Virtual Private Number

A Virtual Private Number is a telephone number that forwards incoming calls to any of a number of pre-set telephone numbers. These are also called follow-me numbers.

Usually a Virtual Private Number can be set to forward calls to different telephone numbers depending on the time of day and the day of the week; for example, between 9-5 on working days incoming calls will be forwarded to one's workplace, but in the weekends to one's cellphone.

International

Some companies are offering International Virtual Private Numbers (or just Virtual Numbers). Thus, a company located in China can have a phone number in Los Angeles. Virtual Numbers are very popular among call centers which pretend to be located in one country, when in fact they are in another. Other popular users of international virtual numbers are immigrants, which appreciate the fact that their friends and family back home can contact them using a local call.

Some countries limit the use of Virtual Phone Numbers because they may bypass restrictions on international calls.

Examples

Some companies offering Virtual Numbers are:
* [http://www.jetnumbers.com JetNumbers.com] (forwarding to any phone number)
* Vonage (forwards virtual numbers to a VoIP service).
* GrandCentral

In the North American Numbering Plan, Area code 500 and Area code 533 are follow-me numbers, and referred to as Personal Communications Service (NANP).

In the United Kingdom, these are offered under the 070xx non-geographical dialing code, referred to as Personal Numbering Service (PNS).

ee also

* Follow-me, the same concept for PBXs
* Unified Messaging