What determines availability?
Country rules, local numbering administrators, carrier inventory, rate-centre coverage, number type, account eligibility and required identity or address documents can all affect whether a number can be purchased and used.
Capability matrix
Scroll horizontally to compare all columns
| Capability | Typical purpose | What varies | Required check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voice | Inbound and outbound calling | Reachability, outbound permissions, destination and carrier | Confirm selected number and destinations |
| SMS / MMS | Business messaging | Number type, country, carrier, registration, content and destination | Confirm sending and receiving separately |
| Fax | Document transmission | Number support and delivery method | Confirm fax capability on the number |
| Porting | Move an existing number | Losing carrier, records, number type and service area | Complete a portability review |
| Emergency calling | Reach emergency services | Country, number, registered location and nomadic use | Review and maintain emergency address |
| Caller ID | Display calling identity | Destination network, validation, attestation and recipient equipment | Confirm supported identity behavior |
A responsible purchase check
- Select the country and intended local market.
- Identify inbound, outbound, messaging, fax and emergency requirements.
- Ask for confirmation against the exact candidate number.
- Confirm documents, registration and address eligibility.
- Test critical flows before publishing the number widely.