Port. Rate center. VoIP. Carrier. What in the world do these terms mean?
Let NumberBarn unravel the mystery to help you with our quick access glossary to become the most #NumberSmart person around!
What is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It refers to the ability to make and receive phone calls using a broadband internet connection as opposed to cellular or traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
Chances are, you’ve used VoIP services before. Skype, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger all use VoIP. When making calls on these apps, you’re using either broadband internet or a cellular data connection as opposed to calling through your cellular phone connection service.
What is a carrier?
A carrier is the overarching service provider for a phone number. With us, your phone number resides with our main carrier, and we are your service provider.
Why do I need a CSR to port a number?
A CSR is a customer service record. It contains the name, address and other important information on file with the carrier that is required to port a number away. With NumberBarn, you can get this information from within your online account.
What does it mean to forward my number?
With our call forwarding plan, you can forward one phone number to an outside active phone number, such as your cell phone. For example, when someone calls the number you have with NumberBarn, the calls will be answered on your cell phone. There’s plenty you can do with the power of call forwarding. Check out our guide to call forwarding so you can take advantage of everything it has to offer.
What is an IVR?
IVR stands for interactive voice response. It is also known as a menu. Think of the last time you called a company and heard, “Thanks for calling. For sales, press 1. For support, press 2“. That’s an IVR menu greeting. With our call forwarding plan, you can create your own custom IVR menu. Here’s our Expert’s Menu Guide.
Is my number a landline?
With NumberBarn, all numbers are converted to landline/wireline numbers. If you choose to port a number to a mobile provider, it will be converted to a mobile/wireless number.
What does it meant to port a number?
Porting a number means transferring it from one carrier/service provider to another. Check out these steps on how to port away.
What does it mean to park my number?
Parking means storing your number in an active status.
With our $2/month Park plan, you get:
- Your active phone number
- Incoming and outgoing text messages
- A recording to notify your callers that your number is parked. You can use our standard recording or create your own. To hear our recording, click here.
Here are 10 ways parking a number with us will make your life easier.
Why does a rate center matter to me?
A rate center organizes the boundaries for local phone numbers. The area code and prefix of a phone number determine the city and state of the number. Not all carriers can support every city and state for a phone number. Here’s why.
Why is my phone number with a reseller?
We learned about a carrier above. Some carriers will work with resellers to resell phone numbers. Then, the numbers are placed with a service provider.
What does SMS actually mean?
SMS stands for short message service. You know it as a text message! With us, text messages arrive to your number via your NumberBarn account and a notification will be emailed to you. Here’s how to text with your NumberBarn number.
Have a question that isn’t on here? Send us an email!
We believe behind every telephone number there’s a beautiful idea, opportunity, or person. We strive to create those meaningful connections every day. To learn more about us, visit NumberBarn.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
