An internet phone number is a phone number that routes calls through the internet instead of traditional phone lines

When you call an internet phone number, your voice travels as data packets across the internet to reach the other person. The number itself looks like a regular phone number — it has a three-digit area code and a seven-digit local number — but the infrastructure behind it is different. Instead of copper wires or cell towers, your call uses your broadband connection.

Internet phone service is also called VoIP, which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. Companies like Vonage, Google Voice, Ooma, and MagicJack offer VoIP service. Some internet providers, including Comcast and Verizon, bundle VoIP phone service with cable or fiber internet packages. The service works on any device with an internet connection: a computer, a smartphone app, a dedicated VoIP phone, or even a regular phone plugged into a VoIP adapter.

Key Takeaways

  • Internet phone numbers work through your broadband connection, not phone lines, and require a stable internet connection to make and receive calls.
  • You can port an existing phone number to VoIP service, or get a new number in any area code you choose.
  • Internet phone service typically costs less than traditional phone lines, with plans ranging from around $10 to $30 per month depending on features.
  • If your internet goes down, your internet phone stops working unless you have a backup power source or a cellular fallback option.
  • Emergency calls (911) from VoIP require you to register your physical address, and response may be slower than from a traditional phone line.

How internet phone numbers differ from cell phone numbers

A cell phone number is tied to a SIM card and a cellular network. An internet phone number is tied to an account and an internet connection. You can use your internet phone number on any device in any location as long as you have broadband access — you could answer your home phone number on your laptop at a coffee shop. A cell phone number stays with your phone and your cellular plan.

Internet phone numbers are also location-flexible in a way cell numbers are not. When you sign up for VoIP service, you can often choose your area code from anywhere in the country. If you move to a different state, you can keep your original number. With a cell phone, your number is associated with your carrier and your plan, not with a physical location, but changing area codes usually means getting a new number.

What you need to use an internet phone number

You need a broadband internet connection — cable, fiber, DSL, or even satellite internet will work, though satellite has more latency. The connection should be stable and reasonably fast; most VoIP providers recommend at least 2.5 Mbps read and 1 Mbps upload speed, though you can often get by with less if you are the only person using the line.

You also need a device to make calls. This could be a computer with a microphone and speakers, a smartphone with a VoIP app, a regular telephone plugged into a VoIP adapter (a small box that converts your internet connection into a phone line), or a dedicated VoIP phone that looks like a traditional desk phone. Some people use a combination — they might have a desk phone at home and the VoIP app on their phone when they travel.

Finally, you need power. Unlike traditional phone lines, which have their own power source at the telephone pole, VoIP depends on your modem and router. If your power goes out, your internet phone stops working. Many people keep a battery backup (called a UPS, or uninterruptible power supply) plugged into their modem and router so they can still make calls during a power outage.

Porting an existing number to VoIP service

You can move an existing phone number from a traditional phone line or cell phone to a VoIP service. This is called number porting. The process usually takes one to two weeks. You will need your account number and PIN from your current phone provider, and you will need to contact the VoIP company to start the port. During the porting window, both your old and new service may be active, so do not cancel your old account until the port is complete.

Not all numbers can be ported. Business lines, toll-free numbers, and numbers from some smaller carriers may have restrictions. If your number cannot be ported, the VoIP company will offer you a new number in the same area code, or you can choose a different area code.

Cost and plan options for internet phone service

VoIP plans typically range from about $10 to $30 per month for residential service, depending on what features you choose. A basic plan usually includes unlimited local and long-distance calls within the United States and Canada. Add-ons like international calling, call recording, or a second phone line cost extra. Some providers charge a setup fee when you first sign up, though many waive this fee.

The actual cost depends on the provider and the plan. Google Voice offers free calling within the US and Canada if you already have a Google account, though you need to provide a phone number to verify your account. Vonage, Ooma, and MagicJack each have different pricing structures and feature sets. Compare what each provider includes before you sign up, because the cheapest plan may not have the features you need.

Emergency calls and 911 service from an internet phone

When you sign up for VoIP service, you must register your physical address with the provider. This address is what 911 dispatchers see when you call for help. If your address is wrong or out of date, emergency responders may go to the wrong location. Update your address when ready if you move.

VoIP 911 service is not as reliable as traditional phone line 911. Calls may take longer to connect, and the dispatcher may not receive your location as quickly. Some VoIP providers offer enhanced 911 service for an extra fee, which provides faster routing and more reliable location data. If you rely on 911 service — for example, if you live alone or have a medical condition — consider keeping a traditional phone line or a cell phone as a backup.

Internet outages and what happens to your phone service

If your internet connection goes down, your internet phone stops working. You cannot make or receive calls until your broadband is restored. This is the biggest drawback of VoIP compared to traditional phone lines, which work even during power outages and internet failures.

To protect yourself, keep a cell phone charged and available. Some VoIP providers offer a cellular fallback feature that automatically routes calls to your cell phone if your internet goes down, though this usually costs extra. You can also buy a battery backup for your modem and router so you can make calls for a few hours during a power outage, though this does not help if your internet provider's network is down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an internet phone number if I do not have a landline?

Yes. You do not need a traditional phone line to use VoIP. You only need a broadband internet connection and a device to make calls. Many people use VoIP as their only phone service.

What happens to my internet phone number if I cancel my service?

When you cancel VoIP service, your number is released back to the provider. If you want to keep the number, you must port it to another service before you cancel. Some providers give you a grace period to port the number after cancellation, but do not rely on this — port it before you cancel.

Can I make calls on my internet phone number from outside my home?

Yes, if you have the VoIP app installed on your phone or you are logged into your account on a computer. You can use your internet phone number anywhere you have an internet connection. Some providers also let you plug a VoIP adapter into a hotel internet connection or a friend's router.

Is internet phone service find?

VoIP calls travel across the internet, which means they can be intercepted if you are using an unsecured network. Use a password-protected Wi-Fi network and keep your VoIP app updated. If security is a concern, ask your provider whether they offer encrypted calling.

Do internet phone numbers work with fax machines?

Some VoIP providers support fax, but not all. If you need to send or receive faxes, check with your provider before you sign up. Many providers offer fax-to-email service as an alternative, where incoming faxes are converted to PDF files and sent to your email address.