So it's official - after kickstarting the market for internet calling 23 years ago, Skype is shutting down. Microsoft announced they're retiring Skype on May 5, 2025, giving users just 10 weeks to figure out what to do with their accounts.

Skype as we all once knew it will be a thing of the past soon. At one point (many years ago) we were actually able to forward phone calls directly to your Skype account. It was great, you could use Skype which many users already had with any local phone number. In 2011 Microsoft bought Skype for $8.5 billion and now it's off to the graveyard - sad day to say the least.

The rise and fall of Skype​

Remember when Skype was the go-to for international calls? Back when it launched, it completely revolutionized how we thought about communication. Before Skype, calling someone overseas meant emptying your wallet. After Skype, it was as simple as having an internet connection.

Some numbers to put this in perspective:

• In 2010, Skype had 124 million monthly active users
• By 2013, they peaked at 300 million users
• During the pandemic in 2020, they jumped to 40 million daily users
• Now in 2025, they're down to around 36 million users (a long way from their glory days)

Microsoft is pushing everyone to Teams, which makes sense from their business perspective. Teams has grown like crazy while Skype has flatlined. According to Microsoft's Jeff Teper, consumer calling minutes in Teams has grown fourfold in just two years.

But let's be real - Teams still feels like a business product. Do families and friends really see themselves as part of one big "team"? I'm not so convinced.

What happens to your Skype number?​

If you're one of the users who has a Skype phone number, this is where things get tricky. Microsoft has already stopped letting users add credit to their accounts or buy new Skype numbers since December 2024. Subscription renewals will end on April 3.

After May 5, Microsoft says they'll provide a "Skype Dial Pad" available in the Skype web portal and Teams for users who still have credit remaining. But they've confirmed that Teams Free won't support normal phone calling functionality (PSTN).

Don't lose your Skype number - port it to FlyNumber!​

Here's the good news - if you've got a Skype number you've been using for years, you don't have to lose it. We're offering free porting of Skype numbers to FlyNumber (except for Switzerland numbers which have a one-time $75 USD fee). The porting process typically takes 2-7 business days for US/Canada numbers, and varies by country:

• US/Canada: 2-7 business days
• Switzerland: 5-10 business days
• UK: 7-14 business days
• Germany: 3-5 business days
• Australia: 5-15 business days
• France: 7-10 business days

To get started, just create a ticket in your FlyNumber account (create an account here) with your Skype number and we'll guide you through the simple process. You'll need to provide a completed porting form (we'll send this) and a copy of your recent Skype bill (or screenshot of the account in certain cases).

Why port your number to us?

• Keep your existing phone number that contacts already know
• No downtime or disruption to your communications
• Get better flexibility with forwarding options (mobile, landline, SIP, etc.)
• More control over your virtual number

The porting process is simple and we handle all the heavy lifting. Check out our porting guide for more details.

What about your Skype contacts and chat history?​

Microsoft is giving users until May 5 to decide what to do. You've got two main options:

1. Migrate your contacts and chat data to Microsoft Teams
2. Download your Skype data using their export tool

If you do nothing by May 5, Microsoft says they'll keep your data until the end of 2025, after which it'll be deleted forever.

The Times They Are A-Changin'​

It's fascinating to see how the lines between business and consumer communication have blurred over the years. Skype started as a consumer product that businesses adopted, while Teams began as a business tool that's now trying to win over consumers.

The tech world moves fast, and what was revolutionary yesterday might be obsolete tomorrow. I still remember when we highlighted Skype as one of our favorite forwarding options back in 2012 - it was incredibly popular among our users who wanted an easy way to receive calls internationally.

Skype - over and out. 🫡

Back in 2022, I wrote a piece about entrepreneurs not taking full advantage of SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), and looking back, I feel like I was onto something...

The potential was there: an open, reliable technology that could save businesses money and give them more control over their communications. Looking back now in 2025, that post feels prescient - but with a twist I hadn't anticipated.

Not to humble brag, but this was before ChatGPT and friends came along and changed the game entirely.

Enter artificial intelligence.

It's truly remarkable, what used to cost thousands of dollars, months/years of study is now instantly available for $20 a month.🤯

SIP meets LLMs​

Let's talk about Wireshark - that powerful but often overwhelming tool we use to peek into our SIP traffic. You could spend countless hours staring at packet captures, trying to figure out why calls weren't connecting.

Now? Just copy and paste - I'm still in awe of how quickly things are changing.

Debug SIP configuration issues by having AI explain those cryptic Wireshark traces - those .pcap files that capture every packet flowing through your network (seriously, watching SIP packets flow has never been more entertaining!). Just copy and paste (or screenshot) the trace into your favorite LLM and ask questions.

An example Wireshark capture could look something like this:

Time    Source          Destination    Protocol   Length   Info
0.000   192.168.1.100  192.168.1.200  SIP       469      Request: INVITE
0.050   192.168.1.200  192.168.1.100  SIP       380      Status: 100 Trying
...

What used to take years of SIP expertise and countless hours debugging can now be solved with a quick chat with your AI buddy.

Seeing a weird handshake failure? Paste that trace into your favorite AI assistant and get a plain-English explanation of what's going wrong. No more digging through obscure forum posts from 2007!

Understanding Call Quality​

Ever had a call where someone sounds like a robot, or there's that awkward delay where you keep talking over each other? That's where AI becomes your quality detective. Feed it your Wireshark captures and it'll break down exactly what's happening:

Latency Analysis: "Looks like your packets are taking a scenic route - 500ms roundtrips! No wonder you're talking over each other"

Packet Loss: "I see gaps in your RTP stream here and here - that's why the audio keeps cutting out"

Jitter: "Your packets are arriving all over the place timing-wise. That's what's causing that robot voice effect"

Security and Privacy Insights​

There was a time when phone calls would go through copper wires (talking to you Gen Z). Now they're packets flying across the internet - and with data privacy being such a hot topic, you'd better believe the bad guys are listening. Let's see what AI can spot in your traffic:

Encryption Check: "Hold up - your media stream is going out in plain text! Anyone could listen in. Let me show you how to set up SRTP encryption real quick..."

Authentication Analysis: "I'm seeing repeated login attempts from IPs in random countries. Classic brute force pattern. Time to strengthen those passwords and maybe add IP filtering."

Traffic Patterns: "Interesting... you've got SIP traffic hitting unusual ports at 3 AM. That's a common sign of toll fraud attempts. Here's how to lock this down."

AI doesn't just point out problems - it walks you through fixes. No more hoping you found the right Stack Overflow post from 2012! (much respect to stackoverflow though, you saved me many times over the years 🫡)

Pro tip: When sharing Wireshark traces with AI for analysis, remember to redact sensitive information like IP addresses and authentication credentials. The AI is here to help, but security starts with you! 🔒

Setup your own SIP server​

Remember when setting up Asterisk felt like decoding ancient hieroglyphics? Those days are behind us. With AI by your side, you can actually understand what all those config files mean - and more importantly, what to do when things go wrong.

I've seen folks who never thought they'd run their own phone system suddenly becoming their own telecom operators. It's pretty wild! Asterisk has always been this amazing open-source powerhouse, but now it's like having a friendly tech mentor walking you through every step.

Want to set up a custom IVR menu? Need help with dial plans? Just ask your favorite AI assistant. It's like having a senior VoIP engineer on speed dial (pun intended 😄).

Once you've got your Asterisk server running, you'll probably want some real phone numbers to play with. We've got local numbers ready to go - perfect for testing your Asterisk setup in the real world 😉.

Pro tip: When you're stuck on an Asterisk config issue, just paste the error message into ChatGPT. Nine times out of ten, it'll not only explain what went wrong but also how to fix it. We've come a long way from frantically searching through forum posts from 2007!

Oh, and if Asterisk isn't your thing, check out FreeSwitch - another rock-solid open source option that's been powering VoIP systems since 2006. It was actually created by former Asterisk developers who wanted to build something more modern. Go figure. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

SIP's Second Wind​

SIP was this mysterious protocol that only telecom veterans dared to touch - those days are gone. With AI by our side, we're seeing developers who've never touched VoIP before building full-blown communication systems in weeks, not years.

Want to start experimenting? Check out sip2sip.info where you can get your hands on a free SIP account right now. Perfect for testing different clients, playing with basic call routing, or even building your first SIP integration. We've used them for years and they're great.

Entrepreneurs looking to save on phone costs, developers wanting to integrate voice into your application, or just the plain Jane that values control over their communication stack - there has never been a better time to delve into VoIP.

The tools are better, the community is stronger, and with AI as your co-pilot, there's nothing stopping you from building exactly what you need.

Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences with using AI for SIP in the comments below. Have you set up your own Asterisk server with AI's help? Did you decode any mysterious Wireshark traces?

After covering area codes in NYC and LA, I wanted to explore something truly unique in the world of telecommunications: Hong Kong's phone number market. While other cultures might value certain numbers for practical or sentimental reasons, Hong Kong takes it to another level entirely. In this former British colony phone numbers aren't just contact points - they're valuable assets that can sell for more than a year's rent, driven by deep-rooted cultural beliefs about numerical fortune.

A Tale of Two Systems​

Hong Kong's telecommunications story is a fascinating mix of colonial legacy and modern innovation. While many aspects of Hong Kong life have gradually merged with mainland China since the 1997 handover, the phone system stands apart. Operating under its own +852 country code (while mainland China uses +86), Hong Kong's phone network remains fiercely independent - a living example of the "one country, two systems" principle in action.

This independence isn't just political - it's backed by over a century of technical innovation and maintained through clear physical boundaries. Even as the Greater Bay Area initiative promotes increased connectivity with mainland cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou, Hong Kong's phone system remains distinct. Cross the border, and your phone switches from Hong Kong carriers to mainland ones, requiring international dialing codes for what might be a five-minute walk ¹.

The city's technical journey has been equally remarkable. Since installing its first manual exchange in 1901, Hong Kong has consistently pushed telecommunications boundaries. In 1979, while most of the world was still using analog systems, Hong Kong boldly went all-digital, positioning itself ahead of many Western nations. But perhaps the most impressive display of Hong Kong's technical prowess came in 1995, when the city undertook a massive numbering plan change.

Imagine coordinating millions of users in one of the world's most densely populated cities to add extra digits to their phone numbers - "2" or "3" for landlines and "9" for mobile numbers, expanding from six digits to eight. The fact that this transition happened smoothly, without major disruption to daily life, speaks volumes about Hong Kong's exceptional organizational capabilities and its citizens' adaptability. This technical achievement set the stage for today's thriving phone number market, where these carefully planned number combinations would take on meanings far beyond their original purpose.

The Economics of Lucky Numbers​

The true distinction of Hong Kong's phone culture lies in its thriving lucky number market. In the Sham Shui Po district, an entire micro-economy revolves around trading phone numbers based on their perceived luck value. These numbers aren't just communications tools - they're investments, status symbols, and talismans of good fortune.

The value of these numbers stems from Cantonese pronunciation and its relationship to prosperity. The system works like this:

• Eight (八/baat) is the holy grail because it sounds like "faat" (發) meaning prosperity
• Six (六/luk) sounds like "flow" - good for business
• Nine (九/gau) sounds like "long-lasting" - perfect for relationships
• Two (二/yi) can mean "easy" - who doesn't want an easy life?
• Five (五/ng) has a sound similar to "I/me" - good for personal numbers

The number four is notably absent from premium combinations due to its pronunciation similarity to "death" in both Cantonese and Mandarin - a superstition so strong that many Hong Kong buildings skip the fourth floor entirely, similar to Western buildings omitting the 13th floor.

The market prices reflect the cultural significance of these numbers. Basic "lucky" combinations begin at HK$1,000 (about $128 USD), while premium sequences command HK$50,000-100,000 ($6,400-12,800 USD) or more ². The peak of this market was demonstrated during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, when a number ending in 8888 sold for HK$2.38 million (about $305,000 USD) - timing perfectly with the ceremony's start at 8:08 PM on 8/8/08.

The Underground Economy​

The way people trade these numbers is fascinating. In Sham Shui Po (think of it as Hong Kong's electronics district), you'll find vendors with sheets of numbers posted on walls, each with their price. These guys are basically like stockbrokers, but instead of trading shares, they're dealing in lucky digits.

How do they get these numbers? Two main ways:

1. Buy prepaid SIM cards in bulk and activate them to find lucky combinations
2. Work with people willing to sell their existing numbers

The government tried to regulate this by proposing official auctions for special numbers, but the street market was just too established and efficient. What's really fascinating is how deep this number superstition runs - it even affects the stock market! Research has shown that investors in Chinese markets actually lose money by favoring "lucky" numbers in their trading decisions ².

Security Considerations​

Over the years, we've observed attempts to obtain Hong Kong numbers for fraudulent purposes. While we maintain strict verification processes to prevent such misuse, not all providers are as vigilant. The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) has implemented comprehensive measures to combat fraudulent calls and protect consumers ³.

Hong Kong's telecommunications authority has implemented innovative security measures. Mobile carriers must add a "+" sign to all incoming international calls, even those appearing to be local numbers (like those starting with +852). Since May 2023, callers also receive a voice alert stating "Call is from outside Hong Kong. Beware of deception."

Hong Kong Number Options with FlyNumber​

Local Hong Kong Numbers​

Local Hong Kong numbers (852-58) are available at $9.95/month, offering both inbound and outbound calling capabilities - a significant upgrade from earlier restrictions that limited these numbers to incoming calls only.

Toll-Free Numbers​

Hong Kong toll-free numbers are available at $119.95/month plus per-minute rates, with a one-time setup fee of $120. Unlike local numbers, toll-free numbers can be registered with any address worldwide, offering greater flexibility for international businesses.

Here are the incoming rates for toll-free numbers:

Using Our Phone System App​

One of the easiest ways to get started making and receiving calls is with our phone system app. Your account will need the phone system enabled ($14.95/month) for this to work.

Setting up is simple:

1. Open the phone system panel
2. Add a user with app configuration
3. Scan the QR code you'll get by email
4. Start making calls!

[Image credit: Textlad on Flickr]

It's amazing to think that it's been over a decade since we first released our beta phone system in 2012. Back then it required Adobe Flash and was free for everyone, unfortunately those days are gone. (original users were grandfathered into the new system free for life though).

The phone system has also come a long way since the last major update in 2021. This latest release represents the most significant changes we've implemented since that time.

The biggest change is probably the phone system app - and while I could list out all the features, what interests me more is how it changes the way we think about business phone systems.

What I mean is, traditionally you'd be locked into whatever solution your provider offered. Maybe they had an app, or SIP trunking, or call forwarding - but rarely all of them, and almost never working together smoothly. It was always a trade-off: convenience vs flexibility, simplicity vs power.

Want calls to ring your app? Done. Prefer using your own VoIP setup with Asterisk or FreePBX? No problem. Need calls forwarded to your regular phone number? Easy. Or maybe you want to mix and match - have calls try the app first, then fall back to your SIP phone, and finally forward to your cell if no one answers. You can do that too.

A Different Approach​

Remember when setting up a business phone meant dealing with complicated SIP credentials and hoping the VoIP phone would "register"? I do, and it wasn't fun. With this latest update much of that complexity just... disappeared.

Take setting up the phone system app for example. You get a QR code in your email, scan it, and that's it. Behind the scenes there's still SIP and VoIP and all that technical stuff happening, but you don't have to think about it. It's like how the early web evolved - remember FTP clients and manual HTML editing? Now we just click "publish" and our content goes live. Same idea here.

There are still all the features our more advanced users have some to love though. You can still setup SIP accounts, send calls to your VoIP server (Asterisk, FreePBX etc) or another SIP provider.

The FlyNumber Thing​

The ability to choose which FlyNumber shows up when making calls was probably our most requested feature ever. Makes sense - people travel, run multiple businesses, or need different numbers for different regions. A real estate agent might want their local number when calling clients in New York, but their Florida number when working with snowbirds. A consultant might need their UK number for European clients and their US number for stateside work. Or maybe you're traveling abroad but want to keep your business presence local. Now it's just a tap in the app to switch numbers. This small feature has been a game-changer for how people manage their business presence.

Some Technical Bits (because I can't help myself)​

The app uses push notifications to handle incoming calls, even when it's completely closed. This is actually pretty clever - instead of keeping a constant connection to our servers (killing your battery in the process), it only wakes up when needed.

And if you're into building custom call flows (I know I am), the app integrates right into those. You can have calls go through your IVR menus, time-based routing, or whatever else you've set up. The app just becomes another destination in your call flow, like any other phone or SIP device.

What's Next?​

I'm curious to see how people use this. Will they build complex call flows with the app as just one piece? Or will they keep it simple - just the app and maybe voicemail? Both approaches work, and that's kind of the point.

The phone system itself keeps evolving too. We're working on things like AI call insights (still in progress) and better analytics. But that's a topic for another post.

For now, if you're using our phone system, the app's there when you need it. Just head to the phone system panel, look under Users, and you'll see the app setup option when you create a user. And if you run into any issues or have thoughts on what could be better, let me know. This is very much a work in progress, and real feedback helps shape where we go next.

We kicked off our "Inside Scoop" series with NYC, so it's only fitting we now jet across the coast to dive into Los Angeles, the most iconic city on the West Coast. 🏝️🌞 🌊

As someone who's been in the "phone number" business for over a decade, I must admit I was pleasantly amused to see just how much the LA area code was used in pop culture during my youth. Like, who would have thought the phone number John Goodmans character used in "The Big Lebowski" was a 323 LA number. It's always fun learning about the stories behind a city's area code, LA is no exception.

A numbers game​

First, you won't be surprised that it was no accident that after Manhattan's famed 212 area code, you get 213. These numbers were originally assigned based on city population sizes—the lower the digits, the easier it was to dial on those old rotary phones and switchboards. It’s like a numeric nod to the cities that mattered most back in the day.

The rise of the 213​

The 213 area code, which initially covered all of Los Angeles, has been around since the early days of the telephone, it's one of the original 86 area codes created by AT&T; and the Bell System in 1947. It originally covered Southern California, stretching from the Mexican border to the Central Coast. ¹

As L.A. expanded and its population boomed, so did the demand for new numbers. By the late '80s, 213 was running out of digits.

To address this, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) split 213 into two new area codes in 1991: 310 for the Westside and 818 for the San Fernando Valley. But even that wasn’t enough to keep up with the city's rapid growth. ²

A new era, the 323​

By the late '90s, 213 was again on the brink of exhaustion. This time, rather than splitting the area code, the CPUC introduced an overlay. On June 13, 1998, the 323 area code was born, covering the same central L.A. region as 213. It meant folks could keep their 213 numbers while new residents got 323.

Did you know? The decision to overlay 323 over 213 instead of splitting it was partly to avoid the confusion and inconvenience of changing phone numbers for existing customers. This approach has become more common as demand for new numbers continues to rise.

Today, 323 is as much a part of L.A.'s identity as palm trees and traffic jams.

You'll find LA area codes everywhere​

Sort of like when you buy a certain brand car, all of a sudden you see them everywhere.

In the 1990s, rap groups like Cypress Hill and rappers such as Snoop Dogg often referenced their area codes, not sure if they get credit but using area codes to "rep" your hood is pretty commonplace nowadays.

Other examples of where the LA area code was used in music:

Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" : Dr. Dre mentioned 213 in his 1992 album, "The Chronic," which sort of defined West Coast rap as we know it.

Ludacris' "Area Codes" : Ludacris' 2001 song "Area Codes" featured 213 among other area codes.

Kendrick Lamar : Often references 213 in his songs, showing his roots in Compton.

Warren G's "Regulate" : The 1994 hit "Regulate" included a shout-out to 213.

The 213 Supergroup : The supergroup 213, with Snoop Dogg, Warren G, and Nate Dogg, named themselves after the area code.

"Tommy Tutone - 867-5309/Jenny" - This 1981 hit features a phone number that, while not specific to L.A., first caught on the West Coast. Good luck getting this one out of your head once you hear it!

In movies / shows​

• "L.A. Law" - This classic legal drama from the '80s and '90s frequently featured Los Angeles phone numbers in its storylines.
• "Clueless" - Who can forget Cher (Alicia Silverstone) giving her number to Christian in this iconic 1995 flick set in Beverly Hills?
• "Entourage" - HBO's hit series about Hollywood life often showed L.A. phone numbers as the characters navigated their entertainment careers.
• "The Big Lebowski" - In this 1998 cult classic, John Goodman's character, Walter Sobchak, gives out his number as "323-555-1234" to a rival bowler.

So I hope you had fun reading this, as opposed to the usual boring content you'll see out there from VoIP companies ... "10 ways virtual numbers can help your real estate business".... 🥱🥱🥱

If there's an area code you'd like us to do next feel free to drop a comment below.

Need a 323 or 213 Number?​

If you're looking to score a Los Angeles number, whether it’s the historic 213 or a 323 area code, we've got you covered. And if you need to port-in your existing number, we can handle that too.

So just in case you weren't aware, tomorrow (June 13) is Ottawa, Canada's 613 Day! It turns out that celebrating a city's area code, similar to Atlanta's 404 Day, is quite a trend across North America. As a company that sells local phone numbers, we're certainly not complaining.

Event Details: A Day of Local Celebration​

If you're a local and want to join in on the festivities, make sure to show up at Club SAW (Address: 67 Nicholas St, Ottawa). The celebration will run from 5 PM until late, rain or shine, with both indoor and outdoor activities planned. There will be live music, food vendors, and performances from local DJs. ¹

Featured Performances and Activities​

Highlights include performances by notable artists like OkNaledi and Lucila x Maracle, with additional music provided by DJs curated by Core Collective. The event is free to attend, with RSVP available via their Facebook event page.

Ottawa Fringe Festival Collaboration​

After doing some light research on the topic, I noticed that this year the party will join forces with the Ottawa Fringe Festival. For tickets and info, check out their website—seems like a super cool collection of artistic shows, totally on the fringe! ²

In both cases, I'm assuming the event organizers are well aware but I see no mention of Ottawa and the fact it uses the 613 area code on their websites. I guess it's one of those things that goes without saying. ¯\(ツ)/¯

Random fun fact: Apparently there is also a 613 flea market in Ottawa. ³

Understanding the 613 Area Code​

Geographic Coverage​

The 613 area code covers a variety of geographical and cultural regions, including cities like Ottawa, Kingston, and Cornwall. Ottawa, as the capital city of Canada, is the most prominent location within this area code.

Cultural Significance​

The 613 area code is also culturally significant, linking various communities across Eastern Ontario and even extending into some regions of Quebec like Saint-Régis in the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. This uniquely allows for local calls across the international border to my home state of New York! Who would have known?

Final Thoughts​

After researching the events and the people behind them, had I come across this earlier, I would have loved to join in on the festivities. Canadians are great people, and it sounds like it's going to be a super fun day.

Oh, and of course, if you need a 613 Ottawa phone number—just let us know.

Global Calling Made Simple​

Our cloud phone system has always empowered you to make global calls while displaying your FlyNumber as the outgoing caller ID. This powerful feature ensures you maintain a local presence, regardless of your physical location or the device you're using.

Now, we're excited to announce a significant update: you can make these same calls at substantially reduced rates, often up to 10X cheaper than before.

Understanding the New Rate Structure​

Check out our comprehensive per-minute rates for detailed pricing information when using the phone system. We've simplified our rate structure into three primary scenarios:

1. Local Calling:​

When dialing a number in the same country as your FlyNumber, you'll benefit from local rates. For instance:

• Using a UK FlyNumber to call a UK number? Pay local UK rates
• Calling within the US using a US FlyNumber? Enjoy domestic US rates
• Making calls in Australia with an Australian FlyNumber? Get local Australian pricing

2. EU Calling:​

For calls within the European Economic Area (EEA), we've introduced special EU rates:

• Make calls between any EU FlyNumbers and EU phone numbers
• Example: Call a Swiss number from your Austrian FlyNumber at preferential EU rates
• Benefit from unified European pricing across the EEA

3. Standard International:​

For scenarios not covered by Local or EU options:

• Standard competitive rates apply
• Transparent pricing for all international destinations
• Still significantly lower than traditional international calling rates

Special Considerations​

Regional Exceptions​

While our local rates system is comprehensive, there are some exceptions:

• Calls to certain countries (e.g., Pakistan) will incur standard rates regardless of the FlyNumber used
• However, we maintain highly competitive rates even for these exceptions

Call Forwarding Specifics​

When using call forwarding features, the pricing structure adjusts slightly:

• Local rates do not apply to forwarded calls
• Only EU or Standard rates are applicable
• EU rates apply when:
  • The call originates from the EU to your FlyNumber
  • The call is then forwarded to an EU country

For example:

• If you forward calls from your Australian virtual number to a Spanish phone number
• And the caller is from the EU
• The EU rate for the Spanish destination applies

Need Help or Have Questions?​

We're here to support your global communication needs:

• Contact our support team for personalized assistance
• Join discussions and share experiences on our community forum
• For more details on how billing works with the phone system check out our phone system billing page

I still remember my first computer, a 1990’s Compaq Presario (4000 series I believe). Urban dictionary defines “Presario” as:

…perfect form of. Final Level is reached.

Urban Dictionary

HA!

Back then it felt perfect, you’d pop in one of the dozens of AOL CD’s they kept mailing households along with making sure no one was on the phone and boom - you were connected to the world.

Connected in a way we never experienced before, it was thrilling and a huge turning point in my life. After playing games (literally and figuratively) for a while I eventually figured out how to use an FTP client to upload and change files on a server, this was major but didn’t realize it at the time.

So you’re telling me if I change the text in this index.html file and then upload it back to my server via FTP , that the entire world can access this file and see it’s content? Now, over 20 years later, I see why I became borderline obsessed with computers, and just the internet in general.

Fast forward to 2023, AI comes out and takes the world by storm. Initially I wasn’t aware of its power - “OK so I can have it write boiler plate content” was my understanding of the technology. I was very wrong.

It was this Tom Scott video that got me looking at AI in a whole new light.

(TLDW) Too Long Didn't Watch: He uses AI to organize his gmail inbox with labels and uses it to construct queries for gmail itself.

While using ai to construct gmail searches may not seem like much, it did demonstrate that AI can do things I generally don’t enjoy. Things like creating SQL database queries with natural language or help in figuring out what certain fields on IRS forms are for. Trying to figure out new spreadsheet formulas was now a thing of the past. And this was just the beginning.

I'm from the camp that this AI thing will bring more good than bad, we’ll still need to be on our toes as far as how bad actors may abuse it but that goes with everything, no? Anyone that remembers the internet in the 90’s may recall the dark web and how accessible it was. Limewire, Napster and “Warez” come to mind, 90’s kids understand. There was no such thing as software, movies or shows you couldn’t pirate. Not saying you can’t do that now but it was as simple as a Google (or Yahoo/alta vista) search back then.

So now for the exciting relevant part, using AI to make and receive phone calls - after all this is the FlyNumber blog!

I should mention that the FCC has already made it illegal to spam outgoing calls with AI. This makes sense for obvious reasons but I’m not so sure a callcenter in Africa or India will pay heed. Time will tell.

Imagine having an AI agent answer calls off business hours. Or perhaps have AI call a customer (who opts in for it of course) that just made a purchase to make sure all is good. The possibilities here are really endless.

I happen to be a fan of potential or current customers speaking to a human being if and when required. The problem is it doesn’t scale well, especially if your business model deals with volume. That all changes now.

You could build a very robust system where the AI agent takes care of most remedial “asks” (“What is the status of my order please?”) and then move the call to a live person when needed. Or perhaps have AI figure out if the caller might be a “big account” for your company and forward to an agent to close the deal. There is real potential to fine tune your customer relationships here.

If you’re technically inclined you can do this now. Even if you’ve never written a line of code in your entire life you can use any of the AI tools out there to help you code this into existence. (/r/ChatGPTcoding is a great place to start)

Here’s an open source solution called RealChar (Github).

You can create AI “characters” that speak and listen in real time. A demo could be found on their site. https://realchar.ai/

And imagine, we’re just at the beginning of this AI revolution or as I like to call it, a renaissance, what will come no one knows. It’s exciting and perhaps a little scary at the same time. Let’s take it in stride and enjoy the ride.

The Unique American Fascination with Area Codes​

So after being involved with phone numbers from cities all across the globe for well over a decade I got to thinking - isn't it interesting how us Americans have a specific culture thing for area codes?

The Origins of Area Code Pride​

One under-riding theory is that once populations in US cities started to boom, devices needed phone numbers (phones, modems, fax machines etc), which in turn caused new area codes to be introduced. Those with the "original" area code held on to it, perhaps as a sense of local pride. I know that having a 212 NYC number is still very sought after, even though incoming/outgoing from a 212 is no different than a NYC 347 or 646 , one is $2.95 a month and the other $29.95 a month - humans are interesting.

Pop Culture and Area Codes: A Uniquely American Phenomenon​

We have songs, movies, and cultural references galore when it comes to area codes. Ludacris - "Area codes" anyone?

Another interesting point is that even though technology has dramatically shifted though the years (when it comes to telecommunications), area codes and their cultural significance has remained. Here's a post we did last year on "Atalanta 404 day" - an annual event literally named after the area code.

The Iconic "Jenny" and Her Area Code​

Does anyone know what area code Jenny's phone number is?

A Global Perspective: Are Area Codes Special Elsewhere?​

While researching the topic I tried to find other countries that share similar qualities, are the Germans from Stuttgart proud of their 711 prefix? It would seem the area code phenomenon is mostly prevalent in the states.

...everybody from the 313 put your '....' hands up and follow me..

-Eminem

A Historical Perspective: Letters in Area Codes​

Another neat history factoid is that US area codes started off with letters in them, indicating the city/town they came from. One could see how the area code would become culturally attached to its respective territory. I must also admit this is something I've only learned recently, I've been living in the Middle East for the last decade - apparently things are a little different here.

Cultural Contrasts: Area Codes Around the World​

No one here uses their Jerusalem 02 or their Tel Aviv 03 phone numbers to represent their "locale".

The differences between these 2 cities and their cultures is sometimes so stark you could give each one their own country code and call it a day.

Share Your Area Code Story​

Do you have an area code you're proud to represent? Or perhaps a relevant story you can share? Let us know!

We touched on this topic a couple years ago however we see a slight increase in "anonymous caller ID connectivity issues" so thought to re-vist in a quick post here.

One of the ways you can use your FlyNumber is to forward the FlyNumber to a regular phone number. Any regular phone number in the world. When this happens the call is routed via what’s called the PSTN network, which is basically the network involved in connecting phone calls to and from regular phone numbers.

Generally you have 2 options as far as where to send the FlyNumber calls, a regular phone number or VoIP (PBX would fall in this category).

When the person calling your FlyNumber calls from a blocked or anonymous caller-ID and you have your FlyNumber set to forward to a regular phone number, the involved provider could choose not to connect the call.

This can happen with the following caller-ID types:

• Without a CLI
• Invalid CLI
• Manipulated CLI
• CLI originating from unidentified, closed, or unallocated prefix ranges
• CLI not in E.164 format
• CLI not matching ITU standards
• Anonymous, Blocked, Private CLI

The way around this is to also set your FlyNumber to go to VoIP, either directly or as a backup to your “standard phone number” forwarding.

Our cloud phone system can help because you can set the FlyNumber to go to a regular phone number and if there is no answer there, to go to a VoIP solution.

You have a phone number, now you want to use it. Here we'll discuss getting incoming /outgoing calls on your smartphone with a virtual number (sometimes called a VOIP or DID number).

This guide assumes you have:

• A smartphone ( iPhone or Android)
• A FlyNumber account (https://www.flynumber.com) with the optional phone system
• Decent internet, wifi, 3G/4G and above should work well.

You'll need a SIP app, which is basically a program you download on your smartphone that allows for "SIP credentials" from any VoIP ( internet phone company ) to be entered into it. Once those credentials are entered into the app, the app can make and receive calls using said companies infrastructure. ( their phone numbers etc. )

Any "SIP app" works but here we'll show you examples on 2 different apps Groundwire and Zoiper , one paid and one free, respectively. ( Both apps are available for Apple and Android )

Step 1. Get SIP credentials from the phone system​

Open your Phone System panel after you login. Click the "Phone System V2" button.

Drag the "Phone number" and "Ring Group" modules onto the grid like so

Once you drag the "ring group" module onto the grid it will ask you to set it up. As a "contact method" you'll want to choose "SIP Account ".

You'll eventually get to this screen, this is the information you need to enter into the SIP app.

2. Enter the SIP credentials into the application (Groundwire or Zoiper)​

For zoiper: free​

• Click the + on the top right to add an "account" ( which are the SIP credentials we set up earlier on the FlyNumber phone system )
• Choose "Yes" to Do you have a username/password"
• Then choose " Manual configuration"
• and finally "SIP account"

That brings you to this screen

Enter the following:​

Account name: Anything you want

Domain: sip.example.com ( also labeled "Domain" on the FlyNumber system)

User name: czbdsf53115 ( "Username" on FlyNumber)

Password: ck5ty68gd ( "Password" on FlyNumber and its case sensitive)

Other settings to look out for:

Under the "Additional Settings" for the "SIP Account" you'll see an option called "Network Settings "

Make sure all those settings are disabled.

( the IPv6, STUN, TLS )

Under the "SIP Account" in "Additional Settings" you can also click "Audio codecs" if you'd like to adjust those although default should work OK

Here are the codecs we support:

• OPUS/48000/2
• G722/8000
• PCMU/8000
• PCMA/8000
• G729/8000
• GSM/8000
• telephone-event (for DTMF transport)

For Acrobits Groundwire: (paid but worth it)​

This is a paid app and we highly recommend it. Once you've paid for the app you'll have the ability to answer calls with the app completely off ( not running in the background ). I personally have had it on my iPhone for years, never had an issue. (it's also available for Android )

Click the gear setting on the top right

Go to "Accounts"

Click the "+" on the top right

Add a "Generic SIP account"

You'll get to this screen

(pretty much just like the above app "zoiper"

Title: Anything you want

User name: czbdsf53115 ( "Username" on FlyNumber)

Password: ck5ty68gd ( "Password" on FlyNumber and its case sensitive)

Domain: sip.example.com ( also labeled "Domain" on the FlyNumber system)

Settings to look out for:

Under the "Account" on groudwire go to "Advanced Settings"

Make sure "NAT Traversal" is set to off

The phone system supports the following "codecs" , as you can see in the above screenshot you can change those settings for when udner wifi or mobile data. The default settings should be OK though.

• OPUS/48000/2
• G722/8000
• PCMU/8000
• PCMA/8000
• G729/8000
• GSM/8000
• telephone-event (for DTMF transport)

3. Make an outgoing call (or receive calls) and debug/troubleshoot​

Your app should say "Registered " or "Connected", at this point calls from your FlyNumber will ring to the app. To call out please follow the format ( Country code + citycode + number )

For example, USA would be 19176282411 and for UK 442036031157

More details on the dial format here

Call History / Logs​

The "Call logs" in our phone system are detailed and can help with issues and help with call tracking. Check them out for clues if you're having issues or let u know the responses there if submitting a support ticket.

While at the phone system grid, click the 3 horizontal lines ( menu ) on the top right

Then click "Call Logs" in the settings screen ( as seen below)

Then click "Outbound or Inbound CDRs" to see the calls.

If you have any feedback or need assistance please let us know

It's the nature of the business to release a phone number back to a "pool" for others to buy/lease after they're no longer being paid for.

-Nader Jaber, Founder of FlyNumber

Nowadays our phone numbers have become more than just a string of digits. They are our identifiers, gatekeepers, and connectors in a world increasingly reliant on digital communication. But what happens when that crucial link suddenly disappears? You dial your number, and there's no ring, no voicemail, just the unsettling silence of a number that's no longer yours.¹

As the founder of FlyNumber, I've seen this digital drama unfold countless times. The reasons are varied - a billing mishap, a company going out of business, or even illegal porting. The result, however, is always the same: a sense of loss and disorientation as individuals or businesses grapple with the unexpected disappearance of their phone number.

But it's not all doom and gloom. In many cases a lost phone number can be retrieved, especially if you tackle the issue quickly. I've personally noticed when a user gets their lost number back it's like a giant burden has been lifted, palpable relief. A digital homecoming, a reclamation of a piece of their identity that they thought had gone adrift forever. If it's a FlyNumber that was "lost" more often than not we can negotiate with the current owner to release the number and give it back to the previous owner.

Allow me to highlight the often overlooked aspect of our digital lives that is the "phone number". We'll explore why phone numbers can disappear, the impact it has, and most importantly, the steps you can take to reclaim your digital identity. (Whether it's a FlyNumber or not)

The Vanishing Act: How You Can Lose Your Phone Number​

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often take our phone numbers for granted. They're just there, a constant, reliable presence. But beneath the surface, there are numerous factors that can cause these numbers to slip away from us.

Each scenario presents its unique set of challenges, leaving individuals and businesses scrambling to reclaim their lost digital identities, a place no one wants to be.

Billing Issues​

One of the most common reasons for losing a phone number is due to billing issues. If you forget to pay your phone bill or if there's an error with your payment, your service provider may disconnect your service, and you could lose your number. It's crucial to keep track of your billing cycle and ensure your payments are up-to-date to prevent this from happening. Make sure you're getting email notifications from wherever you have your phone number serviced - especially billing related.

It's the nature of the business to release a phone number back to a "pool" for others to buy/lease after they're no longer being paid for.

Company Closure​

If your phone company goes out of business, there's a chance you could lose your number. This is what happened to our forum user, Unholy. When his cheap phone company went under, he lost his personal number, which he had kept active as a backup.

Illegal Porting​

Illegal porting, also known as "SIM swapping," is a form of fraud where criminals transfer your phone number to a SIM card they control.² This allows them to intercept your calls and messages, potentially gaining access to your personal information and online accounts. It's a serious issue that can result in the loss of your phone number.

Long-term Inactivity​

If you don't use your number for a long time, your service provider might consider it inactive and could potentially reassign it to someone else.³ This is particularly relevant if you're traveling long-term and not using your regular number.

How to Get Your Phone Number Back​

Losing your phone number can feel like losing a part of your identity. It's a disorienting experience, akin to losing your keys or your wallet. But unlike those physical items, your phone number isn't necessarily gone for good. With the right steps and a bit of persistence, you can often reclaim your lost number and restore that vital link to your digital life. Here's how:

Contact Your Service Provider​

The first step is to reach out to your service provider. They may be able to restore your number, especially if the loss was due to a billing issue or a mistake on their part. Be prepared to provide any necessary information, such as your account details and the last time you remember using the number.

Port and Park Your Number​

If your number is still available but with a different carrier, you can port and park your number. This involves transferring your number to a different service provider and keeping it active there. This is a good option if your previous provider went out of business.

This is where FlyNumber comes in. With well over a decade in the business, we've built a reputation for reliability and trust. Born in the bustling city of New York, we've always valued transparency and customer service. We specialize in helping you retain your number even if your original provider is no longer in operation. Our team works diligently to ensure a smooth transition, helping you navigate the process and reestablish your digital connection.

If you're in this situation, don't hesitate to sign up for a new number with us. We're here to guide you every step of the way.

Replacement SIM​

If you lost your SIM card, you could get a replacement SIM from your carrier.⁴ In most cases, your carrier can assign your old number to the new SIM card.

Legal Action​

In cases of illegal porting or fraud, you might need to take legal action. Contact your local law enforcement and report the incident. They can guide you through the necessary steps to reclaim your number and protect your identity.

Safeguarding Your Digital Identity​

Losing your phone number can feel like losing your way in the digital wilderness. But remember, it's not always a one-way trip. With the right knowledge and a bit of grit, you can blaze a trail back to your number. Whether it's rallying your service provider, porting and parking your number, swapping in a replacement SIM, or even mounting a legal expedition, there are several routes back to your digital home.

But hey, wouldn't it be better to avoid getting lost in the first place? Here are some handy tips to keep your phone number safe and sound:

Lock Down Your Phone​

Network carriers offer nifty security features like SIM card locks to fend off SIM card swapping.⁵ You can even opt for biometric authentication - because nothing says "keep out" like your own fingerprint.

Keep an Eye on Your Bills​

Make sure your payment info is up-to-date and your bills are paid on time. Regularly checking your bill can also help you spot any unexpected charges or errors. Also check your spam/junk folders for transactional emails you may be missing.

Stay Alert for Suspicious Activity​

If you notice anything fishy related to your phone number, like unexpected calls or messages, get in touch with your service provider pronto. Better safe than sorry, right?

Fortify Your Phone​

Use strong, unique passwords for your phone and any apps that contain personal info. Regularly updating your phone's software is also a good way to guard against security vulnerabilities. ⁶

By taking these steps, you can reduce the risk of losing your phone number and keep your digital identity secure. Remember, your phone number is more than just a string of digits - it's your lifeline in the digital world. It's a unique identifier that connects you to your contacts, your accounts, and your identity.

So, keep it safe, keep it secure, and keep it ringing.

Introduction: The Hidden World of SIP Security​

I was browsing around on Hacker News and if you're not familiar, the good stuff is usually in the comments. I was intrigued by this comment (by @kkielhofner) and how he/she illustrates a common but often overlooked misconception about SIP. Specifically, the misunderstanding pertains to the role and implications of port 5060 and its associated traffic in a standard SIP deployment.

Understanding Port 5060: The Gateway to SIP Communications​

The role of Port 5060 in SIP cannot be overstated. It is used primarily for call control and typically sees very low traffic. The occasional bursts of traffic occur during call setup and tear-down processes, with periodic REGISTER messages sent at an interval measured in seconds. This low traffic, low bandwidth environment is a crucial element in understanding the problem we're facing.

The Vulnerability Landscape​

However, the problem lies not in the function of port 5060 itself, but in its vulnerability to VoIP abuse, primarily from scanning tools like sipvicious. In essence, these tools trawl the internet in search of exposed SIP ports, attempting to brute force their way into the systems through these open doors.

Anatomy of a VoIP Attack: Toll Fraud Example​

A good example of this is toll fraud. Here's how it typically unfolds:

1. An international toll free phone number is set up in any country, with a hypothetical rate of $5/minute. For the uninitiated, the cost of these calls gets charged to the caller by their phone company and shows up on their bill. A portion of this charge is then paid out (minus a fee) to the operator of the toll number.
2. Using the scanning tools, the perpetrators compromise a multitude of exposed SIP implementations across the internet.
3. The compromised systems are used to place calls to the aforementioned toll number.
4. The operator of the toll number gets paid from these toll charges.
5. Eventually, the owner of the compromised system receives an astronomical phone bill, the size of which depends on the efficiency of the carrier's fraud detection systems and the rate at which the calls were made.

Industry Response and Evolution​

This problem has escalated to the point where many VoIP providers have resorted to blocking international calls by default and, reportedly, may even be blocking 5060 traffic. This situation is not unlike the evolution of Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) and the measures taken to combat spam.

To prevent compromised systems from directly sending spam, many ISPs began blocking outbound TCP port 25, leading to the creation of port 465/587 for SMTP "submission".

Comprehensive Security Measures​

1. Network Security Implementation​

• Firewalls and SIP-aware devices: The first and perhaps most obvious step would be to ensure that firewalls are correctly configured to protect SIP traffic. Using SIP-aware devices can also help in identifying and blocking potentially harmful traffic.

2. Access Control​

• Password Hygiene: Implementing strong, regularly changing passwords can help deter brute force attacks. Using complex combinations of characters, numbers and special symbols can significantly reduce the chances of a successful attack.

3. Encryption and Protocol Security​

• Secure SIP: Just like HTTPS for web traffic, Secure SIP or SIPS provides a layer of encryption to SIP traffic, thereby providing enhanced security against unauthorized access and abuse.

Note: With our virtual phone system we can enable SRTP/TLS encryption for a one-time fee. This will keep the SIP accounts created there secure. Contact us for details.

4. Traffic Management​

• Rate Limiting: Implementing rate limiting on SIP requests can reduce the potential for brute force attacks. By limiting the number of requests that can be made from an IP address within a specific timeframe, you can block scanners like sipvicious.

5. Monitoring and Control​

• Regular Auditing: Regular audits of call logs can help detect any unusual or potentially fraudulent activity. Automated alerts for abnormal call patterns can also prove beneficial in early detection and prevention of toll fraud.
• International Call Control: Similar to many VoIP providers, you can consider blocking international calls by default. This, of course, will depend on the specific needs and requirements of your organization.

Conclusion: Staying Ahead in the VoIP Security Game​

At the end of the day, the world of SIP-based VoIP is a wild frontier that's constantly changing. But don't let that spook you. The key to wrangling this beast is understanding what you're up against - knowing the ins and outs of port 5060, SIP, and the threats that come with 'em.

Now, how do you keep your systems safe from these cyber cowboys? Start with a strong defense - that's your firewalls, SIP-aware devices, and good password habits. Add a bit of encryption with Secure SIP, keep an eye on your call logs, and consider limiting the rate of SIP requests. If it suits your needs, you might even think about blocking international calls.

Bottom line? The SIP-based VoIP landscape might seem like the wild west, but with the right know-how and some strategic moves, you've got a fighting chance to keep your systems safe and sound. Stay sharp, stay adaptive, and you'll ride out ahead of these threats.

Note: If you're looking for a VoIP phone number to register an OpenAI account go to the bottom of this post.

The Blockchain-VoIP Connection: An Unexplored Opportunity​

Am I the only one surprised that no ones' figured out a way to incorporate "VoIP" phone numbers and "verification" with some sort of blockchain tech? Specifically the SMS verification, it's not a technical issue either, they just wont accept the "VoIP" number to begin with.

I think I just heard someone with a blockchain background go "cha-ching!"

Sure you'll need the providers to come on board, as well as the companies to accept your "verified" VoIP number in their systems, but with some elbow grease I think this could work. Apparently blockchain tech is being used to verify Kanye West sneakers, so there's that, I digress.

Real-World Impact: From Gaming to AI Services​

Gaming Communities and Privacy Concerns​

So while searching Twitter/X to find what people might need a phone number for "verification" purposes I came across this post...

.. a use case never really thought of - online gaming communities. This issue is not going away, privacy is a major concern to people. Not everyone will want to give up their (mobile) phone number so they can play "Iron Banner". 🧠

The OpenAI Verification Challenge​

So back on topic, what caught my attention was the constant stream of people complaining on twitter that they can't get their OpenAI (ChatGPT) accounts verified (using their VoIP phone numbers of course). Many of these individuals use virtual phone numbers as their main phone numbers, many for businesses but definitely some as their main personal line.

Understanding the VoIP Verification Gap​

In recent years I've noticed the gap widening, more and more companies are rejecting VoIP phone numbers for new user sign-ups. But is this distinction fair, or even accurate?

The Technical Reality​

A VoIP phone number (or for the more technically affluent, "DID phone number"), at its core, is not fundamentally different from a traditional phone number. They both serve as unique identifiers, connecting callers and recipients within the vast telecommunication network. The key difference lies not in the numbers themselves, but in the underlying technology and how these numbers are utilized.

More importantly though, both types of numbers come from the same place. They are both allocated and managed by the same governing bodies and follow the same standardized formats. If a bank in New York City is opening up offices and needs 10 phone numbers, more often than not those numbers will be "VoIP", in many cases an IT person will have it all managed and routed to an internal or hosted PBX for example.

The Mobile-to-VoIP Paradox​

Another scenario to help understanding the issue here is if you had a mobile phone number with T-mobile, and then ported it over to Google voice, that phone number would go from being "verifiable" to "unverifiable" in the eyes of someone like OpenAI.

Security Concerns and Current Limitations​

The rationale behind the reluctance of many companies to accept VoIP phone numbers for verification is somewhat justified. The primary concern stems from the potential for abuse that these numbers present. Since VoIP numbers aren't tied to a specific geographical location or device, they provide a degree of anonymity that can be exploited by various malicious actors.

I can't say I blame them but I am curious as to why something like this hasn't kicked off yet, enterprise companies seem inundated with support requests regarding verifying phone numbers.

A Blockchain Solution: From Vision to Reality​

Vision without execution is hallucination.

-Thomas Edison

The Current Landscape​

Other than because of scammers, spammers and just abusers in general, I don't know of any reason why institutions won't accept VoIP numbers for their signup verification.

Implementation Challenges​

The idea is one thing, executing is another. The heavy lifting seems more marketing and getting VoIP providers on board. Perhaps get a couple big companies to buy-in to the idea and then the rest will follow. Imagine if Paypal or OpenAI integrated this imaginary blockchain company, it'll snowball for sure.

The Technical Framework​

It could provide a robust and transparent method to validate and verify these "virtual" phone numbers, adding a layer of trust and security that is currently lacking.

Imagine a blockchain network where various VoIP service providers participate. Each time a VoIP number is issued, this information could be recorded as a transaction on the blockchain. The blockchain, due to its immutable and transparent nature, could serve as an unalterable record of the VoIP number's history, including its origin, the identities involved, and any subsequent transactions.

Verification and Security Benefits​

A VoIP number's verification could then be achieved by checking its associated blockchain record. This would allow companies to quickly and reliably ascertain the number's legitimacy, and by extension, the credibility of the user. The blockchain could also record instances of misuse, providing valuable data for identifying patterns of fraudulent behavior and enhancing overall security measures.

The decentralized nature of the blockchain should also help reign in the international VoIP providers. Many of those spam call centers and abusers of phone numbers are in 3rd world countries making them harder to track down.

Call to Action​

If someone out there knows what they're doing, and has the resources, you have my blessings, just don't forget where you heard it first! (and you owe me a steak dinner).

Community Feedback and Solutions​

Technical Considerations​

Edit: The below reddit comment made a good point. (not the part about me being clueless)

Phone numbers aren't permanent for each person so custody would be in providers hands. There's tons of reasons why not to do this.

The author seems clueless about crypto as a side note

My response: Well, you could probably build a mechanism that periodically checks if the number is still being controlled by said VoIP provider. Perhaps hack RTP signaling or some other SIP authentication method.

Practical Solutions​

Edit 2: Officially, we can't guarantee SMS verification (short codes) however we've seen success registering OpenAI/ Chat-GPT (AUTHMSG) accounts with Israeli mobile (972-55) and Netherlands mobile numbers (31-97).

One of the standout features of our cloud phone system is the ability to edit the caller-ID for the phone receiving the FlyNumber calls (only when using VoIP). This comes in handy when you need to distinguish between calls coming in from different phone numbers.

Imagine having a UK, Canada, and US FlyNumber ringing directly to your smartphone or a desktop VoIP phone (such as Grandstream or Yealink). By default, you'll see the caller-ID of the person calling the FlyNumber, but you won't know which FlyNumber they called.

Understanding Multi-Number Management​

CLI Rules: Powerful Call Identification Tools​

CLI (Caller Line Identification) Rules are used to override the Source Caller Name. When using VoIP, this powerful feature helps you distinguish between calls coming from different FlyNumbers. Here's what you can do with CLI rules:

• Add custom text before or after the Caller-ID
• Remove the caller ID entirely and replace it with any text
• Add or remove a "+" symbol from the caller ID
• Create matching patterns using regex (don't worry, we provide examples!)

CLI Rule Configuration Examples​

1. Changing Caller Name to Custom Text:

   SRC Name Rewrite Rule: ^(.*)$
   SRC Name Rewrite Result: Custom text
   

2. Adding Custom Text Before Original Caller Name:

   SRC Name Rewrite Rule: ^(.*)$
   SRC Name Rewrite Result: Custom text \1
   

Two Ways to Configure CLI Rules​

1. Phone Number Module Configuration​

When you edit rules under the "Phone number" module, all calls from that specific FlyNumber will follow that rule, regardless of which VoIP client or phone receives the call. This setting is number-specific and applies globally to all calls from that number.

2. Ring Group Module Configuration​

Ring group CLI rules apply only to devices within that specific group. This allows for more granular control. For example:

• John's ring group: Shows "Sales call - 212-555-1111"
• Sally's ring group: Shows "Support - 212-555-1111"

Practical Applications and Use Cases​

1. Business Operations​

• Business Differentiation: Identify department or branch (e.g., "Sales - US", "Support - UK")
• Personal and Work Separation: Distinguish between personal and work calls on the same device

2. Marketing and Customer Service​

• Marketing Campaign Tracking: Label different advertising channels
• Customer Segmentation: Identify VIP customers or specific industries
• Language Support: Indicate caller's preferred language (e.g., "English Support", "Spanish Support")

3. Time-Based Management​

• After-hours or Emergency Calls: Distinguish between regular business hours and urgent calls
• Time Zone Management: Identify calls from different geographic regions

Important Notes​

• CLI Rules feature is disabled by default
• When enabled in the Phone Number module, rules apply to all calls from that number
• No technical expertise needed - we provide simple examples and patterns

If you have any questions feel free to comment below or post on our discussion forum.

It might come as a surprise to some but there's actually "404 day" in Atlanta, on you guessed it, the 4th of April. The event has been going on for 12 years strong - if you're in the area they have free tacos at 6pm.

What is Atlanta 404 day?​

Atlanta's 404 Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated annually on April 4th (4/04) by residents of the city and the surrounding metropolitan area. The date's format (4/04) is a nod to Atlanta's well-known area code, 404, which serves the city and some of its immediate suburbs.

404 Day is a celebration of Atlanta's culture, history, and the pride its residents have in their city. It is an opportunity for people to come together, support local businesses, and engage in various events and activities that showcase the city's unique qualities. While there are no specific, formal events tied to this day, people often attend or organize gatherings, parties, concerts, and other community-oriented events to commemorate the occasion.

Atlanta's 404 Day is not an officially recognized holiday, but it has gained popularity through social media and word of mouth in recent years. It has become a way for residents to express their love for their city and its rich history, diverse culture, and thriving arts scene.

The 404 and pop culture​

The 404 Atlanta area code has become a symbol of the city and its culture, the area code often appears in pop culture where it works to represent the unique identity and pride of Atlanta residents.

Songs that specifically mention the 404 area code:

"404 " by Sidney Roy: This song is titled after the Atlanta area code and features lyrics that reference the city's culture and pride associated with the 404 area code.

"My City " by T-Roc featuring Grip Plyaz and Aleon Craft: This song specifically mentions the 404 area code in the lyrics, as the artists pay homage to their city of Atlanta.

"404 Soldierz " by 404 Soldierz: This hip-hop group from Atlanta named themselves after the area code, and their self-titled track "404 Soldierz" emphasizes their connection to the city.

"It's a 404 Thing " by DJ Infamous: In this song, the Atlanta-based DJ Infamous pays homage to the city's 404 area code, showcasing pride for the region.

You'll also find the 404 mentioned in TV and movies.

"Atlanta ," a TV series created by and starring Donald Glover, follows the lives of characters living in the city. The 404 area code is referenced throughout the series as a nod to the setting.

"Baby Driver " (2017), directed by Edgar Wright, is set in Atlanta and features numerous references to the city and its culture, including the 404 area code.

The history behind Atlanta's 404 area code​

The Atlanta 404 area code has an interesting history that dates back to the inception of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) in 1947. The NANP was developed to simplify and streamline the process of dialing long-distance telephone calls within the United States and its territories, as well as Canada and a few Caribbean nations. Area codes were assigned to different regions, with each code representing a specific geographic area.

The 404 area code was originally assigned to the entire state of Georgia. However, as the population grew and the demand for telephone numbers increased, it became necessary to divide the state into multiple area codes to accommodate the growing needs.

In 1954, the 912 area code was introduced to serve the southern and coastal regions of Georgia, while 404 continued to cover the northern and central parts of the state, including Atlanta. Further changes were needed as Georgia's population continued to expand.

In 1992, the 706 area code was introduced, covering the northern and western parts of Georgia outside of the Atlanta metropolitan area. The 404 area code then primarily served the city of Atlanta and its immediate suburbs. However, the rapid growth of the Atlanta metropolitan area led to the need for additional area codes even within the city.

In 1995, the 770 area code was introduced to serve the suburbs of Atlanta, while the 404 area code was retained for the city itself and some surrounding areas. This change effectively split the Atlanta metropolitan area into two separate area codes.

The demand for telephone numbers continued to grow, and in 1998, the 678 area code was introduced as an overlay for both the 404 and 770 area codes, allowing for additional phone numbers within the same geographic area without necessitating further geographic divisions.

Its all about the culture​

There are also interesting ways in which the area code is represented in the broader artistic community.

For example, Atlanta is known for its vibrant street art scene, and local artists often incorporate symbols and elements of the city's culture into their work. It's not uncommon to find the 404 area code represented in murals or graffiti throughout the city, showcasing pride in the community.

Many local designers and businesses create clothing, accessories, and other apparel items that feature the 404 area code as a way to represent Atlanta. These items can range from T-shirts and hats to tote bags and other accessories, with designs that celebrate the city's identity.

All in all, there is no denying the rich culture coming out of Atlanta, the city has created some of the worlds most creative artists from musicians to actors and beyond. I'm sure the trend will continue for years to come and look forward to what they'll come up with next.

If you need an Atlanta 404 area code phone number, we got you covered. You can use the number for your business or as a personal "2nd" phone line if you need it.

More info on the "404 day" event in Piedmont Park can be found here. Enjoy.

image credit

The logs are broken down into 2 main sections.

1. The core FlyNumber logs​

All incoming calls will always show up here, regardless of the forwarding or if you’re using our cloud phone system. These will include the GMT date/time of the call as well as its duration rounded up to the nearing minute.

Possible scenarios:

1. Forward calls to a regular phone number [directly, without the PBX] You’ll see the number you’re forwarding the FlyNumber calls to. When available, you’ll also see the phone number of the person calling the FlyNumber.
2. Set the FlyNumber calls [directly, without the PBX] to VoIP. In most cases this means you’re sending the FlyNumber calls to a SIP address/URI. The logs get more detailed here for failed calls, an example is the “Proxy authentication error” - it usually only shows up when using VoIP/SIP forwarding.
3. The FlyNumber is set to our cloud phone system, in this scenario you’d want to use the log feature from within the phone system grid itself.

Responses include:​

OK: - Call was successfully connected.

Request terminated : This usually means the call was sent to its destination but never connected fully, we'll see this when forwarding a FlyNumber to a regular phone number, that forwarding number has no vm and the call just drops.

Forbidden : Either the number requires registration (e.g. Germany or Thailand) and is not active yet or you're forwarding to a regular phone number and there are no funds in the prepaid balance.

Busy here: Usually seen when forwarding to a regular phone number and that forwarding phone is not accepting any more calls.

Time out: This response applies when forwarding to VoIP (i.e. a SIP address) and we don't get a response from the VoIP server/provider.

Proxy authentication error: This also applies to when forwarding to VoIP and will usually indicate a misconfiguration on the other side. You'll want to make sure our IP addresses are white listed in your system.

2. The phone system logs​

This is where we really shine. Detailed records for both inbound and outbound calls with stats and charts for your entire call history.

Possible inbound responses.

Time start - This is when the call first enters the phone system.

Time connect – This is when the call connects to a destination - for example a regular phone number, a SIP account or perhaps a voicemail module.

Time end – Here you’ll find the time when the inbound call ended

Duration – The full duration of the phone call from “connect” to “end”

Disconnect code – This only applies when using SIP.

“200 OK” would indicate the call was ended by the party that answered the call, or in other words, by the SIP client that answered the phone call.

“200 BYE” indicates the call was disconnected by the person calling the FlyNumber.

Disconnect reason – SIP disconnect code, 200 OK would mean the call was ended by the person receiving the call while 200 BYE would mean the call ended by the person who initiated the phone call

Internal reason – The “SIP” reason for the call disconnecting, only visible to the PBX admin.

Source Name – The CNAM for the person calling the FlyNumber (if applicable)

Source Number – The phone number of the person calling the FlyNumber

Destination number – When the phone system is set to send calls to a phone number somewhere in the callow this is the phone number the calls were sent to

For outbound calls you’ll get very similar stats with the addition of “Contact” information. This would be the contact you had setup in the PBX which made the outbound call.

Filter your logs​

You have a couple options for filtering the phone calls in the logs. You can sort by source phone number, destination, stats and the “reason” for the disconnect. The same applies to your outbound CDR’s (call history/ logs)

Another neat feature of the PBX logs is you could view call stats based on the modules. A popular one would be the queue or on-hold module, you can view the “waiting time” for how long a person was on hold before the PBX connects them to their destination.

Exporting call logs​

You can easily export your call logs which includes all the data listed above, this could also be set to export on regular intervals. For example, perhaps you want the call logs emailed to you on a weekly or monthly basis -pretty cool.

Conclusion​

While we hope every call is a successful one we know that’s not always the case, especially when first setting up a call flow. When a call fails, the phone system should give you a detailed reason.

The reason it gives will depend on a couple different factors, if making and receiving calls via VoIP, you’ll get more details. When sending calls to a regular phone number you’ll still get very useful data albeit not as detailed. With SIP/VoIP we see more, so we pass along more. Error responses could be billing, carrier or device related - all should up in the logs/call history.

Setup your call logic in a unique way with our cloud phone system, the entire call flow is configured on a canvas grid using interconnecting modules.

Check out the phone system category on the discussion forum for more details.

The browser will show an error like below

The issue lies with recent DNS updates we made.

In short, network traffic was moved but there are assets stored along DNS routes that apparently are still caching old info.

This is especially true if you access links via the dashboard

Fixes for "You are not authorized" when opening PBX panel

1. Access the PBX grid from the "My account > PBX Panel" page, not the dashboard link.
2. Try incognito/ private browsing mode - you can also try clearing the site date. In chrome, go to dev tools > application, "clear site data" while flynumber.com is in the address bar
3. Change your network, this can really help. Especially if you have access to a mobile hotspot.
4. Try closing the widgets in the My account > dashboard page and then refresh the page (See below)

If you're still having issues feel free to open a ticket or post on the forum

Happy new year

Here's our original announcement about this issue:

Given that we started in NYC, it only makes sense to start with the big apple. I've been outside the city for a while now so apologies if this ends up sounding like a teenage love story.

I (the founder) was raised in Queens and worked in the family supermarket business for most of my childhood. Trade fair supermarket in Astoria, Queens - a mom and pop type supermarket where everyone knew everyone. The employees were mostly hispanic while customers ranged from Greek to Cuban to Italian among many others.

Wikipedia says "Queens is the most linguistically diverse place on Earth ", so it makes sense that FlyNumber would sort of fall on my lap.

OK, so now that’s out of that way…

We'll start with the coveted 212, a prefix synonymous with Manhattan and prior to VoIP, restricted to landline phones in all 5 boroughs (mobile didn’t exist in the 40’s).

The 212 prefix was originally assigned to all 5 NYC boroughs in 1947, managed by then monopoly, At&t.; It wasn’t til 1984 that there was a split, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island would get the 718 , while Manhattan and the Bronx would keep the 212. By 1992 the Bronx had also adopted the 718 while the 212 became exclusive to the island of Manhattan.

Manhattan being assigned the smaller “212” digits was no coincidence either. Back in the day of rotary phones, connecting to a 212 phone number was the quickest area code/phone number that you could dial. The lower digits also made it easier for old school human telephone operators to connect lines and switches with each other.

Basically, the higher the number, the longer it took to dial or keypress. And as you'd expect, it made sense to give the lowest numbers to the cities with the most people and businesses. It's why Chicago and L.A. were assigned the next best 2 area codes - 312 and 213 respectively.

In 1992 as concern for phone number scarcity in NYC grew, the city introduced the 917 area code. It was assigned to to all 5 boroughs, 8 years later the 646 area code was added as well.

This goes without mentioning but it’s no longer guaranteed you’ll get a New Yorker when calling a 212 or 718 number, VoIP changed most of that in the late 90’s. However, most of our 212, 718 and other NYC area code phone numbers are still owned by actual New Yorkers. Instead of getting a 212 or 718 from Comcast or Verizon locally - they’ll just use FlyNumber.

Though the 212 number can be purchased by anyone in the world, it still feels like it belongs to the big apple. When I see a 212, I think mammoth buildings with spires, the bustle of midtown, Wall Street and for whatever reason, exclusivity.

It seems there’s a badge of honor that comes with owning a 212, especially for traditional professionals. (lawyers, stock brokers etc.)

NYC area code pricing.

The 212 and 718 are “specialty” numbers, or in other words, there is only a limited amount of these numbers on the open market, so they cost more money.

212 - $29.95 per month + 1 time $149 fee

718 - $24.95 per month + 1 time $149 fee

The rest of our NYC numbers fall in the category of regular US numbers. $2.95 per month and no setup or one-time fees.

So NYC 347 , 646 , 917, and 516 (this is more Nassau county) are all $2.95 per month with no other fee’s

Side note: All U.S. numbers have free incoming SMS to email, including all the NYC prefixes. More information on our local US phone numbers here.

image credit goes to Jermaine Ee

The Evolution of Our Grid Interface​

I personally was always attracted to grids, so anytime I got to use them, for example- in school or other places, I was always delighted. Then, around 2012 we released the first version of the phone system, it had a true grid canvas while right now it's technically a "dot grid".

Why a Visual Grid Makes Sense​

The fluidity of the grid and how it connects with modules will put your mind at ease when setting up your call logic (Sometimes a scary and daunting task). Whether you're a company with 15 agents or an entrepreneur just setting up a new business - your call logic will differ.

Could you imagine trying to set all this up with drop down menus, and check boxes?

-Nader Jaber

So instead of thinking of all the settings a business or user may want, the engineers instead built customizable modules that can be moved around anywhere on an open canvas. Everything is connected with flexible cables, making it intuitive and visual.

Building Blocks of Your Phone System​

The system uses modules as building blocks, each serving a specific function:

• Phone Numbers for incoming calls
• Ring Groups for team distribution
• Voicemail for message handling
• IVR (Interactive Voice Response) for automated menus
• Time Conditions for schedule-based routing
• And many more specialized modules

The Creative Canvas​

The grid itself invites creativity - you open up your panel and the first thing you see is a nice, clean, fresh grid ready for creating. The changes are live, meaning if you attach your Brazil number [module] to the voicemail module- it will work right away. You may also find yourself making more and more customizations as time goes on, especially since new features are being added constantly. Who would have thought you'd want to route calls based on an area code? Check out our guide on area code routing to learn how to set up region-based call handling.

Flexibility in Organization​

Many users know exactly what they're doing - they set up their call flow and forget it. If they need to make any changes they can do it anytime on any device. The system supports multiple ways to organize your call routing:

• Call Flows: Create separate instances for different departments or business units
• Workspaces: Organize related modules within each Call Flow
• Real-time Updates: Changes take effect immediately without needing to save or deploy

Universal Access​

The system is designed for maximum accessibility:

Web Interface​

The grid-based configuration interface works right in your browser - no special software needed. Access it from any device with a modern web browser, whether you're on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer. It's built with HTML5, ensuring broad compatibility and smooth performance.

Phone System App​

We now offer a dedicated phone system app that makes managing your calls even easier. Available for:

• iOS and Android mobile devices
• Windows and macOS computers

The app lets you make and receive calls directly, with features like:

• Push notifications for incoming calls
• Multiple number support
• Easy access to voicemail
• Call history tracking

Check out our app setup guide to get started with the mobile app.

3rd Party Apps​

You can still use any VoIP/SIP application with credentials provided by the phone system if you prefer that route.

Creative Problem-Solving​

It's always interesting to see how users and companies set up their call flow, we're always encountering users with a unique call logic we've never seen before. Proof that if you give users the proper tools, they'll always surprise you with their cool problem-solving. The visual is key, It's just easier (and IMO more fun) to move modules around and connect them with cables than it is to create a call flow using dropdown menus and tick boxes.

It's one of those things you never really think of but setting up a call menu 20 years ago would have cost thousands of dollars and taken days if not weeks to set up. Now you can do it during the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee.

How the Grid System Works​

Understanding Modules​

Each module in the system has a specific role. Things like ring group, voicemail, IVR menu, and time-based routing, among others. All connect with draggable "cables" you create on the grid. The grid is sort of a digital canvas for you to move and connect these modules as you see fit.

Module Connections​

The modules will have prongs coming out of either side of them:

• Single prong modules (like voicemail) end the call flow
• Dual prong modules allow for more complex routing
• Cables visually show the path calls will take

Time-Based Routing Example​

The below image shows the time-based module. An example of how you'd use this would be to attach a "phone number" module to the left, and then to the right, a cable to your mobile phone (green prong), and another cable to the voicemail module (red prong). Using this example the calls would go to voicemail on the weekends.

The Impact on Business Communications​

The grid takes many by surprise - everyone is accustomed to menus, tick boxes, and drop-downs when "configuring" anything on the internet - the open canvas is somewhat refreshing. Some who were only interested in 1 menu and a voicemail end up with a much more complex setup, routing calls based on time or perhaps the caller-ID for example.

For more complex setups, check out our guides on:

• Customizing caller ID for effective management
• Setting up virtual phone systems
• Understanding call forwarding

TLDR: Using an [digital] open canvas to configure a company's (or individuals') call logic is simple and easy. (compared to the alternatives)

image credit goes to Kelly