Non-geographic Number vs. Geographic Number

Geographic phone numbers are local/landline telephone numbers for a particular location, such as a town, city, or region. They start with a recognizable set of area codes; for instance, in the US, Austin is represented by 512, Dallas by 214, and Houston by 713 area codes.

Geographic numbers can receive calls from both within and outside the country, and the charges depend mostly on the service providers.

As a geographic number contains an area code, it creates a local presence for firms and helps build trust and strengthen relationships within the regional community.
 

• Establishes Local Presence: A geographic number can create an impression of local business in a specific region, though you’re operating from other areas. It allows your business to maintain regional recognition without physically opening a new office.
• Enhances Trust: Geographic numbers are more recognizable and trusted by local people, which helps boost credibility. Usually, people tend to pick up a call from a local number over an out-of-state number.
• Cost-Efficient and Affordable: A geographic number offers low-cost services, allowing clients to enjoy affordable communication. The callers only have to pay the local charges, which makes it cost-effective.
• Marketing and Advertising: Using a geographic phone number for marketing and advertising lets businesses run campaigns targeting a particular region.

The number that is not associated with a specific location, city, or region is a non-geographic number. Unlike a geographic phone number, these numbers can create a nationwide presence.

While a geographic phone number is categorized only as a local landline number, a non-geographic phone number can be divided into different types.

It is a unique series of digits assigned to a cell phone and is usable within the coverage area of the mobile network connection anywhere in the country. A mobile number format can vary depending on the nation, and many have specific mobile codes that represent a particular carrier provider.

Note: Though a mobile number is a non-geographic number in most countries, some countries may include area codes in their mobile number, like those for the US and Canada.

A toll-free number allows callers to reach businesses without paying a fee from anywhere in the country. These numbers are identified by unique prefixes, such as the 800 area code and its variations, 888, 877, and 866 in the North American Numbering Plan, the 400 area code for China, and 1800 for India.

As the name suggests, an emergency hotline allows users to seek assistance by dialing the number from anywhere in the country. In the US, the most common emergency hotline number is 911. Other examples are 100 for the Police, 101 for the Fire Department, and 102 for the Ambulance.

Unlike mobile and toll-free numbers, which can be accessed from other countries, an emergency hotline number is limited to a specified country. 

A non-geographic phone number creates a national presence and mostly are free to call (except mobile numbers).

Creates a Wider Presence: Since non-geographic numbers are not limited to a certain area, they create a wider presence for businesses, helping them attract more customers.

Universal Accessibility: There’s also no need to change numbers for an enterprise during expansion and relocation as they do not represent specific locations. 

Affordable For Customers: Non-geographic numbers like toll-free numbers are cost-free for calling. Removing cost barriers, these numbers encourage more inquiries, support sales, and boost overall customer engagement.

Privacy: A non-geographic phone number offers location anonymity, allowing your business to operate without revealing your exact location.
 

Explore the key differences between geographic and non-geographic phone numbers in the table below for quick insights.
 

Both non-geographic and geographic numbers offer unique benefits. While geographic numbers enhance local credibility, non-geographical numbers help boost operational efficiency internationally or nationally.

So, which one is best for your company? The answer depends on your business itself. A small-scale firm can benefit from a geographic number, whereas an enterprise looking to expand and reach a wider audience needs a non-geographic number.

Nonetheless, whether you’re looking for a non-geographic or a geographic number, you can get any of these from Calilio. Sign up with us now and enjoy advanced business communication features on any number you choose.

Toll-free numbers, starting with the 800 area code, and emergency hotline numbers like 911, are examples of non-geographic numbers.

A non-geographical postcode is a postal code that is not associated with any specific geographical location.

An example of a geographic number is 1-212-1234567, where the 212 represents Manhattan, New York.

Yes, you can call geographic numbers from abroad, too.