partner can help you map this out.

It's also smart to ask how your calls and data are protected. You can read how Xelion handles this in our Trust Centre.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Both names mean a phone number that works over the internet. You might also hear "virtual number" or "cloud number". Different names, same thing.

Yes. You can pick a local area code for the region where you want to be visible, even if your team sits somewhere else. National numbers such as 0330 are also an option.

Yes. Install the Xelion app on your smartphone and log in. You make and take calls with your business number, so your personal number stays private.

As many as your business needs. Many teams have one main number plus separate numbers for sales, support or a specific location. You decide where each number rings.

The Xelion app on your smartphone also works over 4G or 5G, so you can keep taking calls. Ask your Xelion partner about setting up a backup route, so calls still reach someone.

Not necessarily. You can call from your laptop or smartphone with the Xelion app. Prefer a desk phone? Check our certified hardware to see which models work with Xelion.

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Ready to see it in action?

Curious what a VoIP number from Xelion looks like for your business? Request a demo and we'll show you how it works in practice. Or contact us and we'll put you in touch with a Xelion partner near you. 

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