2025 Edition! 4 Ways to Get a Phone Number and How to Keep Costs Down?! An Easy-to-Understand Explanation of the Pros and Cons!

I'd like to get a phone number. What should I know?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a phone number?

If you've come to this column thinking something like that, we're sure you'll find the answer to your question!

If you have the proper knowledge and know how to use different phone numbers, it will surely come in handy someday!!

Basic knowledge of obtaining a phone number

Phone number types and features

First, let's understand what types of phone numbers there are! We've summarized the main types and their features in the table below!

You may already know this, but comparing it in a table like this helps you organize your thoughts.

If we dig deeper, we can also divide it by area code. Tokyo is 03. I'm sure many of you have an image of a certain comedy trio in your head lol

The importance of obtaining a phone number

Let's take a look at why it's important to get a phone number.

・As a means of quick communication

It allows for immediate response in emergencies and is a familiar and excellent means of communication.

・More accurate information

Voice can convey nuances and details that are difficult to convey through email or chat. Even with the development of online tools that use text, there are still many people who say they prefer phone calls.

・Improvement of business efficiency

Being able to contact the person in charge immediately makes confirmation, adjustments, and decision-making smoother.

We've also put together some tips for those who already have a phone number but would like to get an additional one!!

・Diversification of communication methods

By using different numbers depending on the person and situation, you can separate work from private life, improving your quality of life (QOL), and making more accurate phone calls according to your purpose.

・Improved response capabilities in emergencies

Even if your main number doesn't connect, having other numbers available gives you peace of mind in case of an emergency.

・Responding to changes in roles and departments

Contact information may change due to transfers or project changes, so by adding the latest number you can keep up to date with the information.

How to get a phone number

Now that we have a basic understanding of phone numbers and the importance of obtaining them, let's move on to looking at the specific methods for obtaining one.

1. Get a landline phone service

This is a traditional landline telephone service provided by NTT East and West Japan. Installation work and the purchase of a subscription are required, but it is extremely reliable and stable. It also allows calls to be made during disasters. While landline phones are becoming less common in homes, they are still found in many areas of our lives, such as businesses and schools.

2. Direct dial telephone

Direct dialing is a type of telephone service in which a telecommunications carrier rents telephone lines that are not in use by NTT (NTT's backup lines called "dry copper") or uses the carrier's own equipment. This allows the carrier to provide its own telephone service that is not affected by NTT.

Here's a quick summary of the pros and cons!

merit

・No telephone subscription rights are required, so initial costs are kept low.

・Basic fees and call charges may also be kept low.

- If you sign up for an internet line with the same telecommunications company, you may receive discounts or be able to consolidate your bills.

Disadvantages

・You may not be able to make calls to some special numbers provided by NTT. However, you can make calls to emergency numbers such as 110 (police) and 119 (fire and ambulance) without any problems.

・In some cases, conventional telephones may not be usable.

3. IP phone app (050 number)

Some services are free to use, making them suitable for personal use or as a side business. Some even allow you to obtain an 050 number by installing an app on your smartphone.

4. Introduction of cloud PBX and IVR/CTI systems

By implementing a cloud PBX or IVR/CTI system, you can make and receive calls from your company's landline number (03, etc.) using your smartphone or PC. We especially recommend Onkyo IVR.

As mentioned earlier, the importance of obtaining a phone number is important, but Onkyo IVR is highly customizable and can be used in any situation, which is why we recommend it!!

About Onkyo IVR

Benefits of getting a phone number

Now that you know how to get a phone number, I would like to explain the advantages and disadvantages.

Let's start with the benefits. I've introduced some of them so far, but I've summarized them again so you can take a look.

Potential cost savings

By securing multiple phone numbers, you can choose lines with low calling charges or free calling apps depending on the situation. For example, by using IP phones or dedicated internal lines, you can reduce the cost of external calls.

Privacy & Security Protection

By managing your business and personal phone numbers separately, you can reduce the risk of personal information leaks. Use a business-only number, especially when communicating with people outside the company. Even if you already have a company mobile phone, you can further enhance security by using different numbers depending on the type of work you do.

Increased credibility in business

Although there is some overlap with what was mentioned earlier, using a dedicated business number conveys that your company is highly concerned about security, which will improve your image.

In addition, increased reliability and flexibility of communication will give the other party a sense of trust.

Disadvantages of getting a phone number

We've seen that there are many benefits. However, you may be unsure about adopting it if there are only benefits. It may be a good idea to fully understand the disadvantages as well and think about the best way to solve your current problems.

So I've listed the disadvantages as well, so please take a look.

Risk of outgoing call restrictions

Some phone numbers (especially IP phones and Navi Dial) may be subject to outgoing calls restrictions imposed by corporate telephone systems or mobile carriers. This is usually not a problem when exchanging business cards or other contact information, but there may be rare occasions when this can be inconvenient.

If you cannot make an emergency call

With IP phone numbers such as 050, emergency calls such as 110 and 119 may not be available. It is a good idea to have an alternative number just in case.

Restrictions on SMS (Short Message Service) usage

SMS has some limitations, so if you want to use SMS as a means of communication, you may want to choose a number.

Frequently asked questions about obtaining a phone number

By now, you should have a much better understanding of how to get a phone number.

To help you understand more, we have compiled two frequently asked questions about obtaining a phone number, so please check these two points and understand the key points.

What services can I use to get a phone number for free?

Some of these can be obtained for free, such as smartphone apps. It may be a good idea to search for them in the application stores.

However, for those who value cost performance and want something highly practical even if it costs a little more, Onkyo IVR is recommended.

For more information about Onkyo IVR, click here

What is the difference between 050 and 090 numbers?

Some people find it difficult to tell the difference between 050 and 090 numbers, as both are telephone numbers used within Japan, but it is important to understand that there are significant differences in their nature and uses.

First of all, 050 numbers are phone numbers that use an internet connection known as "IP telephony." You can get one by installing a special app on your smartphone or PC, and calls are made via the internet.

050 numbers are mainly used for business purposes, side jobs, and as numbers for receiving calls only. There are also services that offer free basic fees. However, please note that call quality is easily affected by the communication environment, and emergency calls (110 or 119) and SMS are often not supported.

On the other hand, 090 numbers are "mobile phone numbers" that use voice call lines provided by mobile carriers. They are also compatible with SMS and emergency calls, making them widely used as a primary means of personal contact. They also offer more stable call quality than 050 numbers. 090 numbers are tied to a SIM card, and a monthly fee is charged for the contract.

Once you understand the characteristics and differences between the two numbers, you will begin to understand that 050 numbers are suitable for cost-effective secondary uses, while 090 numbers are suitable for reliable main uses, and that it is important to use them according to your purpose.

For those who want to separate business and personal life, introducing a 050 number would be an effective option.

The latest trends in phone number acquisition

Now that you have a better understanding of how to obtain a phone number, it's important to check the latest trends before you actually start using it. What are the most common methods for obtaining a phone number these days? Let's find out!

The spread of cloud phone services

Cloud phone services have been rapidly gaining attention in recent years amid the trends of work style reform and digital transformation (DX), and can be said to be a recent trend.

This system, which provides calling functionality over the Internet without relying on traditional telephone lines, allows calls to be made and received from smartphones and PCs, and does not require physical telephones or construction work. It has been highly praised, which is perhaps why it has become so popular. Recently, in particular, the automatic summary of call content using AI and the integration function with CRM have evolved, contributing to the efficiency of sales and customer support. Furthermore, its flexibility in accommodating teleworking and multi-site deployments has led to its adoption by companies of all sizes.

How to use phone numbers in the era of telework

Many of the trends seen in recent years are likely derived from the spread of teleworking, and the way we use phone numbers is also undergoing major changes.

There is a shift from the traditional style of using office landlines and personal mobile numbers to a more flexible approach using cloud phone services. Particularly noteworthy is the system that manages numbers such as 050 and 03 on the cloud, allowing calls to be made and received from smartphones and PCs. The key point here is that "employees can use their work numbers regardless of their location," and this is exactly how phone numbers should be used in the age of telework.

The line between work and personal life is also becoming clearer, and recently, functions to improve work efficiency, such as automatic recording of call content, AI-based summarization functions, and integration with CRM, have also evolved, making it possible to carry out call center work even when working from home, and telephone systems are rapidly changing.

Onkyo IVR can be implemented in situations like these, opening up new business possibilities. If you're thinking about getting a new phone number but haven't started using one yet, take this opportunity to think about how to use your phone number in the telework era.

How to use your phone number after getting it

So, have you been able to imagine what kind of phone number acquisition would be best for you right now?

Finally, I would like to introduce how to use the phone number once you have it.

How to use it in business situations

As mentioned in the introduction to the latest trends above, now that teleworking and hybrid work that combines office work and teleworking have become established, the role of phone numbers is changing from being simply a means of communication to being a tool for improving work efficiency and customer experience.

In particular, the popularity of cloud phone services has made it possible to access acquired numbers from smartphones and PCs, making them an indispensable tool for supporting flexible work styles that are not tied to locations.

In business situations, it is important to use numbers such as 050 and 03 to increase the reliability of customer service.

For example, 050 numbers are often used for side jobs or project-based contact, while 03 numbers are often used as a company's main number, which contributes to gaining trust from customers. In addition, by linking with cloud PBX and CTI, call history and recording data can be automatically saved in CRM, improving the quality of sales activities and customer support.

Furthermore, by utilizing AI-based functions to summarize call content and extract keywords, you can smoothly review business negotiations and share information within the company.

We may be entering an era where acquired phone numbers are no longer just "numbers," but also have the meaning of "data gateways" that support business growth. In the future, the key to a company's competitiveness will be to strategically consider how to utilize numbers at the same time as acquiring them!

Private use scenarios

For example, when an individual acquires a phone number, there are many ways to use it. In recent years, the use of different phone numbers has been attracting attention due to the rise in personal lifestyles and security awareness.

First of all, IP phone numbers such as 050 numbers are convenient for online shopping, membership registration, and using services such as social media. They are also effective from the perspective of privacy protection, as they do not require you to disclose your main mobile phone number. Also, 050 numbers are an easy option for freelancers and those who want to separate contact information for their side jobs and hobbies.

Furthermore, having a dedicated number makes it easier to manage call history and incoming calls. Some people even use separate numbers for friends, family, etc.

Nowadays, cloud phone services allow you to use multiple numbers on a single smartphone, and also provide flexible options such as recording calls and setting up call rejection.

Also, when traveling or staying abroad temporarily, you can reduce communication costs by using a number obtained locally while still being able to access local services smoothly.

As you can see, we are now in an age where phone numbers are not just a means of communication, but can also be used as a tool to improve the quality of life and a sense of security. Using phone numbers according to purpose will be the key to a smart lifestyle.

summary

Reaffirming the importance of obtaining a phone number

I hope you understand that having a phone number is more than just a means of communication.

It fulfills a role that email and chat cannot fulfill, such as immediate response in emergencies and conveying nuances through voice. It directly leads to improved work efficiency, and by using multiple numbers, it is possible to draw a line between work and private life, which is likely to lead to an improvement in quality of life. Obtaining a number can be said to be a basic infrastructure for dealing with the diverse working styles of today. This knowledge will surely be useful in the future!!

Future options for obtaining a phone number

In the future, cloud phone services will likely become the mainstream method of obtaining phone numbers. In addition to the flexibility of being able to make and receive calls from smartphones and PCs, options other than phone functions that support business efficiency, such as AI-based call summarization and CRM integration, are becoming more and more abundant. Therefore, the customizability of the tool will be extremely important when selecting it.

With the spread of teleworking, managing 050 and 03 numbers on the cloud is gaining attention. Phone numbers are evolving from a simple means of communication to a strategic tool that supports work and life.

Finally, a truly recommended phone call capture tool

Above all, we recommend Onkyo IVR, which is highly customizable and secure. If you're interested , please consider it ! If you're still undecided, get started now!

You can easily consult with a representative about your contract! Registration and other procedures are also easy! First, ask any questions you have using the inquiry form!!

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