Introducing Virtual Mobile Numbers for Business Communications

In today’s market, customers expect businesses to be available on the channels they use most. That’s why Telcoinabox is introducing Virtual Mobile Numbers (VMNs) as part of our AdvancedPBX and SIP Trunk products.

Fixed lines are fading out

The shift has been clear for years: Australians are answering fewer fixed-line calls and relying almost entirely on mobile.

According to the ACMA, 63% of Australians are now mobile-only, up from just 29% in 2015. By 2022, only 23%of Australians reported making a landline call at home in the first half of the year.

The reality is simple: if you’re a business presenting a fixed-line number on outbound calls, the likelihood of your customer answering is much lower than if you present a mobile number.

That’s where Virtual Mobile Numbers come in.

What are Virtual Mobile Numbers?

A Virtual Mobile Number (VMN) works just like standard Australian mobile number (04 xx xxx xxx). Only without the need for a SIM card or mobile subscription. The number is instead tied a business phone service.

This allows your business customers to present a mobile identity to their customers. All while keeping the familiar management portal, routing control, and reporting benefits of their PBX phone system.

Telcos and MSPs can order VMNs via the Telcoinabox platform, just like they would for a DID (Direct Inward Dial) number or Toll-Free service.

Why mobile-first matters for business

Customer engagement

Industry studies show that calls from mobile numbers are up to 30% more likely to be answered than calls from local or international numbers.

Higher answer rates deliver tangible benefits for both service providers and businesses. For service providers, more answered calls translate into increased billable minutes across call plans, directly boosting revenue.

For businesses, each additional answered call creates more opportunities for sales, bookings, and meaningful customer interactions, strengthening engagement and driving growth.

Centralised management

According to OMDIA research, 39% of organisations allow employees to use their personal smartphone for work. This trend, called Business Mobile Convergence, is becoming a major headache for businessowners and IT managers.

Businesses have no way to manage or measure the calls that are being made or received from a personal device. If an employee leaves, they take customer contacts with them. If an employee can’t answer their phone, calls are missed.

Virtual Mobile Numbers help solve this problem. Workers can still give out a mobile number, but the business retains control. All mobile numbers are managed directly within AdvancedPBX or via SIP trunking, no additional systems are required.

Modern identity

For many small businesses, a mobile number is ideal. Tradesmen and local service providers often benefit from having a ‘personal’ point of contact. Customers wan to buy from a person, not a faceless national service line.

VMNs are a great option for businesses that want a modern alternative to fixed line phone numbers.

How do VMNs work?

VMNs work over-the-top of the Australian PSTN. Customers do not need to purchase a SIM card or mobile plan, VMNs are hosted in the cloud for a monthly charge.

Telcoinabox VMNs can be used to make and receive calls. We are exploring how best to implement business messaging via SMS and MMS.

Calls are delivered over our tier-one carrier grade network. This includes Dual Network Redundancy, using the independent Tier 1 voice networks of Symbio and Aussie Broadband for resilience.

Why MSPs should offer Virtual Mobile

Australians are shifting away from landlines. This is true for both consumers and businesses. But many telcos have not kept up with this change.

VMNs give service providers a compelling new product to add to their portfolio. They help end-customers connect more effectively, improve call answer rates, and present a modern business identity.

With simple provisioning through the Telcoinabox platform, and the backing of our dual-carrier network, VMNs are a low-friction, high-value addition to any business communications strategy.

Next steps

Virtual Mobile Numbers are available now for use with AdvdancedPBX and SIP Trunking services. Contact us to learn more or request a demo.