What DIDs Do and How They Work
Telecom companies provide Direct Inward Dialing (DID) as a feature for calling into Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems. PBXs centralize collections of phone lines under one or more DIDs—sometimes referred to as virtual phone numbers or direct dial in numbers—allowing callers to contact the system’s top level, navigating the different extensions and departments using voice menus and other interactive response features.
For Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP), DID grants users on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) access to both local and national virtual numbers. They act as communication gateways that link traditional phone networks with those operating online. This not only translates calls placed on the PSTN, but also those made over VoIP. DIDs enable call forwarding to landline and smartphone devices. With that said, landline devices require analogue adaptors to place outbound calls.
Local and National DIDs
Businesses often purchase DIDs in many countries to cater to international customer bases. Toll-free virtual numbers assume all charges incurred by callers within a specific country, extending the service above what a conventional DID can achieve. While both options come with benefits, some users may still prefer to use phone numbers that exist on the PSTN.
In lieu of a DID, users can port numbers registered to other physical phone lines and systems. Porting permits businesses to keep numbers already known amongst stakeholders. Moreover, some call directories do not accept DIDs, so porting becomes a way to circumvent this limitation.
How to Purchase a DID?
DIDs are affordable and readily available online. Through 1pbx Solutions, local virtual numbers start at $5USD a month—no contracts, no hidden fees. VoIP offers a range of benefits from cost savings to enhanced productivity, so get started today and see what one virtual number can accomplish!
