Need UK virtual numbers to support your business plans to expand to the UK? We’ve got you covered. Here are the top providers for UK virtual numbers along with information about the types of numbers, their costs, and included features.
Types of UK Virtual Numbers
Before we discuss different UK virtual number providers, we first need to look at the different types of UK virtual numbers that exist.
Toll free numbers (0800 and 0808):
UK 0800 and 0808 numbers are business phone numbers that are free for customers to call. Instead of the caller, the receiver is charged for calls made to these numbers. Individuals and businesses located anywhere within the UK can reach these numbers and call them for free.
National numbers:
UK national numbers are not geographically spread across the UK. They are national phone numbers that are charged normal local calling rates.
Geographic numbers:
Local UK numbers, on the other hand, are business numbers with specific area codes for UK cities — such as Cambridge, Glasgow, London, etc. Calls made to these numbers incur local calling rates.
Mobile numbers:
UK mobile numbers are telephone numbers that are capable of receiving instant text messages (SMS)
Now that we have listed the different types of UK virtual numbers available, let’s look at the top providers and what they offer.
1. Global Call Forwarding
Global Call Forwarding was launched in 2007 and since then it has become the world’s leading outlet for business toll free and local numbers. Currently, it supplies businesses spread across the globe with virtual phone numbers (from more than 160 countries), VoIP and SIP technology, as well as diverse communication features.
Types of virtual numbers offered: Global Call Forwarding offers:
- UK toll free numbers as well as mobile-accessible and SMS optional numbers
- UK geographic numbers (SMS optional)
- UK national numbers
- UK mobile numbers
- Universal toll free numbers (UIFN)
Virtual number plans: Global Call Forwarding’s UK virtual business number plans start at $12.95/month (£9.90) and go up to $628.95/month (£480.62).
Features included:
- Hosted call recording software
- Unlimited extensions
- Advanced cloud IVR
- Call forwarding options:
- Time-based call routing
- Select country forwarding
- Failover forwarding
- Sequential forwarding
- Simultaneous ring
- Voicemail to email
- SMS to email
- Outbound calling (dynamic caller ID)
- Call transfer
2. United World Telecom
United World Telecom has been in the telecommunications industry since 1996. The company offers virtual business numbers and international call forwarding for more than 160 countries across the world.
Types of virtual numbers offered: United World Telecom provides:
- UK toll free numbers as well as mobile-accessible and SMS optional numbers
- UK local numbers (SMS optional)
- UK national numbers (330, 345, 843, 845, 860)
- UK mobile numbers
- Universal toll free numbers (UIFN)
Virtual number plans: United World Telecom’s UK virtual number plans range from $12.95/month (£9.90) to $628.95/month (£480.62).
Features included:
- Hosted call recording software
- Outbound calling (dynamic caller ID)
- Extensions for different departments
- DID numbers for individuals and teams
- Cloud IVR
- Call forwarding options
- Call transfer
- Voicemail and SMS to email
3. Vodafone UK
Founded in 1980, Vodafone UK has been serving the UK with telephone (landline and mobile) solutions for personal and business use.
Types of virtual numbers offered:
- UK Freephone numbers
- Local numbers
- International inbound numbers
Virtual number plans: Vodafone UK offers two phone number plans: £14/month and £17.99/month.
Features included:
- SIP trunking
- PBX for business
- IVR system
- Call queueing
- Call recording
- Voicemail
- Regular call rates
4. VirtualPhone.com
VirtualPhone.com helps businesses develop better communications through their virtual phone systems. They offer comprehensive features, monthly calling minutes, and more, for businesses to operate with ease from any location.
Types of virtual numbers offered: VirtualPhone.com offers:
- UK toll free numbers (0800 and 0808)
- UK national numbers
- UK mobile numbers
- UK geographic numbers
Virtual number plans: VirtualPhone.com’s UK virtual phone number plans start at $9/month (£6.88) and go up to $399/month (£304.90).
Features included:
- Softphone
- Call forwarding
- IVR
- SMS
- Live chat
- Call recording
- Call scheduling
- Voicemail & fax
5. Telecoms World
Telecoms World is a provider specifically for the UK. They offer local UK numbers for over 520 areas within the UK.
Types of virtual numbers offered: Telecoms World provides
- UK freephone numbers
- UK national numbers
- Charity numbers
- Rebate numbers
Virtual number plans: Telecoms World’s virtual phone numbers plans begin at $6.53/month (£4.99) and go up to $26.16/month (£19.99).
Features included:
- Working from home solutions
- Call routing
- Call queuing
- Virtual receptionist
- Call analytics
- Call recording
- Callback service
- Conference calls
Get UK Virtual Numbers Today
Here at Global Call Forwarding, we can help you get UK virtual numbers for business with quick installation and fast activation. Sign up on our website today or call us to get started!
