In this RIA Novosti article we talk about what a virtual telephone number is, how it can be useful and how to get one.
In what cases might a virtual phone number be needed?
A virtual phone number is an additional number that can be used in cases where you do not want to make your personal contact information publicly available.
Having a virtual phone number is convenient if you:
you place an order to sell or buy something on the Internet;
often apply for bonus cards in stores or retail chains and do not want to receive spam mailings;
regularly use courier delivery or taxi services;
you register on a website that requires authorization confirmation via SMS, but do not want to leave your personal number;
want to create a new account in a service where you are already registered;
you are dealing with any issue, for example, buying/selling real estate, and do not want your personal number to end up in the databases of real estate agencies;
you call various companies in search of the necessary product/service and do not want to subsequently receive spam calls with promotions and offers;
want a clear separation between your personal and professional life, with a separate phone number for each area.
How to connect an additional number to Megafon subscribers
A number of mobile operators provide their subscribers with the opportunity to register a virtual telephone number as an additional one on an already registered SIM card.
Megafon allows you to link up to three additional numbers to an already registered SIM card. The basic tariff, account, as well as packages of minutes, SMS and Internet will be used for all numbers. The subscription chile mobile database fee for an additional mobile number is 2 rubles per day. The connection of an additional number itself will cost 50 rubles. You can register an additional number on the operator's website, through a mobile application, and also using the USSD command *480#.
How to connect an additional number to Tele2 subscribers
Tele2 provides its subscribers with the "second number" service for 60 rubles per month, the subscription fee depends on the selected tariff plan. Connection is possible on the website or via the USSD command *872*1#. However, there is a limitation: such a number can only be used for incoming calls and SMS.
Beeline allows you to apply for an eSIM on smartphones that have this function. Unlike a physical SIM card, you can record several numbers on one eSIM, and choose which one will be active in the smartphone settings. Registration is available both on the operator's website and in the mobile application. If you are not a Beeline subscriber, to apply for an eSIM, you will need to log in to Gosuslugi and sign an agreement through the GosKlyuch application.