Wireless Carrier
Some mobile carriers allow you to use your number with multiple devices. With these services, you can forward incoming calls automatically to all your devices, including your phone, smartwatch, or tablet. AT&T NumberSync lets you use a compatible device to answer your calls even if your phone is off or not with you. Two similar devices include DIGITS from T-Mobile and Verizon One Talk. The same feature may be enabled on iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad. As long as the person is calling you over FaceTime, or you have hardware that meets continuity system requirements for the iPhone cellular calls feature, you can answer the call on your other iOS devices, including your Mac.
Google Voice
The free Google Voice service has revolutionized the “one number to ring them all” idea. Google Voice (available for Android and iOS) offers a free phone number that rings multiple phones simultaneously, along with a package of other features, including voicemail, voice-to-text transcription, call recording, conferencing, special call-handling rules for both individual and groups of contacts, and visual voicemail.
Phonebooth
Phonebooth is a serious alternative to Google Voice and is full of features. However, it costs money. When you register for one user, you get two phone lines. It gives you a number in your area and lets you receive 200 minutes of calls. It also offers voice-to-text transcription, an auto attendant, and a click-to-call widget. The Phonebooth service has a solid VoIP background behind it and offers competitive calling rates, comparable to other VoIP players on the market.
Install a Voice Calling App
Some apps give you your own phone number while others aren’t technically phones (because there isn’t a number) but do let you accept calls from multiple devices, including phones, tablets, and computers. For example, these iOS apps that can make free calls can make and accept calls from other users of the apps, but because the programs are compatible with multiple platforms, you can get your phone calls to ring on all devices at once. As an example, you can install the FreedomPop app to get a free phone number that comes with the ability to call any landline or mobile phone in the U.S. Sign in to your account on your tablet and phone to have calls go to both devices.
Why Would You Ring Two Phones With the Same Number?
Maybe you want your home phone, office phone, and mobile phone to ring at the same time. This makes you less likely to miss important calls. The setup also lets you choose where to talk based on the nature of the call. Traditionally, this type of situation calls for a PBX configuration, which is expensive both as a service and in terms of equipment. The huge investment is a deterrent that explains why it’s a fairly rare setup. With one number, you can configure a series of devices to ring whenever there’s an incoming call. We’re not talking about having one line with different branches and phone terminals but, instead, several independent devices ringing, and the freedom to choose which one to answer.
