What is a DID Number?
A DID (Direct Inward Dialing) number is a virtual phone number that routes incoming calls to your VoIP system or PBX. Unlike traditional phone lines that require physical copper wires, DID numbers work over the internet and can be connected to any SIP-compatible device or software.
Local Numbers
Area codes from any city
Toll-Free
800, 888, 877 numbers
International
Numbers from 100+ countries
Why DIDs Matter: A DID number gives your business a professional presence. Customers can call you directly without going through a receptionist or PBX menu. Each employee can have their own direct number that rings their extension.
Free vs Paid DID Numbers
Before hunting for a free DID number, understand the trade-offs. Free services exist but come with significant limitations that make them unsuitable for most business use cases.
Free DIDs
- No monthly cost
- Good for testing and personal use
- Limited or no SIP support
- Restricted features and area codes
- May require app usage
- Number can be reclaimed
- No porting allowed
Paid DIDs (IPComms)
- Starting at $1.50/month
- Full SIP/PJSIP compatibility
- Any area code available
- Unlimited concurrent calls
- Connect to any PBX system
- Number ownership guaranteed
- Free number porting
| Feature | Free DIDs | IPComms DIDs |
|---|---|---|
| SIP Trunk Compatible | Rarely | Yes |
| Asterisk/FreePBX Support | No | Yes |
| Choose Any Area Code | Limited | Yes |
| Port Number Out | No | Yes |
| E911 Support | Varies | Yes |
| Business-Grade Reliability | No SLA | 99.99% Uptime |
Where to Get Free DID Numbers
If you need a free phone number for personal use or testing, here are the most popular options in 2026:
1. Google Voice
Google Voice provides a free US phone number that can receive calls and texts. It works well for personal use but has significant limitations for VoIP systems.
2. TextNow
TextNow offers free phone numbers with calling and texting over WiFi. Ad-supported service with optional paid upgrades.
3. TextFree (Pinger)
Similar to TextNow, TextFree provides free numbers for calling and texting through their app. Numbers may be recycled if inactive.
4. Skype (Limited)
Skype offers online numbers but they are not free. Mentioned here because many search for "free Skype number" - the service requires a monthly subscription.
5. VoIP.ms Free Trial
VoIP.ms offers new accounts a small credit that can be used to test their service. Not truly free but allows testing before committing.
Limitations of Free DIDs
Free DID numbers come with restrictions that make them impractical for business use. Here are the key limitations you should be aware of:
No SIP/PBX Integration
Free numbers from Google Voice, TextNow, etc. cannot be connected to Asterisk, FreePBX, or other SIP systems. They only work through their proprietary apps.
Limited Area Code Selection
Free services typically offer numbers from a small pool of available area codes. You may not get a local number for your business location.
Number Reclamation
Free numbers can be taken away if you do not use them regularly. Imagine losing your business number because you went on vacation.
No Porting Rights
Free services typically do not allow you to port your number to another provider. You are locked in with no exit strategy.
Poor Call Quality and Reliability
Free services prioritize cost savings over quality. Expect dropped calls, latency issues, and no support when things break.
Business Warning: Using a free DID for business is risky. If customers cannot reach you due to service issues, or if you lose your number, the damage to your business reputation and revenue far exceeds the cost of a proper DID ($1.50/month with IPComms).
Low-Cost DIDs from IPComms ($1.50/month)
For less than the price of a coffee, IPComms provides professional DID numbers with full SIP compatibility and no limitations. Here is what you get:
DID Features
- Starting at $1.50/month
- Any US/Canada area code
- Toll-free numbers available
- International DIDs (100+ countries)
- Unlimited concurrent calls
- E911 support included
Technical Benefits
- Full SIP/PJSIP compatibility
- Works with Asterisk, FreePBX, 3CX
- TLS encryption available
- Caller ID passthrough
- SMS/MMS enabled numbers
- Free number porting
Why $1.50/month Beats Free
With IPComms DIDs, you get a real business phone number that you own. Connect it to any SIP system, port it anywhere, and rely on 99.99% uptime. Free DIDs lock you into apps and can disappear at any time. For $1.50/month, you get peace of mind and professional service.
How to Connect a DID to Your PBX
Connecting an IPComms DID to your Asterisk or FreePBX system takes just a few minutes. Here is how it works:
Order Your DID
Log into the IPComms portal and select a phone number from any available area code. The number is active instantly.
Configure Your SIP Trunk
Set up a SIP trunk in your PBX pointing to IPComms servers. We provide configuration templates for Asterisk, FreePBX, and 3CX.
Route the DID
Create an inbound route in your PBX that matches the DID and sends calls to the desired extension, IVR, or ring group.
Test Inbound Calls
Call your new DID from a cell phone to verify the routing works correctly. Adjust your inbound route as needed.
Need Help? See our PJSIP Trunk Setup Guide or FreePBX Setup Guide for step-by-step configuration instructions.
Porting Your Existing Number
Already have a phone number you want to keep? IPComms offers free number porting for both local and toll-free numbers. The porting process typically takes 7-14 business days for local numbers and 3-5 days for toll-free.
| Number Type | Porting Time | Port Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Local Numbers | 7-14 business days | FREE |
| Toll-Free Numbers | 3-5 business days | FREE |
| Wireless Numbers | 5-10 business days | FREE |
What You Need to Port
- Current phone bill showing the number
- Account number with current provider
- PIN or password (if applicable)
- Authorized signature
Keep Your Number Active: Do not cancel your old service until the port completes. We will notify you when the number has transferred to IPComms. Your old provider may charge a final month, but your number will remain active throughout the transition.
Best Value: IPComms DIDs
When you compare the total cost and features, IPComms DIDs offer the best value for VoIP users. Here is a real-world comparison:
| Provider | Monthly Cost | SIP Support | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPComms | $1.50 | Full SIP/PJSIP | None |
| Google Voice | Free | No | App only, no PBX |
| TextNow | Free | No | Ads, app only |
| Twilio | $1.15+ | Yes | Per-minute charges |
| VoIP.ms | $0.85+ | Yes | Complex pricing |
The Bottom Line
For $1.50/month, you get a professional DID with no limitations. That is less than the cost of a single dropped call worth of lost business. Free DIDs are fine for personal testing, but for any serious VoIP deployment, IPComms provides the reliability and features you need at a price that is practically free.
Per month per DID
Number porting
Uptime SLA
Get Your DID Number Today
Stop searching for free DIDs with frustrating limitations. For just $1.50/month, get a professional phone number with full SIP compatibility and free porting.