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How to Buy an AI Phone Number: A Guide on Your Options and Providers
January 29, 2025
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AI phone numbers are essentially the same as traditional phone numbers in terms of their core functionality—they allow businesses to make and receive calls. However, AI phone numbers stand out by integrating advanced technologies. These enhancements enable features such as automated responses, intelligent call routing, and detailed analytics, which streamline operations and improve customer service.

Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a large enterprise, adopting an AI-powered virtual phone number can transform how you connect with customers. By leveraging these advanced capabilities, businesses can automate routine interactions, scale communication efforts, and deliver a more personalized customer experience—all while maintaining the familiarity of traditional telephony.

What is an AI Phone Number?

An AI phone number is essentially a virtual phone number that uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to route calls over the internet instead of traditional physical phone lines. The key distinction lies in its integration with AI-powered voice agents, which handle calls instead of connecting to human operators.

AI phone numbers are purchased through telephony service providers like Twilio or Retell AI. These numbers are connected to cloud-based systems that support advanced features such as:

  • Voice Agents: Automated systems powered by LLMs that handle customer queries and conversations.
  • Call Routing: Intelligent routing based on customer needs or sentiment.
  • Analytics: Insights into call performance, customer behavior, and more.

If you’re looking for an AI phone number to call, these systems ensure seamless communication while providing advanced automation capabilities.

Key Features That Set AI Phone Numbers Apart

  • Automation: AI-powered voice agents can handle routine tasks like answering FAQs or scheduling appointments.
  • Flexibility: Virtual numbers can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making them ideal for remote teams or global businesses.
  • Advanced Call Handling: Features like intelligent call routing, multi-level IVR menus, and sentiment analysis enhance the customer experience.

Benefits of Using AI Phone Numbers

  • Cost Savings: Reduce operational costs by automating repetitive tasks.
  • Improved Customer Experience: Faster response times and personalized interactions lead to higher satisfaction.
  • Enhanced Productivity: Free up human agents to focus on complex issues.

Why You Might Need an AI Phone Number

AI phone numbers are versatile tools that can benefit businesses across industries. Here are some common use cases:

  • Customer Service: Automate responses to common queries using AI voice agents powered by LLMs. This reduces wait times and ensures 24/7 availability for your customers.
  • Sales: Use AI phone numbers to manage leads efficiently by automating follow-ups and tracking call performance.
  • Marketing Campaigns: Assign unique AI phone numbers to different campaigns to measure effectiveness and track ROI.
  • Remote Teams: For businesses with remote teams, virtual phone numbers provide seamless communication without being tied to physical locations.
  • E-Commerce: Offer customers a toll-free AI-powered line for order tracking, returns, or support queries.

The advantages of using AI phone numbers include improved scalability, automation of routine tasks, and enhanced customer interaction, making them a smart choice for modern businesses.

Options for Buying an AI Phone Number

When purchasing an AI phone number, it’s important to understand the types of numbers available and their specific use cases:

  • Local Numbers: These are tied to specific geographic regions, making them ideal for businesses targeting local customers.
  • Toll-Free Numbers: Allow customers to call your business without incurring charges—great for building trust and professionalism.
  • Vanity Numbers: Customizable numbers (e.g., 1-800-FLOWERS) that are easy to remember and enhance brand recognition.
  • International Numbers: Enable businesses to establish a global presence by offering country-specific numbers.

If you’re looking for available phone numbers, it’s essential to choose a provider that offers flexibility in number types and features.

Top Virtual Number Providers in the Market

Here’s a list of popular providers offering AI-enhanced phone numbers:

Retell AI

Retell AI specializes in providing verified phone numbers and features optimized for sales teams to enhance outreach through automated calling solutions.

Key Features:

  • Carrier-Verified Numbers: Retell AI offers phone numbers authenticated by major carriers (e.g., T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon), reducing the risk of calls being flagged as "Spam Likely" and improving answer rates
  • Batch Calling: Allows users to automate mass outreach by uploading CSV files of contacts, making it easy to reach a large audience efficiently.
  • Dynamic Scripting: Personalized calls using variables (e.g., {{first_name}}) to create a more engaging and tailored conversation for each recipient.
  • High-Volume Calling Capability: Supports handling thousands of calls simultaneously without concurrency limits, making it suitable for large-scale outreach campaigns at competitive costs.

Ideal For: Sales teams and marketers managing large outreach campaigns.

If you’re wondering "how can I get a specific phone number?" Retell AI allows you to specify area codes during the purchase process.

Twilio

Twilio is a cloud communications platform that enables developers to build and manage communication applications via APIs. It provides a wide range of telephony services, including SMS, voice calls, and video conferencing.

Key Features

  • Global Reach: Offers local, toll-free, mobile, and vanity numbers in over 100 countries.
  • APIs & Integrations: Programmable Voice API for custom call routing, IVR systems, and integration with CRM tools like Salesforce.
  • Elastic SIP Trunking: Scalable telephony for businesses needing high-volume calling.
  • Fraud Prevention: Rigorous screening of phone numbers to reduce spam.

Ideal For: Developers and businesses needing customizable, global communication solutions.

Google Dialogflow CX

Google Dialogflow is a natural language understanding platform that allows developers to create conversational interfaces for websites, mobile applications, and messaging platforms. Dialogflow CX focuses on building complex conversational experiences.

Key Features:

  • Conversational IVR: Builds AI-powered voice agents for natural interactions via phone.
  • Knowledge Connectors: Integrates FAQs and articles directly into responses.
  • Real-Time Speech Recognition: Converts speech to text and vice versa in real time.
  • Phone Gateway: Provides US-based numbers for voice interactions.

Ideal For: Companies targeting US customers with conversational self-service solutions.

Amazon Connect

Amazon Connect is a cloud-based contact center service that provides businesses with an easy way to deliver better customer service at lower costs. It leverages AWS infrastructure to offer scalable solutions.

Key Features:

  • Proactive Outreach: Segments customers for personalized campaigns (e.g., cart abandonment alerts).
  • Amazon Q in Connect: AI assistant for dynamic self-service (e.g., flight rebooking with policy checks).
  • AI Guardrails: Customizable controls to ensure compliance with policies.
  • Agent Coaching: AI evaluates 100% of interactions for trends like empathy gaps.

Ideal For: Enterprises needing scalable, AI-driven contact centers with advanced analytics.

IBM Watson Assistant

IBM Watson Assistant is an AI-powered virtual agent that helps businesses provide better customer service through conversational interfaces across various channels including voice.

Key Features:

  • Voice Agent Integration: Partners with IntelePeer to connect SIP-based contact centers in <30 minutes.
  • Search Skill: Retrieves short answers from documents using IBM Research’s QA system.
  • Seamless Handoffs: Transfers calls to live agents with full conversation context.
  • Pricing: Requires Plus or Enterprise plans for voice capabilities.

Ideal For: Large businesses needing hybrid AI-human customer support.

How to Purchase an AI Phone Number with Retell AI

Buying an AI phone number is a straightforward process, especially when using a platform like Retell AI. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started and make the most of its features:

1. Research Providers

Before committing to a provider, take some time to compare your options. Look into features, pricing, and customer reviews to find the platform that best suits your needs.

Why Choose Retell AI?

Retell AI stands out for its verified phone numbers, automated calling solutions, and features designed specifically for sales teams. If you’re looking for tools to improve outreach and answer rates, Retell AI is a strong contender.

2. Evaluate Pricing Plans

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, review the pricing plans offered by your chosen provider. Make sure the plan aligns with your budget and business requirements.

Retell AI Pricing:

Retell AI offers affordable pricing at just $2 per month per phone number, making it an excellent choice for businesses seeking cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.

3. Sign Up on the Platform

To get started, create an account with Retell AI. This will give you access to their dashboard, where you can manage your phone numbers and calling campaigns.

How to Sign Up:

Visit the Retell AI website and complete the registration process. Once signed up, you’ll have access to all the tools needed to purchase and manage your AI phone numbers.

4. Select Your Number Type

Decide on the type of phone number that works best for your business needs—local, toll-free, or vanity numbers are common options.

Retell AI Options:

Currently, Retell AI supports US-based numbers only. You can specify an area code during the purchase process if you want a number tied to a specific region.

5. Customize Your Number (If Needed)

Some platforms allow you to pick phone numbers and their nicknames for easier identification within your system. You can either choose a phone number from the list they provide (depending on phone number availability) or create your own.

With Retell AI:

After purchasing an AI number through Retell AI, you can assign it a nickname in the dashboard for better organization—especially helpful if you’re managing multiple campaigns.

6. Complete Your Purchase

Once you’ve chosen your number, finalize the purchase by following the platform’s instructions. Ensure that payment details are set up beforehand to avoid delays.

Retell AI Process:

Add a payment method in the "Billing" tab of your account before buying a number.

7. Assign an Agent and Test Your Number

After purchasing your number, assign it to an agent or automated system for handling calls. Testing ensures everything is working as expected before launching campaigns.

How It Works with Retell AI:

Assign an agent (human or automated) to handle incoming calls via the dashboard.

By following these steps, you can easily get a phone number tailored to your business needs with Retell AI.

Why Use Retell AI?

Retell AI simplifies the process of purchasing and managing phone numbers while offering advanced features like batch calling, verified numbers to reduce spam flags, dynamic scripting for personalized outreach, and analytics dashboards to track campaign performance. These tools make it ideal for businesses focused on scaling their sales efforts efficiently.

By following these steps with Retell AI, you’ll have everything you need to set up an AI-powered phone number that enhances your communication strategy while saving time and resources. 

Elevate Your Communication Strategy with Retell AI!

AI phone numbers represent the next step in modern communication by combining traditional telephony with cutting-edge technology powered by LLMs. Whether you’re looking to streamline customer service, enhance marketing campaigns, or scale globally, these intelligent systems offer unmatched flexibility and efficiency.

By understanding what an AI phone number is, exploring top providers like Twilio or Retell AI, and following best practices for implementation, you can unlock new possibilities for your business communication strategy.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your communication strategy. Explore Retell AI today to start buying phone numbers tailored specifically toward enhancing how you connect with customers—and watch your outreach efforts soar! Transform how you connect with customers and watch your outreach efforts soar! 

Bing Wu
Co-founder & CEO
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