Toll vs Toll Free vs Direct Dial: Compare DID vs DDI vs Toll Free
Toll vs toll free vs direct dial. We've noticed plenty of confusion about these terms on the web. Luckily, this article will make it very simple to understand the difference between using a toll free or local DID number. You'll also see plan comparisons and learn what people actually mean when they say DID toll free numbers or 800 DID numbers.
In this article, you'll find:
Toll Number vs Toll Free Number vs DID Numbers
A toll number is not an official type of phone number. A “toll” number is just a common expression used for any phone number where the caller is charged a per-minute rate for calling. Most DID numbers, conference dial-in numbers, or hotline numbers that costs money to call is technically a toll number.
A toll free number is a phone number that you can dial without being charged, no matter how lengthy or long-distance the call is. Toll free numbers are usually only free for callers within a certain country. These numbers are easy to identify because usually begin with some variation of the 800-prefix (ex. 1-800, 0800, 833, etc.), although some countries have very unique toll free dial-codes. For more information about country-specific toll free numbers, learn more about our international toll free services.
A local number is a phone number with a city-specific dial-code that always chargers the user the same as a local phone call, no matter where that call is forwarded. For example, a business in the United States can set up a local number in Singapore, allowing those callers to reach them across the world for the same cost as a local call. For more information about country and city-specific numbers, see our inventory on VoIP local numbers.
What Are Direct Dial Numbers?
This is where most the confusion happens. DID stands for direct inward dialing. DID phone numbers were originally created so that callers could reach a specific employee or department within an organization. While DID number service came with several benefits, the primary function of these numbers was to allow an organization to receive inbound calls.
However, inbound DID numbers are an outdated service. Today, most DID number providers include outbound calling with their service plans.
Toll Free DID (800 DID Numbers) and Local DID Numbers
In the past, a toll free did number simply meant an inbound toll free number and a local DID number referred to a local phone number used for inbound calls only. Today, since most DID services include outbound calling as well, saying “DID” numbers is usually just another way of saying “VoIP” or “virtual” numbers. Note: many providers use DID to refer to local phone numbers instead of both local and toll free.
What's the Difference Between DID vs DDI?
There is no difference between DID or DDI numbers. DDI stands for Direct Dial In. The term DDI is mostly used by subscribers in Oceania and Europe.
Should My Business Use Direct Dial or Toll Free Numbers?
The benefits of toll free DID numbers include:
- Callers are more likely to reach out to companies that use toll free DID numbers.
- In many cases, consumers expect to be able to reach you without being charged.
- A toll free DID number in the US includes toll free coverage in Canada and the Caribbean.
- These numbers create a more professional appearance.
- In many cases, toll free numbers are easier to port to a new service than local numbers.
Meanwhile, the benefits of local DID numbers include:
- Local DID numbers can usually be dialed from callers around the world.
- These numbers help establish a local presence for your business anywhere in the world.
- Callers in many regions are more likely to interact with a dial-code they recognize.
- While there are exceptions, local DID numbers are often less expensive for businesses.
- In most cases, you can use your local DID number as your customer caller ID during outbound calls.
Regardless of which type of number you get, all DID number plans from AVOXI come with several benefits, including:
- No setup costs, minimum contracts, or cancellation fees.
- Global call forwarding with features like time-based routing, simultaneous ringing and more.
- Between $25 – $1,000 in credit when you port your existing numbers.
- Amazing call quality and uptime ensured by our global VoIP infrastructure and 24/7 technical support.
- 15 days of free call recording, with extended plans available.
- Local and toll free DID number plans are available as low as $4.49 per month.
- Unlimited call conferencing rooms with as many as 500 participants.
- 20+ features like call grouping, IVR, custom voicemail-to-email and more at no extra cost. You can try local or toll free did service for 30 days risk-free!
Do You Have Additional Questions?
If you have more questions about local or toll free did numbers or would like to hear more about setting up numbers of your own, we want to help! You can purchase numbers and set up your service online, or contact us directly for questions or custom pricing plans.
