Category: Blog

As remote and hybrid work models become the new norm, organizations are increasingly turning to Microsoft Teams to simplify messaging, meetings, file sharing, and now voice communications. Teams is now more than a collaboration tool; it has evolved into a modern UCaaS platform.

While Teams excels at internal collaboration, the growing demand for a seamless external calling solution has highlighted the need to integrate enterprise-grade telephony features.

This change reflects a larger trend—businesses are demanding more from their UCaaS solutions, particularly the capability to make and receive calls beyond their internal network.

But to enable Teams for external calling and global voice communication, businesses and IT professionals must choose the right telephony integration.

That choice often comes down to Direct Routing vs Operator Connect—two robust solutions, each offering its own set of features and advantages to meet different business necessities.

But what exactly do these options offer? How do they differ? And which is best for your business?

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• Understanding Microsoft Telephony
• Direct Routing
• Operator Connect
• Direct Routing vs Operator Connect
• Which One is Right for You?

Understanding Microsoft Teams Telephony

Businesses can now utilize Teams as their primary business telephony option, as it offers calling plans. Calling Plans is Microsoft’s built-in voice service that enables users to make and receive phone calls directly within Teams.

With a Calling Plan, users can:

• Place and receive calls to and from mobile phones and landlines with ease. Host audio conference calls with up to 250 participants.
• Access key features like call forwarding, voicemail, and caller ID. Configure and manage audio conferencing, auto attendants, and call routing.

However, a key challenge arises: Microsoft Calling Plans have limited geographic coverage and flexibility, making them less suitable for businesses with a global reach. Fortunately, Teams has two solutions that businesses can use to move beyond internal collaboration and limited domestic calling:

• Direct Routing enables you to integrate your phone service provider with Teams by connecting it through a Session Border Controller (SBC). This means you can bring your own preferred carrier to Teams instead of relying on Microsoft’s Calling Plans, giving you more choice and flexibility.
• Operator Connect offers a simpler and more managed experience. Microsoft-approved telecom operators offer direct integration within the Teams Admin Center, reducing setup complexity while maintaining call quality. No SBC required for this integration.

Compared to Calling Plans, Direct Routing and Operator Connect can help businesses minimize costs and maximize global access.

Both options extend Teams into a global phone system, but they differ in flexibility, carrier control, and feature depth. Let’s look at them more closely.

What is Direct Routing for Teams?

How it works:

Here’s the basic workflow of Microsoft Teams Direct Routing:

• Microsoft Teams connects to a telephony provider’s SBC – calls will be routed through this SBC.
• The SBC acts as a secure bridge between Teams and your provider via SIP trunking.
• This setup enables external voice traffic to flow seamlessly between Teams and the PSTN, allowing users to manage global calls directly from Teams.
• You manage user setup and number assignment directly in Teams.

Why it matters:

Direct Routing follows a Bring Your Own Carrier (BYOC) model, giving you the freedom to:

• Choose the best telecom provider for your needs and budget.
• Extend your voice services to over 160+ countries, when you pick a global provider like United World Telecom.
• Seamlessly integrate with existing PBX systems or hybrid infrastructure.
• Customize call routing, compliance, and security features.
• Increase cost efficiency by using competitive carriers and existing infrastructure.
• Enjoy total flexibility and control over voice infrastructure and call routing.

United World Telecom enables Direct Routing with a Microsoft-certified SBC and international number coverage across 160+ countries for seamless connectivity. Our expertise ensures a smooth, secure, and globally connected voice solution for your enterprise.

What is Operator Connect for Teams?

These certified operators have established direct, high-availability connections to Microsoft’s global network and the Teams Phone System. This direct peering ensures reliable call quality and simplified management.

How it works:

• Your selected operator maintains all infrastructure levels and connects directly to Microsoft’s cloud.
• They manage the PSTN, SIP trunks, and SBC before establishing a connection with Microsoft to enable Teams’ calling features.
• You manage user setup and number assignment directly in Teams.

Why it matters:

• Choose from Microsoft-approved phone service providers right inside the portal.
• Manage phone numbers and connections directly in the Teams Admin Center.
• Set up everything fast, without needing PowerShell or command lines.
• Add new users and numbers with just a few clicks.
• Fully cloud-based, ready in hours, and infrastructure is handled by the operator.

While Operator Connect simplifies deployment, it has a few key limitations:

• You’re restricted to choosing from Microsoft-certified Operator Connect partners. Unlike Direct Routing, it doesn’t support the flexibility to bring your own carrier. If your preferred provider isn’t listed, you’ll need to switch or opt for Direct Routing.
• Operator Connect is entirely cloud-based and doesn’t integrate with on-premises PBX systems or hybrid telephony environments. It’s best suited for organizations that have fully adopted Microsoft Teams Phone as their sole communication solution.

Key Differences: Direct Routing vs Operator Connect

Here’s how Direct Routing and Operator Connect stack up across key factors like flexibility, global reach, feature depth, and setup complexity.

Use this side-by-side comparison to quickly identify which solution aligns best with your business needs:

Which One is Right for Your Business?

The choice between Direct Routing versus Operator Connect for integrating voice capabilities with Microsoft Teams often comes down to your organization’s specific needs regarding control, existing infrastructure, cost, and desired features.

Opt for Direct Routing if You:

• Prefer To Reduce Costs By Using Your Existing Telecom Provider
  With Direct Routing, you can negotiate better deals with your current carrier, benefit from pricing, and avoid per-user licensing fees, resulting in significant long-term savings.
• Need International Number Coverage or Support for Hybrid/On-Premise Systems
  Direct Routing allows you to connect Microsoft Teams to a variety of international numbers— local, toll-free, mobile, and non-geographic, across 160+ countries.
• Want To Retain Legacy PBX Features
  Direct Routing supports integration with existing infrastructure, helping you upgrade without losing essential features.
• Require Advanced Features
  Use advanced features, including AI-driven call analytics, custom call routing rules based on business hours or location, call recording, and detailed reporting, to optimize performance and ensure compliance.

Select Operator Connect if you:

• Are Okay with Using Only Microsoft-Approved Carriers
  Operator Connect requires you to choose from Microsoft-approved carriers. While convenient, this may reduce your flexibility in pricing and coverage, especially in less commonly served regions.
• Want A Fast, Plug-and-Play Setup With Minimal Configuration
  Operator Connect is ideal for businesses that need to get up and running quickly. It integrates directly with Teams from the Admin Center and doesn’t require complex setup or infrastructure changes.
• Don’t Need Custom Call Routing Or Complex Integrations
  For clear voice requirements, where custom call flows, legacy system integration, or advanced routing aren’t needed, Operator Connect is a simple, effective solution.

Microsoft Teams Integration with United World Telecom

United World Telecom offers robust Microsoft Teams integration options, providing two distinct solutions: Direct Routing for comprehensive, enterprise-grade voice, and our Teams Softphone Widget Integration for simplified outbound calling.

• Microsoft Teams Direct Routing
  Our Teams Direct Routing Integration is an enterprise-grade setup that enables users to make and receive global calls directly within Teams while retaining complete control over their voice infrastructure. Key Benefits:

• • More robust integration, leading to seamless call management within the Teams environment
  • Microsoft-certified SBC for secure, encrypted voice traffic
  • 24/7 technical support for setup and maintenance
  • Global number coverage in 160+ countries
  • Lower telecom costs by using your preferred carrier
  • Full feature suite: IVR, call analytics, CRM integration

• Microsoft Teams Softphone Widget Integration
  Ideal for businesses seeking an easy-to-deploy solution, our Teams Softphone Widget enables simplified external calling from directly within the Teams interface. This is a softphone-style widget inside Teams which enables click-to-call, call activity and logs, and optional call recording and transcription. Key Benefits:

• • Quick setup – start making calls in just a few minutes
  • Call worldwide – use local phone numbers to connect better
  • Manage all calls in one place – no need to switch tools
  • See call history – track all inbound and outbound calls
  • Use innovative features – enjoy call routing, voicemail, and more

Combine the power of Teams collaboration with the flexibility of United World Telecom’s global voice infrastructure. Seamlessly enable international calling, advanced routing, and local caller IDs—all from within Microsoft Teams.

With us, you get reliable voice capabilities, unmatched global coverage, and hands-on support from a trusted telecom partner.

How Businesses Use Microsoft Teams Integration

Teams improves cross-border collaboration, expands reach, and boosts efficiency from international sales to customer service:

• Global Customer Support
  Deliver personalized, region-specific support using call routing and international toll-free numbers or local numbers. Whether you have support agents in one location or across the globe, you can ensure every customer reaches the right person quickly.
• International Sales Teams
  Sales teams can reach out to global leads using local phone numbers, which helps build trust and improves response rates. With this integration, reps can make calls directly from Microsoft Teams while presenting a local caller ID.
• Hard-to-Reach Regions
  Maintain reliable and high-quality voice connections even in countries with limited telecom infrastructure. Microsoft-certified technology ensures smooth communication in emerging markets without the need for on-site infrastructure.
• Connecting Distributed Teams
  Support your remote and hybrid workforce with centralized, cloud-based calling through Microsoft Teams. The integration simplifies internal communication, reduces the need for multiple tools, and enables seamless collaboration across time zones and office locations.

Building a Global Voice Strategy with Teams

As businesses continue to expand across borders and adapt to hybrid work models, building a global voice strategy is no longer optional; it’s essential.

Microsoft Teams has already become a strong hub for internal collaboration, but to truly unify business communication, you need a voice solution that scales with your operations.

Whether you’re managing international sales teams, supporting global customers, or connecting remote teams, integrating voice with Microsoft Teams can simplify operations. Choosing the right solution—Direct Routing vs Operator Connect—depends on your organization’s goals, infrastructure, and level of control required.

Direct Routing, particularly when implemented with a provider like United World Telecom, enables businesses to utilize their preferred carriers, optimize costs, and deploy advanced features such as custom call routing and AI-driven analytics across more than 160 countries.

So, are you ready to upgrade your communications?

Check out our Direct Routing solution and browse through our Country Coverage to see where we’re available.

Let us help you take Microsoft Teams beyond chat and video—into the future of global voice.

Are you having trouble keeping costs down while connecting with customers throughout Japan?

050 numbers—Japan’s national numbers—offer a game-changing solution for businesses aiming to stay connected affordably and efficiently. Starting with the prefix ‘050’, these IP-based numbers are not region-specific, allowing businesses to use a single number to reach global audiences.

These numbers operate over the internet, making them ideal for distributed teams, cloud-based businesses, and companies looking to establish a national presence in Japan without opening multiple offices.

Whether you’re a startup entering the Japanese market or a multinational enterprise streamlining communications, 050 numbers offer a scalable and modern alternative to fixed-line services.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• What is a 050 Number? Format & Reach
• Japan National Number Benefits
• Available Features
• How Much Does it Cost? How to Buy?

What is a 050 Number?

Unlike traditional landline numbers that begin with area codes like 03 (Tokyo) or 06 (Osaka), 050 numbers are location-independent and accessible from anywhere in Japan.

These virtual Japan numbers allow businesses to make and receive calls from any location, within and outside of Japan. By forwarding incoming calls to any phone, PBX, or SIP system globally, companies are always reachable to their Japanese customers, no matter where they are physically located.

Costs for these calls are shared by both the caller and recipient and are often the same as local calling rates.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) regulates Japan phone numbers. These numbers also have advanced features, including voicemail, call forwarding, and virtual PBX compatibility.

050 numbers are frequently used to ensure accessibility and flexibility without the expense of traditional landlines, making them ideal for remote teams, customer service, and sales inquiries.

The format for Japan 050 numbers: (050) xxxx-xxxx. ‘050’ is the non-geographic prefix, and ‘xxxx-xxxx’ represents the subscriber number.

Japan National Number Benefits

Whether your business is looking to expand customer support in Japan or establish a regional service center hotline for APAC, using a Japan national number can improve and streamline local communication. Here’s how:

• Nationwide Presence: Since 050 numbers are not region-specific, businesses can connect with clients throughout Japan, expanding their market reach.
• Cost-Effective Communication: Compared to traditional fixed-line services, 050 numbers with a Japan phone number provider like United World Telecom can be more cost-effective. Calls to 050 numbers from within Japan often have standardized or lower rates. This might result in significant cost savings for international companies with a local clientele.
• Flexibility and Scalability: Businesses can stay in contact with Japanese clients no matter where they are physically located because calls to 050 numbers can be redirected to any device or location worldwide. As businesses grow, 050 numbers can easily accommodate increased call volumes and advanced routing without requiring extensive infrastructure changes.
• Advanced Call Management Features: United World Telecom provides advanced features such as call recording, interactive voice response (IVR), and many others, enabling efficient handling of incoming calls and improved customer service.
• Professional Image: A dedicated 050 number can project a professional image for businesses operating in Japan. It represents a commitment to the national market and provides a reliable communication channel for customers to reach them.

Features of 050 Japan Numbers

The best part about virtual numbers like 050 Japan numbers is that cloud telephony providers give you access to a wide range of advanced calling features.

These features help manage and centralize global communication while maintaining a local presence in key regions like Japan.

Here are some of our customers’ most-used features:

• Advanced IVR
Get a customizable IVR system to manage and route inbound calls efficiently. To ensure no client call is missed, use an automatic voice response system to handle calls from across different time shifts, time zones, and locations.
• International Call Forwarding
Seamlessly redirect incoming calls from your 050 Japan number to any global destination, including landlines, mobile phones, or VoIP services. This ensures continuous connectivity with clients and partners worldwide.
• Advanced Call Routing
Gain access to diverse routing strategies, including simultaneous ringing across multiple devices, call forwarding based on caller location, and time-dependent call distribution, among other advanced options.
• Call Recording & Transcription
Record and transcribe inbound and outbound calls for quality assurance, training, and compliance. You can access these recordings through your account dashboard.
• CRM Integration
Integrate your 050 Japan number with popular CRM systems like Salesforce, Zoho, HubSpot, etc. This synchronization simplifies workflows by allowing you to understand call data and customer information on a single platform.
• Outbound Calling with Local Caller ID
Make outbound calls displaying your 050 Japan number as the caller ID. This feature helps maintain a consistent and recognizable business presence, encouraging trust with local clients.
• AI Call Insights
Advanced analytics helps you gain valuable insights from call data, including call summaries and sentiment analysis. These analytics assist in understanding customer interactions and improving services.

How Much Does it Cost? How to Buy?

Calling a 050 Japan number typically incurs local call charges, as these are VoIP numbers not tied to geographic regions. Depending on the caller’s network provider and plan, calling a 050 number can cost various prices.

Businesses using a 050 number can use services like United World Telecom, but the cost depends on the selected monthly plan, forwarding destination, and included features.

Japan 050 national numbers from United World Telecom plans start at $17.95 monthly with included minutes. We also offer Local 2-Way Voice for Japan national numbers, enabling both inbound and outbound calling with the same number. You can find more information on our Pricing page.

Our cloud telephony service runs through a reliable, global network with several redundancy layers, ensuring 99.99% uptime. With more than 29 years of experience and 24/7 support, United World Telecom offers an excellent choice for nationwide reachability.

Purchase your 050 numbers through our website or chat with our experts online to get started!

How Long Does it Take to Activate 050 Numbers?

United World Telecom can activate your 050 number within one business day after you choose a plan and submit the necessary KYC documents.

Expand to Japan with 050 National Numbers

Grow your business in Japan with 050 national numbers from United World Telecom.

These VoIP-based numbers provide an affordable means of establishing a national presence without necessitating a physical office. Manage everything from a user-friendly control panel, route calls to any device or location worldwide, and access advanced features like call recording, IVR, and time-of-day routing.

For businesses that operate globally and target Japanese clients, 050 numbers are perfect.

Get scalable plans, fast activation, and 24/7 support to ensure smooth communication. Start building your presence in Japan today. Call +1 (561) 908-6171 or chat to get started.

Obtaining business phone numbers in China is far from simple. It’s not just about picking a number; it’s about meeting strict government regulations, securing the right licenses, and navigating regional telecom policies that vary across the country.

For foreign businesses, these challenges go deeper. You can’t directly own geographic numbers in China without a local presence. Technical limitations—especially with 800 numbers—often block access from mobile networks. In a country where most customers rely on mobile phones, that’s a major barrier.

Chinese customers expect businesses to be easy to reach, trustworthy, and mobile-friendly. If your number doesn’t work from a mobile device or drops calls, it creates a poor impression and can cost you opportunities.

That’s where China 400 numbers make a real difference. These numbers are designed to work nationwide, across all devices, including mobile. They solve the accessibility issue, offer call cost-sharing between businesses and customers, and fully comply with China’s telecom regulations.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through:

• China’s Phone Number Landscape
• What is a China 400 Number
• Why 400 Numbers Replaced China Toll-Free (800) Numbers
• Use Cases
• A Few Examples
• How to Choose the Right China Phone Number Provider

China’s Business Phone Number Landscape

China’s large geography and evolving infrastructure have shaped a unique number system, especially for businesses. As a country with a massive internal market, diverse regional economies, and a strong emphasis on both local and international trade, China relies on a range of specialized phone number types.

These numbers serve different purposes, from supporting nationwide customer service to enabling regional accessibility, making them essential for businesses operating in this competitive market.

Below are the number types, each with a specific function:

• Geographic DID Numbers: These are local landline numbers tied to specific cities or provinces (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai). They’re mainly used for regional presence and local calling but often lack national reach.
• Mobile numbers: Deeply integrated into daily life and digital identity across the country. These numbers play a crucial role in business communication in China due to the country’s mobile-first digital environment.
• China 400 numbers: These numbers are a shared-cost alternative to 800 toll-free numbers. These numbers are accessible nationwide and work across mobile and landline networks, making them ideal for modern customer support and sales teams.
• China 800 toll-free numbers: These numbers allow callers to connect without incurring charges. The 800 number in China functions regionally, requiring two separate numbers—for northern and southern China—to ensure full national coverage. They are limited by infrastructure and are not compatible with mobile phone networks in China.

For years, 800 numbers were the standard for businesses in China. But they were built for a landline era, and mobile carriers don’t support them. As a result, mobile users are unable to call your business using an 800 number.

Businesses now use 400 numbers as a reliable, regulation-compliant alternative. Reachable from anywhere in China, they support both landline and mobile calls with a shared-cost model, making them a professional solution for nationwide communication.

What is a China 400 Number?

A China 400 Number is a national shared-cost virtual phone number where the caller and the business (receiver) share the standard local call rate.

Customers can call these numbers from their landlines and mobile phones, covering all of China. So, with a 400 number, you ensure that the majority of China’s mobile users can reach you easily.

These China virtual numbers begin with 400 followed by seven digits (e.g., 0400‑xxx‑xxxx) and work across all Chinese provinces.

How They Work

• The caller pays the local rate charge based on their region.
• Business picks up long-distance charges and any forwarding fees.

Businesses can route incoming calls to a call center, regional office, or even an international location, ensuring nationwide reach and delivering convenience and consistency through a single number.

Beyond domestic reach, China 400 numbers can also be accessed from outside the country, making them ideal for global companies targeting Chinese customers.

To activate this number through a telecom provider like United World Telecom, you may need to provide additional business and end-user information. In some cases, providers can expedite the provisioning process, especially for existing business account holders.

Why 400 Numbers Replaced China Toll-Free (800) Numbers?

China’s communication landscape has positively shifted, leading to the widespread adoption of 400 numbers over 800 numbers. This move is a reflection of broader changes in customer behavior, technology, and operational requirements.

To understand why businesses moved from 800 toll-free numbers to 400 numbers, let’s break down the key reasons behind this shift:

• Nationwide Consistency
Businesses using 800 numbers often need to acquire separate numbers for different regions, such as one for North China and another for South China. A single China 400 number, on the other hand, offers nationwide coverage, an easy mode of communication, and a single point of contact for customers across the nation.

• Sustainable Cost Structure
Unlike 800 numbers, where the business pays the full cost, 400 numbers split call charges between the caller and the business. This cost-sharing method allows companies to handle high call volumes without incurring unsustainable expenses, especially for nationwide customer service.

• Centralized Network Compatibility
With China 400 numbers, you tap into a single nationwide network. Centralize call management and support operations more effectively by eliminating the difficulties associated with maintaining different regional numbers and their corresponding network requirements.

• Broader Accessibility
Since 800 numbers are only usable from landlines, mobile users—who make up the majority of China’s digital ecosystem—cannot utilize them. On the contrary, 400 numbers are completely reachable from landlines and mobile devices, ensuring customers can always get in touch with you from any device or location.

• Regulatory Alignment and Long-Term Viability
Telecom providers widely accept 400 numbers, and they meet China’s current telecom regulations. They are now the industry standard for business communication in China, which is mobile-friendly, scalable, and professional due to their increasing use.

When Should Businesses Use a 400 Number?

Businesses in China that require reliable, nationwide communication must use a 400 number.

Display your 400 number across advertisements, websites, and offline media accelerates customer response in large-scale marketing campaigns. Use advanced features like smart call routing, IVR, AI Call Insights, etc., to support high call volumes, analyze call content, and ensure no missed opportunities.

400 numbers for in-country customer service ensure that all users, whether landline or mobile, can reach your team without any limitations. This is especially essential for hotlines and post-sales service, where availability directly impacts trust. Customers expect quick, hassle-free help. If they can’t reach you, they’ll lose faith and may abandon their purchase. A 400 number eliminates these barriers, ensuring every call is answered and your support remains open, reliable, and responsive.

For B2B sales teams, a 400 number provides a consistent, professional point of contact across regions. Sales reps can connect with clients anywhere in China, reinforcing brand presence. Similarly, companies with distributed teams or call centers can route incoming calls through one central 400 number to different service centers, making management simpler and service more consistent.

Industries like those in the travel sector, 400 numbers assist with bookings, schedules, and service issues through a single, reliable contact point. In e-commerce, these numbers handle order inquiries and post-sale concerns. Fintech companies use them for customer verification, secure support, and service via mobile and landlines.

How Top Brands Use 400 Numbers (Examples)

In China, a 400 number does more than connect calls; it shows your business is credible, established, and easy to reach. Widely adopted by companies, these numbers reflect a business’s commitment to accessibility and trust.

Businesses strategically integrate 400 numbers across various customer touchpoints to reach the pinnacle in the world of business. They place these numbers on marketing materials—flyers, websites, ads—and include them on product packaging to offer direct, on-the-spot support. This targeted placement and functional use across industries highlight how 400 numbers are key tools for delivering consistent, global communication in the Chinese market.

Here are real-world examples that show how 400 numbers help businesses strengthen their presence and customer relationships in China:

Note: This information is current at the time of writing and is subject to change.

1. Huawei (Enterprise & Consumer Support)

Huawei advertises its 400‑822‑9999 nationwide hotline across websites, packaging, and service portals for enterprise and consumer users. They use it in VIP customer care, service center hotlines, and technical support to make sure clients from any network—landline or mobile—can connect with ease. By managing after-sales inquiries through a single central number, Huawei is able to increase operational efficiency and confidence.

2. Lenovo (Tech & Retail Support)

Lenovo also uses a 400 number as the primary contact for product support in China. Lenovo lists similar 400 numbers across its service and support pages for Chinese customers. This shows the company’s commitment to offering accessible local support for its PCs, smart devices, and enterprise solutions.

3. China Minsheng Bank

China Minsheng Bank efficiently optimizes client service across many sectors by using 400 numbers. For example, the bank uses 400 68 95568 as the corporate service hotline, offering corporate clients help with account queries, business consultations, electronic banking, and complaint resolution. Meanwhile, 400 86 95568 is dedicated to small and micro businesses, assisting with finance, loan consultations, and other business-related services.

By using separate 400 numbers for each customer group, the bank ensures targeted, efficient, and professional service nationwide, showcasing the flexibility and scalability of 400 numbers in meeting diverse business needs.

4. HSBC China

HSBC China strategically uses 400 numbers to simplify customer support across different common queries and requests. 400-920-0828 helps with international education financial services, guiding students and parents on banking needs abroad. 400-820-3090 answers questions on opening personal accounts, ensuring a smooth onboarding process. 400-820-4335 helps with home mortgage loans, guiding applications, and repayment.

Employees benefit from dedicated banking solutions via 400-821-3168. 400-920-3827 offers personalized support for customers in the Greater Bay Area. Lastly, 400-820-1177 supports retail business clients through HSBC Fusion, offering banking solutions for small businesses.

Each number ensures customers reach the right team directly, reducing wait times and improving service efficiency across China.

5. BMW China

BMW China uses 400 numbers to offer reliable customer service for its various operations, namely Customer service, Financial services, and Leasing services. This structured system helps them sort support by the kind of help needed, leading to quicker solutions, happier customers, and steady communication all over the country.

Customers can reach the 24/7 BMW Customer Service Center at 400-800-6666 for queries like test drives, product info, or after-sales help. For financial and leasing concerns, 400-800-6886 handles BMW Finance-related inquiries and complaints, while 400-995-6618 is dedicated to BMW Leasing customers. This organized use of 400 numbers allows BMW to provide support by service type, ensuring faster resolution, greater customer satisfaction, and consistent communication nationwide.

Choose the Right China Phone Number Provider

When expanding your business presence in China, choosing the right China phone number provider can make all the difference in delivering a seamless customer experience. Not all providers offer the same quality of service or compliance support, especially in complex markets like China.

Here’s what to look for in a 400 number provider:

• In-Country Routing
Ensure that your provider offers in-country routing for China 400 numbers. This means calls are handled locally, reducing latency and improving call quality for customers across China.

• 24/7 Support with a Dedicated Team
Look for providers that offer 24/7 customer service with access to dedicated account managers or technical teams. This ensures that any problems are fixed quickly, causing the least amount of inconvenience to your business operations.

• Essential Call Management Features
Look for features like call forwarding, IVR menus, call recording, and advanced analytics to monitor and manage operations effectively. These features enhance customer experience, optimize call center efficiency, and provide valuable insights into communication patterns.

• Regulatory Compliance and Documentation Support
Regulatory compliance in China can be complex, especially when it comes to registering and using China virtual numbers. Choose a provider that offers hands-on support for documentation and knows how to navigate local telecom regulations with ease.

Related: China SIP Trunking

Stay Compliant, Accessible, and Ready to Grow With China 400 Numbers

For businesses aiming to succeed in China’s evolving market, 400 numbers provide a modern, scalable, and mobile-friendly alternative to the limited and outdated 800 numbers. This evolution reflects China’s shift to a mobile-first communication culture, where 400 numbers provide an important nationwide consistency and simplified network compatibility that China toll-free numbers simply cannot match.

With their shared-cost model, 400 numbers balance affordability for customers with sustainable operational costs for businesses, making them the most practical solution for complete customer engagement, sales, and support.

With decades of experience, wide international coverage, and flexible support, United World Telecom helps businesses build reliable communication networks in markets like China and beyond, without unnecessary complexity.

Ready to modernize your business communication in China? A 400 number is a great place to start. Chat with our experts to learn more or browse through our inventory online!

At United World Telecom, we’ve always believed that strong communication has the power to accelerate business and bring people closer together, across geographies and industries.

We’ve spent the last 29+ years helping businesses connect across countries, time zones, and borders with advanced global voice solutions.

Our journey has taken us to global cities, fast-growing markets, and skilled talent across the US, Europe, APAC, Africa, and South America.

But some markets don’t just grow—they call. And Brazil has been calling for some time now.

This year, we’re proud to open our newest office in São Paulo, a decision driven not just by strategy—but by vision.

Why Brazil? Why Now?

Brazil is South America’s largest economy, and home to one of the most vibrant innovation ecosystems in the world.

But beyond its market size and growth trajectory, Brazil represents something deeper: a culture of resilience, ingenuity, and connection.

As a cloud communications provider, that matters.

We aren’t just powering calls—we’re enabling relationships, service delivery, global sales, and support operations.

And in Brazil, we saw a natural alignment between our mission and the needs of multinational businesses looking to scale, sell, and support across borders.

The decision to invest here is rooted in more than market potential. Brazil has been a vital part of our customer base for years, with over 700 businesses served in Brazil and more than 2,200 customers across South America.

From tech startups and SaaS platforms to healthcare providers and enterprise support teams, we’ve seen demand grow steadily for localized, reliable, and scalable voice solutions.

This office is our way of answering that demand—with long-term commitment and presence on the ground.

A New Hub for Tech Talent and Innovation

São Paulo isn’t just a business capital—it’s a talent engine.

We’ve seen remarkable growth in the region’s developer community, tech accelerators, and engineering programs.

By establishing a local office, we’re excited to partner with this emerging tech ecosystem and build alongside the very people shaping the future of communications infrastructure.

This new office will be home to our developer and IT infrastructure teams, focused on enhancing platform performance, improving reliability, and innovating for the next generation of business voice solutions.

What This Means for Our Customers

For our customers in Brazil and across South America, this expansion is a promise:

• Faster local support with on-the-ground staff
• More relevant insights and product improvements tailored to regional needs
• A telecom partner that grows with you, not just a provider.

What We’ve Learned Launching in São Paulo (So Far)

Setting up shop in a new market always comes with its own lessons. Here are just a few from our Brazil journey so far:

1. Local presence builds trust
Whether you’re a startup scaling regionally or a global brand supporting local customers, voice still matters. Businesses here are eager to connect with customers across South America—and having a local voice presence can make or break that first interaction.

2. Brazilian talent is world-class
Our São Paulo team is a blend of developers, telco specialists, and infrastructure pros—and the level of creativity, speed, and global thinking has already begun to surpass expectations. We’re here to hire locally, grow together, and invest long-term.

3. Culture isn’t just a buzzword—It’s a blueprint
From the rhythms of everyday business to the energy of the tech community, Brazil thrives on human connection. We’ve seen firsthand how important it is to localize—not just in language, but in tone, support, and service experience. Our goal is to meet customers where they are, in ways that feel familiar and respectful.

Looking Ahead

Our São Paulo office is just the start.

As we continue to expand globally, our Brazil team will play a critical role in shaping our regional strategy, customer experience, and product development.

We’re here to listen, learn, and build solutions that reflect the needs of Brazil-based businesses—from SMBs to larger enterprises.

We’re also actively exploring partnerships—with local coworking spaces, universities, and innovation hubs—to support the broader tech ecosystem.

And yes, we’ll have more to share soon…

Whether you’re a Brazilian business seeking global-ready communication tools or a tech leader curious about market shifts, we invite you to connect with us. Explore our local offerings, meet our team, and join the conversation.

This isn’t just a launch. It’s a long-term commitment.

Vamos crescer juntos!

The new São Paulo office will support IT development, technical support, and customer success to meet rising demand from Brazil and South America.

DELRAY BEACH, FL, June 2025 – United World Telecom, a global provider of cloud-based business phone solutions, announces the opening of its newest office in São Paulo, Brazil. This expansion is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance product development and provide localized support for its growing customer base in Brazil and the wider South American market.

The São Paulo location will serve as a hub for their engineering and IT operations, with plans to hire additional developers and telecom infrastructure specialists. “We’re excited to build a local presence in São Paulo and welcome new talent into our team,” said Tiago Godoi, “This office represents our long-term commitment to investing in the region and delivering the responsive, high-quality support that our customers rely on.”

The company also intends to grow its regional technical support and customer success teams, improving responsiveness and onboarding for business clients across the region. “Brazil is a rapidly growing market for international voice services,” said Luke Genoyer, Business Development Manager at United World Telecom. “We’ve seen strong demand from both regional and global businesses looking for scalable voice solutions to connect with global customers. This new office allows us to deliver faster support, deepen our technical resources, and continue building strong partnerships with companies in Brazil and beyond.”

United World Telecom has already established a footprint in the region with hundreds of business customers using its international phone services. The Brazil team will collaborate closely with global engineering and product units to roll out new features and optimize service performance for local users.

Brazil office address: Rua Capitão Antonio Rosa, 409, Cj 201, Jardim Paulistano, São Paulo 01443-010, Brazil

About United World Telecom

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida, United World Telecom provides global voice services and international virtual phone numbers to businesses around the world. As the parent company of Global Call Forwarding, UWT supports thousands of enterprises with cloud telephony solutions, offering coverage in more than 160 countries.

For more information or inquiries about career opportunities in Brazil, visit www.unitedworldtelecom.com.

Contact:
Luke Genoyer
+1 (561) 908-6171
luke@unitedworldtelecom.com

Sales representatives who handle a huge volume of leads daily face the constant challenge of juggling multiple applications and retrieving crucial customer details before every call. This fragmented process wastes valuable time and diminishes the quality of customer interactions.

Businesses today operate in a pivotal environment where customer expectations are higher than ever across all channels. Businesses that prioritize seamless communication are more likely to retain customers and foster long-lasting relationships.

Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) addresses this challenge by connecting computer networks or applications and phone systems, essentially adding telephony functionality to them. In other words, you can make and receive calls from your computer or laptop.

Expand this a little more, and you will have CTIs that connect your phone service to your core business applications, like Salesforce CRM. Salesforce CTI bridges the gap between your CRM and phone system, giving your teams unparalleled communication capabilities.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• How Salesforce CTI Works
• Key Features
• Core Benefits
• How to Implement

What is Salesforce CTI? How it Works

Salesforce, a commonly adopted sales CRM system, promotes customer communication management. To enhance this functionality, Salesforce CTI integrates telephony capabilities directly within the platform.

A telephony integration for Salesforce lets your sales and support teams manage business calls directly from their Salesforce environment, using a softphone app. They don’t need to use a desk phone or log into another software. Instead, they can answer customer calls, dial numbers, and maintain records—all without leaving Salesforce.

• The core functionality is the synchronization of data in real time between Salesforce and your phone system.
• When a call comes in, the CTI recognizes the caller and enters the relevant Salesforce call record if required.
• With screen pop, agents instantly see who’s calling and relevant account information.
• They can then make outbound calls quickly through the click-to-dial feature, reducing manual dialing errors and improving sales agent productivity.
• Agents can also log calls, guaranteeing thorough and precise documentation of each interaction.

This way, a Salesforce CTI combines CRM and telephony to give businesses faster, smarter customer communication — all from a single platform.

With providers like United World Telecom, teams can integrate their voice systems directly into Salesforce and access advanced features like Local 2-Way Voice, intelligent call routing, and AI Call Insights.

Key Features of Salesforce Telephony Integration

Integrating your phone system with Salesforce improves business interactions by making it easier to manage customer communication from within your CRM platform. Important business calling features include:

• Click-to-Call: Simplify outbound calling efforts by allowing agents to initiate calls with a single click from within Salesforce.
• Call Logging: Log call details, customer information, and interaction summaries, making it easier to track performance and keep accurate records.
• Call Pops (Screen Pop-Ups): Incoming calls trigger automatic screen pops, giving agents immediate access to caller data.
• Call Recordings: Listen to call recordings stored with contact records for quality assurance, training, and compliance.
• Softphone or Dialer: Make and receive calls directly within Salesforce using a softphone integration, eliminating the need to switch between applications.
• Transcription & Translation: View call transcripts in the CRM to analyze conversations and gain insights into customer sentiments and needs.
• Call Routing: Optimize call distribution based on preset rules to speed up response times by ensuring calls are sent to the correct agents or departments.

Benefits of Salesforce CTI for Sales and Support Teams

Integrating your phone system with Salesforce offers measurable improvements across customer-facing teams. Here’s what businesses gain:

• Bring Voice and CRM Together

Agents don’t need to switch between tabs or tools. Everything—from dialing to reviewing customer data—is in one place. This lets agents focus on providing excellent customer experiences.

Click-to-dial and screen pops reduce handling time, allowing teams to focus more on conversations and less on busywork.

• Simplified Workflows

Features like click-to-dial and automated call logging reduce the time spent on manual tasks. Agents can place calls with a single click and let the system log key call data, such as time, duration, and outcomes, automatically into the appropriate records.

• Deliver More Personalized Interactions

Calls feel more personal when agents have full visibility into each customer’s history and needs. By connecting Salesforce with telephony, agents can view all client interactions and records in one place. This leads to faster resolutions and more meaningful interactions.

• Less Missed Opportunities

Customizable and advanced call routing ensures customers are connected to the most appropriate agent based on location, department, skill set, or previous interactions. This reduces wait times and improves the customer experience without adding complexity.

• Improved Team Efficiency

Managers can access custom reports, AI-driven analytics, and granular call data. With insights into call volume, handling time, and sentiment, you can identify opportunities, address issues quickly, and make informed decisions.

• Boost Agent Productivity

By eliminating repetitive tasks and surfacing relevant data automatically, CTI helps agents spend less time navigating systems and more time engaging customers. This leads to shorter call times, higher satisfaction, and increased efficiency across the board.

• Scale with Confidence

Whether you use cloud-based, on-premise, or SIP-based systems, modern CTI solutions — like United World Telecom’s Salesforce phone integration — support a wide range of telephony infrastructures, giving you the flexibility to adapt and scale.

How to Implement Salesforce CTI

By simplifying communication within your CRM, Salesforce CTI improves customer interactions. Check out the following essential steps to ensure an effortless implementation:

1. Evaluate Business Communication Needs
Start by identifying what you want to establish and improve. Analyze current call volume, agent operations, and customer contact trends to see where gaps occur. This will help you determine what type of integration solution you need to maximize ROI.

2. Select a Compatible Telephony Provider
Choose a phone system that can integrate with Salesforce and offer features like click-to-dial, data sync, and more. A cloud phone solution like the United World Telecom Salesforce Integration offers seamless connectivity, call logging, and advanced analytics.

3. Set Up and Integrate
Configure Salesforce integration with your telephone provider. Access the softphone app or extension from the Salesforce AppExchange. The United World Telecom integration, for example, installs in just a few steps. Set up click-to-dial, call routing, and logging rules based on your Salesforce setup.

4. Test and Resolve
Test the integration across multiple teams and locations to ensure proper functionality. This involves testing call logs, screen pops, inbound and outbound calls, and other essential functions.

5. Staff Training
Ensure staff members understand how to use the integrated system. Provide practical guidance in call handling, reporting, and using Salesforce integration features. Proper training increases adoption and enhances customer interactions.

Integrate United World Telecom with Salesforce

Whether you’re a fast-growing sales team or an international support operation, we make it easy to bring voice into Salesforce — and scale it globally.

Why choose the United World Telecom Salesforce phone integration?

We offer:

• Seamless Salesforce softphone integration – set up in just a few steps!
• Enterprise-grade voice quality and uptime for inbound and outbound calling
• Local numbers and international toll-free numbers from 160+ countries
• Outbound Caller ID management
• AI-powered tools: Call Transcription, Sentiment Analysis, Custom Reports
• 24/7 expert support

Want to see our Salesforce phone integration in action? Book a demo today!

Closing: Bring Global Voice to Your Salesforce CRM

Salesforce CTI helps you unify customer conversations, streamline agent workflows, and make data-driven decisions — all from inside the CRM your team already uses.

By integrating your phone system with Salesforce, you create a more connected, responsive, and effective customer experience. And with a provider like United World Telecom, you also get access to international numbers, outbound features, and advanced analytics to support your strategy at every level.

Add your telephony to United World Telecom; contact us now at (561) 908-6171 or chat with us!

India is home to one of the world’s largest consumer markets and a rapidly growing digital economy. With a population of over 1.4 billion and a strong IT, outsourcing, and services sector, India is a key market for businesses worldwide.

For global businesses looking to expand into this region, setting up a reliable communication channel is critical. One of the easiest ways to establish a local presence and connect with Indian customers is by using India virtual phone numbers.

Understanding India phone numbers is essential for working with your team or communicating with Indian customers. Whether you want to support a local call center, expand customer support, or build regional credibility, a local India number can help you reach your goals.

This guide covers every necessary aspect, including the format of Indian phone numbers with relevant codes, different types of phone numbers, and, most importantly, why your business should get an India phone number. So, let’s dive in!

Guide to Phone Numbers in India

Having an India phone number is essential to establishing a local presence in India and accessible to potential customers. This allows businesses to operate across multiple regions without a physical office in each location. More importantly, they help you reduce long-distance costs, improve accessibility, and enhance customer trust.

Here’s how India phone numbers support global business operations:

• Local Presence: Displaying a local number on your website or caller ID boosts credibility and encourages customers to reach out.
• Cost-Effective Communication: Avoid international call charges by routing calls through virtual numbers. Give local customers local or free calling options with local numbers.
• Expanded Reach: Connect with customers across regions, from major cities like Mumbai and Delhi to remote areas.
• Offer Reliable Support Across Regions: A local business phone number guarantees that your customers can reach you anytime, whether you establish regional offices, use remote teams, or deal with a local call center.
• Better Engagement: Local numbers often lead to higher response and pickup rates.

India Phone Number Plan

India’s phone numbering system is managed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), which includes managing and allocating phone numbers. The system is based on the National Numbering Plan (NNP), which standardizes how numbers are allocated to various services and regions.

Recent changes in telecom regulations (such as requiring a ‘0’ prefix for fixed-to-mobile calls) have been implemented to streamline dialing and preserve number availability.

India Phone Number Format

Phone numbers in India are typically 10-digits long and include:

• India country code: +91
• Trunk prefix: 0 (for domestic dialing)
• Area or mobile code: Varies by location or provider; i.e., 22 for Mumbai
• Subscriber number: Usually 6 to 8 digits

Here is a general breakdown of Indian phone number formats:

• India toll-free number format: 1800 xxx-xxxx (not reachable from outside India)
• India local number format: +91 11 xxxx-xxxx (New Delhi area code 11)
• Mobile number format: +91 9xxxx-xxxxx

When calling from outside India, the trunk prefix is omitted. For example: +91 22 xxxx xxxx (for a Mumbai number).

These formats guarantee effective call routing throughout the nation’s telecommunication network.

Different Types of India Phone Numbers

India offers several types of virtual business numbers to suit different use cases. Below are the most common options available from United World Telecom:

1. India Toll-Free Numbers

India toll-free numbers are perfect for customer service and support lines, usually starting with ‘1800’, making them more accessible to customers. Callers in India can reach businesses using these numbers without paying for their calls, encouraging higher call volumes.

2. India Local Phone Numbers

India local numbers, with specific area codes for particular cities or regions, help companies to develop a local presence in key Indian cities like Mumbai (22), Delhi (11), or Bangalore (80).

3. India Mobile Numbers

Mobile numbers offer greater flexibility, as they are not tied to a specific geographic region. While they can be used for inbound calling, virtual mobile numbers in India are generally not SMS-enabled for verification purposes.

4. India Local 2-Way Voice

India phone numbers with Local 2-Way Voice, allow users to make outbound calls using a local number and receive inbound calls while displaying that number as the local caller ID. Simply put, they can be used for outbound and inbound calls. This flexibility increases the likelihood of call pickups, making your international communication easier.

Get an India Phone Number with United World Telecom

India phone numbers provide a valuable opportunity to enhance your business revenue and expand your global reach. Don’t miss out on connecting with a broader audience! Get your India phone number today and start building relationships with clients locally and worldwide.

With options ranging from toll-free to local numbers, United World Telecom ensures your communications are flexible, reliable, and scalable.

And with flexible plans and 24/7 customer support, we make it easy for businesses to establish a presence in India without setting up a physical office.

Ready to grow your business in India? Get a toll-free, local, or mobile India number from United World Telecom and start building a stronger local presence today. Want to learn more? Chat with us online!

Need the best virtual phone number providers in the UK to support your business plans to expand within the United Kingdom? We’ve got you covered. In this comparison of UK virtual phone number providers, we’ll go over:

• Types of UK Virtual Numbers
• How to Choose a Reliable UK Phone Number Provider
• 8 Best Virtual Phone Number Providers in the UK: Comparison

Types of UK Virtual Numbers

Before we dig deep into the best providers of UK virtual numbers, let’s explore various types of phone numbers available for the United Kingdom below.

Toll-Free Numbers:
UK toll-free numbers (or freephone numbers) allow customers to call within the UK free of cost, encouraging more people to get in touch with businesses. These numbers usually start with “0800” or “0808” prefixes. Format for UK toll-free numbers: 0800 xxx xxxx.

Geographic (Local) Numbers:
These local numbers come with designated area codes that make them instantly recognizable to locals. For instance, London numbers start with “204,” while Manchester numbers begin with “1618.” Calls to these numbers are charged at local rates, which can vary depending on where the call originates and its destination. Format for London local numbers: +44 0204 xxx xxxx.

National Numbers:
National, or non-geographic, phone numbers are recognizable and accessible throughout the UK. Often used by companies, government agencies, and helplines, these numbers provide significant reach and convenience. These numbers start with “330”, “840,” or “845” and can be accessed from anywhere in the UK. And, like local numbers, they are charged local calling rates. Format for UK non-geographic numbers: +44 (0) 330 xxx xxxx.

Mobile Numbers:
UK mobile numbers start with “07” and consist of ten digits. They can be reached from anywhere in the UK. However, they cannot be used for verification or social media purposes. Format for UK mobile numbers is +44 (0) 7xxx-xxxxxx or 7441 xxxxxx.

How to Choose a Reliable UK Phone Number Provider

Choosing the best virtual phone number providers in the United Kingdom is essential for businesses seeking seamless communication and growth. Here are key factors to consider when finding a VoIP provider:

Identify Business Requirements: Before choosing the provider, take time to figure out precisely what your business needs to help you find a provider that aligns with your goals. What type of phone number is needed? How many calls do you expect to handle?

Explore Features and Services: Providers offer different features, so look at what’s included and what’s additional and how that compares with your business requirements. Do they provide advanced routing, IVR, AI insights, CRM integrations, or advanced analytics?

Compare Pricing Plans: Look at setup fees, per-minute rates, and any extra charges for premium features. You’ll want to find a plan that offers good value without sacrificing service quality.

Check the Provider’s Reputation: It’s always wise to see what others are saying. So, do not forget to read reviews, check out testimonials, and dig into any industry feedback. Providers with high customer satisfaction and good reviews are generally more reliable.

Evaluate Customer Support: Responsive customer support is important when it comes to phone service. Look for providers offering 24/7 tech support through live chat, email, or phone options. Good customer support resolves technical issues quickly, keeping disruptions to a minimum.

Make Sure They Follow Regulations: Your provider must comply with essential telecom regulations and data protection laws. This is key to keeping your business and your customer’s data secure.

Look for Extra Perks and Flexibility: Some providers go the extra mile by offering free trials, no long-term contracts, or flexible upgrade options. These perks can be convenient if you’re testing things out or planning to expand soon.

8 Best Virtual Phone Number Providers in the UK

Businesses progressively rely on virtual phone numbers for efficient and flexible communication. Whether you operate an online business, manage a remote team, or want to scale gradually, virtual numbers offer a cost-effective solution.

Here are the top providers for UK virtual numbers, along with information about the types of numbers, their pricing plans, and all advanced features:

1. United World Telecom
2. Global Call Forwarding
3. Virtual Landline
4. Vodafone UK
5. Telecoms World

Expand to the UK with the Right Virtual Phone Number Provider

Choosing the right virtual phone number provider for the United Kingdom is crucial for businesses looking to enhance their communication, expand their reach, and improve customer interactions. Each provider offers unique features and benefits, so selecting one that aligns with your business needs is key.

With United World Telecom—a global telephony provider—you can enjoy virtual numbers in the UK with our deep-rooted global presence, adjustable pricing plans, and feature-packed services.

With over two decades of experience, a proven track record, and a robust suite of advanced features, United World Telecom is the trusted choice for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a startup or an enterprise, our UK virtual phone service and features like call forwarding and AI insights are designed to help you communicate efficiently and confidently grow your business.

So, are you ready to get your UK virtual phone numbers for business? Contact us by signing up on our website, giving us a call at (877) 898-8646, or chatting with us online right now!