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How to Obtain International DIDs:
International virtual DIDs are extra features which can be included with both PRI and SIP commercial digital voice (telephone) services. PRI and SIP are commonly provided over T1 or larger bandwidth circuits.
International Virtual DIDs, How do they Work?
Companies that currently use PRI or SIP service have access to local DID (direct inward dial) numbers. DIDs allow these companies to have many more phone numbers than actual phone lines they pay for each month. For example, a company that pays for 24 PRI telephone lines, but actually has 100 employees can have a local phone number for each of their employees, while only paying for 24 actual phone lines. PRI phone lines cost about $20 to $30 each, DIDs can be purchased for as little as $2 for a block of 100, depending on the location of the business. While each direct inward dial number is a complete 10 digit local phone number, DIDs only work for incoming calls, and only work if at least one of the 24 (actually 23, because with PRI one channel is used for admin) PRI phone lines is open (not being used). DIDs allow companies to provide direct inward dialing routes to specific employees, departments (such as customer service, personnel, etc) or fax machines. Companies can utilize as many DIDs as they wish, as long as simultaneous calls do not exceed the number of actual lines for which they are paying. For example, if a company pays for 23 PRI or SIP lines, but attempts to make and/or receive 30 calls at one time, 7 calls would be dropped. International virtual DIDs work similarly to local DIDs. With international DIDs, a company can have a phone number that is local to cities in other countries, like Paris or London. When a person calls the local number from Paris for example, it will ring into the US location with no charge to the caller, because to the person calling from Paris, this is a local call.
Benefits of International DIDs:
International virtual DIDs allow US companies to have a local appearance in cities in other parts of the world. To the caller in the international city, it appears that they are making a local call, even though the call may actually be terminating half way around the world.
Where Must A US Business Be Located to Qualify to Use International DIDs:
Most companies that are located in the US and can utilize PRI or SIP service, can qualify to receive international virtual DIDs. To qualify to receive PRI, the PBX of the company must have a PRI card. PRI cards can be purchased for most analog PBXs. For companies to utilize SIP service, they must have an IP PBX. A PBX is customer owned equipment that routes calls, and facilitates many of the features related to phone service. In most cases, PRI and SIP service do not cost the customer more than regular analog phone service.
For Which International Cities Can a Company Receive Virtual DIDs?
International virtual DIDs are available for most major cities around the world.
International DIDs, How Much Do They Cost:
International virtual DIDs usually cost about $30 per month each. Each virtual DID usually includes 2000 minutes of usage per month.
International Virtual DIDs, How Many Can a Company Obtain:
U.S. companies can purchase international DIDs for as many international cities as needed.
Domestic Virtual DIDs:
Companies which utilize PRI or SIP service can also obtain virtual DIDs for cities located in other geographic locations of the country, and therefore establish the appearance of a local presence in those remote locations. For example, a Miami based company may have virtual DIDs for Boston, San Diego, Seattle, and other locations as needed. Domestic virtual DIDs work the same and include many of the advantages of international DIDs. Domestic virtual DIDs cost about $5 per month each, and include about 2000 minutes of usage. For companies that have higher usage needs, domestic virtual DIDs that include 15000 minutes of usage can be purchased for about $30 per month each.
To check PRI and SIP availability and pricing for your location, and/or prices and availability for any of the services listed above, please use the pricing tool at the top of this page. It’s free, real-time, easy to use and there is no obligation.
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