Luckily for most individuals that have the basic knowledge of VoIP phone systems, the differences between fixed and non-fixed VoIP phone numbers aren’t particularly complex. VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol that includes fixed phone numbers, which are associated with an account holder’s physical address, and non-fixed numbers, that have no specific address it can be traced back to.

Listed above, is the simplest definition that can summarize the terms of these different types of VoIP numbers, but by delving more into this type of system, it is revealed that there are more differences between the two. In this article, we will educate you on the finer details that these two types of numbers bring to light, and the pros and cons of each type so that you will have a better understanding when choosing a type number to call your own. 

Fixed VoIP Phone Numbers 

A fixed VoIP phone number is generally assigned by your service provider with a broadband network that is linked to your physical address. The address you use can be your home address or your companies address, depending on which you decide to pick. This may remind you of how a landline works, which requires your business or home’s number to be linked to that specific address, and you would be correct. But, luckily, in this case, a fixed number is much more advanced than that of a landline. Additionally, in the case of an accident, 911 or emergency services have a better chance of responding since they will be able to view your address when you make the call, whereas non-fixed lines might cause some trouble for emergency services.

A benefit of linking this number to an address is the reduced number of spam or scam calls that you will receive. On top of this, fixed VoIP numbers also offer an additional degree of authenticity and are more reputable for your home or business. 

1. The Pros: These numbers are more authentic, giving your business a better reputation in terms of attracting clients and business. Countless features generally come with this type of phone number, with some examples being advanced calling and routing features that are beneficial to most companies. This type of phone number is the most secure number to have, leaving spam or scam calls practically nonexistent. Along with this advantage, your number won’t be included in bulk dialing from call centers, allowing you or your company to focus on the calls that truly matter.
2. The Cons: Because these numbers must be linked to a specific location, it is imperative that the address you give is one that will be 100% used down the road and in the future. A fixed number is also more costly because of all the added services offered and features that can be joined. Lastly, when it comes to international calls, there are additional fees that must be applied, and pricing is based on the location you have given.

Non-Fixed VoIP Phone Numbers

A non-fixed VoIP number is one that isn’t linked to a physical address, giving this number the ability to be associated with any geographical location. These types of accounts can be created without a permanent address, which is beneficial for home businesses and smaller shops that aren’t solidly established. These types of numbers can be referred to as virtual phone numbers, and don’t need anything other than a valid email in order to be set up.

The benefit of utilizing a non-fixed number is that they offer greater flexibility for remote teams, international businesses, and many smaller companies. For international businesses, a non-fixed number is a way to go, because international fees and calls aren’t applicable, making it easy to connect with employees around the world free of charge. A non-fixed number is generally used for personal use due to the lack of professional features offered, that many larger businesses are looking for. These types of numbers still offer countless characteristics but aren’t nearly as many capabilities that fixed numbers offer. Non-fixed numbers are also more affordable and easier to access but are more difficult to trace. 

Along with these numbers being easier to access comes the opportunity for spam calls and bulk dialing from call centers or international criminals. If your home or business receives countless fake calls and spam numbers, then it’s due to the fact that your non-fixed number is easily generated by such individuals or locations. Unfortunately, this is a huge downfall when choosing this type of phone number, and there isn’t much that can be done to stop these calls from appearing.

1. The Pros: No exact location is needed to make an account, so this type of number is very easy to obtain. Most providers will simply ask for a valid email address or an alternative contact phone number.  When looking into this type of number, it is generally cheaper, and sometimes even free, compared to that of a fixed-line. If you are a person or business that makes many international calls then a non-fixed number is the one to choose, because of the included international calling benefits.
2. The Cons: These types of phone numbers are commonly used by criminals, making some numbers less authentic and not as safe. Because these numbers aren’t as secure as a fixed number, there is an increased chance of spamming or scam calls that your business will receive. There is a lack of professional appearance when it comes to businesses obtaining this type of number as well, which sometimes deters callers from connecting to your company.

The Bottom Line of Non-Fixed and Fixed Phone Numbers 

Both types of phone numbers you can choose offer pros and cons, leaving the decision of which to pick entirely up to you. Depending on what you or your company is looking for, each option will be beneficial to some. In short, choosing between a fixed or non-fixed phone number can be discussed with a VoIP service provider, where you can get all your remaining questions answered.