Chase Rogers

How to Test Your Phone Numbers | Phone Number Testing

Testing your phone number ensures that your service is activated, properly configured, and routing calls as expected. Follow the steps below:

1. Sign in to your control panel.

2. Under Services, click on My Phone Numbers, located in the page’s left-hand menu.

3. Click on the Number Testing icon next to the line you want to test.  test icon

4. Here, you will see two options: Create Test Schedule and Test on Demand.
create a test

a) Click on Test on Demand to immediately run a test to verify that your phone number is working properly. Note that each test costs $1.98.
test on demand

b) You can also create schedules to test your phone numbers regularly. Click on Create Test Schedule, enter your preferences, and click Schedule.

    • How often do you want to run the test – time and date range
    • Which lines do you want to test – select all your lines or specific ones as needed
    • Who will receive the report – assign a recipient

test schedule popup

5. Once your test is completed, you will see a new option View Test Reports.

view reports

You will now be able to see the status of your tests: Success, Pending, and Failed, along with other call details.

view report

Need help?

If you’re unable to complete a test successfully, contact our support team with:

  • The number you tested
  • Date and time of the call
  • Destination number
  • Observed issue

We’ll help investigate and resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

 

How to View Remaining Balance for Outbound Calling Credits

Outbound call plans are based on call credits.

The monthly service plan fee is used as a call credit each month. There is a credit balance, and per-minute rates for calling various destinations. Call usage exceeding the plan amount will be charged at applicable per-minute rates.

We offer five outbound calling plans, each with included calling credits and an additional per-minute rate. Plan credits are available on a line-by-line basis.

To view the remaining credit balance on a particular outbound line, you can follow the steps below:

  1. Log in to your control panel.
  2. Navigate to the Outbound Calling tab: https://newcp.globalcallforwarding.com/app/services/outbound-calling
  3. Identify the line you want to view the balance of, and, under Actions, click on the Service Plan icon.
  4. From the Service Plan page, click on Activity in the gold bar.
  5. From there, you will see your remaining outbound credits.
  6. To view rates for a particular destination, navigate to the Rates tab.

outbound credits

How to View Outbound Calling Rates by Destination

Outbound call plans are based on call credits.

Each monthly service plan includes a monthly credit balance, from which per-minute rates for calling various destinations are deducted. Higher plans offer a higher discount on outbound per-minute rates.

To view outbound calling rates for a particular destination or all destinations, you can follow the steps below:

If you already have an outbound calling plan:

  1. Log in to your control panel.
  2. Navigate to the Outbound Calling tab: https://newcp.globalcallforwarding.com/app/services/outbound-calling
  3. Click, and, under Actions, click on the Service Plan icon.
  4. From the Service Plan page, click on Rates in the gold bar.
  5. Select the destination that you will call to, or, to view rates for the whole world, select All from the dropdown.

outbound plans

If you do not have an outbound calling plan:

  1. Log in to your control panel.
  2. Navigate to the Outbound Calling tab: https://newcp.globalcallforwarding.com/app/services/outbound-calling
  3. Click on Add Outbound Line.
  4. Underneath each plan, click on View Rate Breakdown.

Below you will see an example of outbound per-minute rates, with the Outbound Basic Plan, to all destinations:

outbound rates

How to Set Up Microsoft Teams Direct Routing with SBC?

This document outlines the process to integrate Microsoft Teams with our Session Border Controller (SBC).

Prerequisites

Before beginning the integration process, ensure the following prerequisites are met:

  • A Tenant configured with a license to use Teams (like 365 Business Basic license)
  • A DNS record configured and able to create zones.
  • Microsoft Teams Phone System license
  • Microsoft Teams Calling Plan
  • Firewall rules configured to allow necessary traffic
  • Administrator access to Microsoft Teams admin center
  • If you will receive inbound calls, your phone numbers provided by United World Telecom / Global Call Forwarding
  • A TLS certificate to encrypt the calls using the same domain used to create the SBC inside Microsoft Teams

How to Set Up & Use Teams Direct Routing

In this guide, we’ll cover the following:

1. Configure Microsoft Teams for Direct Routing:

Follow these steps to integrate Microsoft Teams with our SBC:

1. Log in to the Microsoft Teams admin center. https://admin.teams.microsoft.com/dashboard.

configure direct routing

2. Navigate to Voice > Direct Routing.

direct routing add

3. Add the SBC’s FQDN. An example of FQDN: sbc.customerdomain.com

Note: You must use the SBC’s FQDN that has the hostname registered in DNS. For example, if your organization owns contoso.com then sbc.contoso.com is a good name for the SBC, but sbc.contoso.onmicrosoft.com isn’t. You will need to configure your DNS settings to create an SBC subdomain (e.g., sbc.customerdomain.com) and point a hostname entry to our Edge SBCs 66.165.168.103 and 66.165.168.107.

enter FQDN

4. Set up these additional configurations (as shown above):

  • Enabled: ON
  • SIP signaling port: 5061
  • Send SIP options: ON
  • Concurrent call capacity: Check with your United World Telecom/Global Call Forwarding client team

5. Click Save and validate the connection status.

If everything is correctly set up, in some seconds the connection between United World Telecom and MS Teams will become active.

validate chart

2. Setting Up Inbound and Outbound Routes

1. To receive external inbound calls, you must first import your desired phone lines to Microsoft Teams.

2. Go to Voice > Phone Numbers and click Add.

add phone numbers

3. Then, select From Direct Routing to upload a CVS file. Follow this CSV sample.

from direct routing

4. Click Next to submit your request.

In some time, the phone numbers that you bought from United World Telecom / Global Call Forwarding should appear on the Phone Numbers page, so let’s configure the routes.

phone numbers validate

Setting Up Inbound Routes

1. To configure the inbound calls, select the phone number and click on Edit. You can assign the phone number to users and applications inside Microsoft Teams.

2. Click Apply to assign the phone number to this user. Now, inbound calls are ready to be received by this user or application. This change will be propagated to all Tenant:

user card with numbers

Setting Up Outbound Routes

To configure outbound calling (calling an external number from Teams), you must create an external route using Voice Policies, following these steps:

1. Go to Voice > Direct Routing. In the upper right corner, select PSTN usage records.

pstn usage

2. Here, click Add to create a PSTN record for the route you would like to use. An example, to call using local US and Canada routes, create a US and Canada record. For US only, create a US Only route. For international calling, create an International record. This determines what PSTN route will be used to make the outbound call.

Click Apply to save the PSTN record.

apply pstn usage

3. Then, go to Voice Routes on the Direct Routing page, select Add, and put the desired Dialed Number Pattern.

A quick note on the Dialed Number Pattern: The template for the Dialed Number Pattern is ^(\+1[0-9]{10})$. Let’s understand with this example:

  • ^ – start of the string
  • +1 – country code (+1 for the US and Canada)
  • [0-9] {10} – Exactly 10 digits (0–9) after the +1. This represents the standard 3-digit toll-free or area code + 7-digit local number format (561-123-4567)
  • $ – end of the string.

Therefore, this Dialed Number Pattern ^(\+1[0-9]{10})$ will match any North American phone numbers in E.164 format, like +1214xxxxxxx or +1561xxxxxx, where 214 is the Dallas area code and 561 is the Florida area code.

To make external international calls, use this as the Dialer Number Pattern: .*

Scroll down for a list of Number Patterns for other countries.

This rule will match every time a user dials numbers for this pattern.

rules pattern

Note: The order (priority) of PSTN usages in voice routing policies is critical. The usages are applied in order, and if a match is found in the first usage, then other usages are never evaluated.

4. Click Save.

5. Now, create a policy and add this route created. Go to Voice > Voice Routing Policies.

voice routing policy

6. Add a name, and select your PSTN usage (as created in step 1). Then, click Save.

to sbc policy

7. Now, assign the user who will use this rule. Go to User > Manage Users and select the desired user.

8. Then select Policies > Edit. Scroll down to Select Voice routing policy, select the policy created in step 6, and click Apply.

edit policy assignment

Additional Information on Call Encryption – United World Telecom / Global Call Forwarding

The calls between the United World Telecom SBC and Microsoft are encrypted using TLS protocol. So we will need a certificate to insert on our SBC and be able to send and receive call packets with Microsoft. If you use the domain sbc.customerdomain.com to create the SBC, we’ll need the customerdomain.com TLS certificate.

Direct Routing SIP interface will only trust certificates that are signed by Certificate Authorities (CAs) that are part of the Microsoft Trusted Root Certificate Program. Make sure that a CA that is part of the program signs your SBC certificate. Also, make sure that the Extended Key Usage (EKU) extension of your certificate includes Server Authentication and Client Authentication. You can learn more about this here.

Make & Receive External Calls Using Teams Direct Routing

With these configurations in place, your assigned user should be able to make and receive calls. Have them run tests to make sure everything is working properly.

Make a test call from Microsoft Teams to an external number:

  1. Log in to the Teams desktop app and click on Calls.
  2. Type a name or number of the external contact and click Call.

Make a test call from an external number to a Microsoft Teams user:

  1. Call the phone number assigned to your account from an external contact.
  2. In the History tab, click the three dots to see other options such as: Call back, Create a contact, Add to speed dial, etc.

Dialed Number Pattern Guide

Dialed Number Pattern for different countries:

Country Country Code Example Number Regex Pattern Notes
USA/Canada +1 +12135551234 ^\+1\d{10}$ 10 digits after +1
UK +44 +447911123456 ^\+44\d{10}$ UK mobiles are usually 10 digits
France +33 +33612345678 ^\+33\d{9}$ 9 digits after +33
Germany +49 +4915112345678 ^\+49\d{10,12}$ Varies by area code
Australia +61 +61412345678 ^\+61\d{9}$ Mobile starts with 4
India +91 +919812345678 ^\+91\d{10}$ Fixed 10-digit mobile format
Mexico +52 +5215512345678 ^\+52\d{10,11}$ 10 or 11 digits depending on format
Brazil +55 +5511987654321 ^\+55\d{10,11}$ Mobile typically 11 digits
UAE +971 +971501234567 ^\+971\d{9}$ 9 digits after +971
International .*

Matching specific area codes: You can create more complex patterns to match specific country codes/area codes or block certain number ranges.
Use | to create alternatives. For example: ^\+(44|33|49)\d{9,12}$ will match UK, France, and Germany numbers with 9-12 digits.

Troubleshooting Tips

If issues arise during integration, consider the following:

How to Upload Your Documents

After you sign up, you’ll be taken to a Confirmation page — we recommend bookmarking it for easy access.

On that page, you can:

  • Verify your email address
  • Check the status of your order
  • Upload any documents needed to help us activate your service faster

Your information is safe with us. All documents are securely encrypted and handled according to the highest industry standards. We use advanced security protocols to keep your data private and protected at every step.

Related: Why is Documentation Required to Get a Number?

To upload your documents:

1. Go to your Confirmation page. You can find this link in your Signup Confirmation email.

2. Review your order and look for the Upload Required Documents button.

upload documents button

3. Then, log in to your account (use the email and password created during the signup process.

required documents login

4. Now, upload your documents for this number type.

Here you will see standard documentation required as well as documents required for specific country and number types.

upload documents options

5. Click Choose File to upload your document. We accept .jpg, .png, .pdf, and .doc files. Note: The total file size should not exceed 60MB.

6. Once all files are added, click Upload File(s) to submit all documents.

7. Once all documents for all number types are uploaded, the yellow button will turn green indicating that all documents are submitted and nothing is pending on your end.

Related: What Documentation is Required to Purchase a New Number?

Call Routing Strategies (Guide to Rules)

Cloud-based call routing software enables your business to manage and forward incoming calls across time zones, teams, and locations in a structured, efficient way. With an advanced call routing strategy, your sales and support teams can handle calls more effectively, ensuring a seamless experience for customers, no matter where they’re calling from.

With Global Call Forwarding, you can customize how inbound calls are managed using various advanced call routing strategies through your control panel.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key routing strategies you can set up through our convenient control panel:

We’ll start with IVR and the call flow builder and then move on to individual advanced routing strategies.

Interactive Voice Response (IVR)

IVR is an automated phone system that enhances how businesses manage incoming calls. With Advanced or Cloud IVR—available with your virtual phone number plan—calls are answered automatically and guided to the appropriate agent, department, or self-service option without needing a live receptionist.

This system offers unmatched mobility and efficiency by helping callers complete simple tasks or reach the correct destination quickly. It’s especially beneficial for businesses handling high call volumes, as it organizes and prioritizes incoming calls, reducing wait times and improving customer experience.

How to Set Up Advanced IVR?

Here are the steps to configure IVR:

1. Sign in to your control panel.

2. Under Services, click on My Phone Numbers, located in the page’s left-hand menu.

3. Go to the Settings icon next to the line you want to edit. settings

4. Underneath Call Forwarding, hover over IVR (⚪). To switch to IVR from Basic Forwarding, click the icon so it is selected (🔵), indicating that your call forwarding is set to IVR.
advanced ivr

5. Click Manage IVR Applications to customize and configure your IVR settings.

Now, before setting up the IVR, you will need to configure prompts and destinations that you will add to your IVR system. Here are the steps:

a) For Prompts — This is the message customers will hear when they connect with your phone system. To guide them effectively, you can include company details, announcements, updates, or navigational instructions. Example: Opening greeting or IVR main navigation menu.

Go to the Prompts tab and click Add a New Prompt. Here, you can Upload/Record a new prompt or voice message. Then, click Save Changes.

prompts

b) For Phones — Here, you can set up a list or ring group with multiple destination SIP addresses or phone numbers. Pro tip: Save the title with a descriptive name such as Customer service team UK for your service team in the UK. If it is an individual, then save it as [name] + phone number + location. Example: Peter phone number UK.

Click on the Phones tab and click Add a new phone. Enter the information, choose a Ring Mode (sequential, random, or simultaneous), enter your phone numbers, and adjust weighted call distribution with percentages, if desired. Then, click Save Changes.

Ring Modes:

    • Sequential, where calls are sent to numbers one after the other
    • Random, where a number from the list is selected at random to receive the call
    • Simultaneous, where all numbers ring at the same time until someone answers.

call destination

c) For Emails — Here you can enter email addresses where you want voicemail messages to be forwarded to. Example: Peter email address or Billing email addresses. This way, you can potentially send incoming fax messages and invoices directly to your Billing directly.

Click on the Emails tab and select Add a New Email. You can create a list with one or more email addresses from here. Then, click Save Changes.

email destination

6. With all this set up, you can now create your IVR system. Start by clicking Create a New Application on the same IVR Manager page to get started:

ivr manager

Setting Up IVR With User Menu

7. An Application menu screen will appear, select User Menu to build an IVR with menu options that callers will listen to and interact with.

select user menu

8. Now, start filling the green card below with your requirements:

IVR menu setup

  • Prompt: The main voice message welcomes callers and provides them with various menu options. Select from the prompts you’ve uploaded or recorded earlier.
  • Interruptable Option: Choose whether callers can interrupt the message or must listen to it in full.
  • Maximum wait period: The maximum duration callers will wait before the system takes action.
  • Repeat: Number of times the message will repeat
  • Possible trigger for each key (number on the keypad): Select from various actions and triggers, and assign each key (1, 2, 3, etc.) to a specific target, such as a hunt group, department, voicemail, or a list of email addresses. You can utilize the phone numbers and email lists you’ve created here. The available actions and triggers are as follows:
    • Phone Call: Redirect the call to another number, department, team, or hunt group.
    • Announcement: Play a pre-recorded voice message or announcement to the caller.
    • Voicemail: Route the call to voicemail.
    • Time-Day Routing: Direct calls to specific locations or numbers based on designated times or days.
    • Caller ID Routing: Forward calls from specific locations or area codes to selected numbers or groups.
  • Invalid: Select the action to take when the caller presses an incorrect key or number.
  • Timeout: Choose what happens when the message repeats the desired number of times, but the caller does not press a key.

menu trigger options

Here’s an example: #1 directs the call to the customer service department list, #2 sends it to the billing department, and #3 forwards the call to voicemail. If the caller cannot find the correct option in the menu and doesn’t press any key, you can redirect them to voicemail and allow them to leave a detailed message for further assistance.

9. Finally, click Save.

Time of Day Routing (Time-Based Routing)

Time-based routing, also known as Time-of-Day routing, is included with any call forwarding service plan, allowing you to automatically redirect incoming calls from your toll-free or local numbers to alternative numbers or SIP addresses at specific times of the day. It ensures that important calls are never missed by directing them to your main office, satellite offices, remote teams, or even a home office during off-hours, weekends, or holidays.

You can set up Time-of-Day Routing in 2 ways:

Let’s look at both ways below:

Setting Up Time-of-Day Routing Through IVR Manager

1. Log in to your control panel.

2. Under Services, click on My Phone Numbers, located in the page’s left-hand menu.

3. Go to the Settings icon next to the line you want to edit.  settings

4. Underneath Call Forwarding, hover over IVR (⚪). To switch to IVR from Basic Forwarding, click the icon so it is selected (🔵), indicating that your call forwarding is set to IVR.

advanced ivr

5. Click Manage IVR Applications to customize and configure your IVR settings.

6. Next, click on the Phones tab. Here, you can set up a list or ring group with multiple destination SIP addresses or phone numbers. Choose the Ring Mode and set up Weighted Distribution (if desired) for this group, and click Save Changes.

call destination

Pro tip: Save the title with a descriptive name, such as Customer service team UK for your service team in the UK. If it is an individual, then save it as [name] + phone number + location. Example: Peter phone number UK.

You can create multiple “destinations” like this where you plan to route incoming calls for this time-based rule.

7. With the destinations set up, click on Create New Application on the IVR Manager page and choose Time-Day Routing.

select time-of-day routing

8. Name your new application and click on the edit button to customize the routing rule.

name your app

9. Next, give this rule a name and select your desired time zone from the dropdown.

select the time zone

10. Then, click on New Rule to configure time-based routing. Specify the days (under On These Days) and Time range you want the calls to be forwarded. Click Next.

select time range

11. Now pick the action this rule should follow. For instance, if you want calls to forward to your APAC team during this time-based rule, you can select Phone Call and then customize the next card with the correct destination (in the example’s case – APAC ring group).

select your destination

12. To add another time-based rule to the same IVR, you can go back to the first card and add a New Rule.

add a new rule

13. You can also send calls to Voicemail, Fax, Announcement, or User Menu for further customization.

14. When done configuring your Time-Based IVR, click Save Application on the top by the Application Name.

Setting Up Time-of-Day Routing Through Advanced Routing

1. Log in to your control panel.

2. From the dashboard, under Services, select My Phone Numbers from the left-hand menu.

select my phone number

3. Click on the Settings Icon (⚙️) on the line that you would like to modify.

select the settings icon

4. Underneath Call Forwarding, hover over Advanced Routing (⚪). To switch to Advanced Routing from Basic Forwarding, click the icon so it is selected (🔵), indicating that your call forwarding is set to advanced routing rules.

select advanced routing

5. Navigate to Forwarding Rules and select Go to Rules.

6. A Rule List page will appear on your screen; tap Create New Rule next.

time of day rule list

7. Let’s customize all your time-based routing settings now:

time based settings

a) First, enter the description, then specify the days (under On These Days) you want the calls to be forwarded.
b) Then adjust your Start and End Date (for range) and Interval (for time frame).
c) Customize Perform Action — you can set all calls to forward to your desired phone lines, fax, or voicemail.
d) If forwarding calls to different phone numbers or lines, list your desired phone numbers or SIP addresses under Forward All Calls to.
Side note: You can also set weighted distribution, if desired.
e) Then, adjust the Call Method settings to suit your preferences. Choose from different ringing methods—such as:

  • Sequential, where calls are sent to numbers one after the other
  • Random, where a number from the list is selected at random to receive the call
  • Simultaneous, where all numbers ring at the same time until someone answers.

default sequential settings

10. Click Save Rule and test your new routing rule.

Note: Suppose a call is received at a day or time combination that is not covered by any rule. In that case, the call will automatically go to voicemail if voicemail is enabled, or rejected otherwise.

Caller ID Routing (Location-Based Routing / Geo-Routing)

Caller ID Routing is a call management technique that directs incoming phone calls based on the caller’s geographical location by targeting caller IDs. When a customer calls, the system automatically identifies their location and routes the call to the most appropriate office, team, or agent, as decided by you.

For example, you can route incoming calls from a specific country, such as India, to your support center in the APAC region.

You can set up Caller ID through the IVR — follow these steps:

How to Set Up Caller ID Routing

1. Sign in to your control panel.
2. Under Services, click on My Phone Numbers, located in the page’s left-hand menu.

select my phone number

3. Go to the Settings icon next to the line you want to edit.settings
4. Underneath Call Forwarding, hover over IVR (⚪). To switch to IVR from Basic Forwarding, click the icon so it is selected (🔵), indicating that your call forwarding is set to IVR.

select IVR tab

5. Click Manage IVR Applications to customize and configure your IVR settings.

6. Next, click on the Phones tab. Here, you can set up a list or ring group with multiple destination SIP addresses or phone numbers. Choose the Ring Mode and set up Weighted Distribution (if desired) for this group, and click Save Changes.

call destination

7. Click on Create New Application on the IVR Manager page and choose Caller ID Routing.

caller id routing tab

8. Name your new application and click on the edit button to customize the routing rule.

name the application

9. Now, give this rule a name. Here, you will configure Invalid and New Rule triggers for this caller ID routing rule.

invalid new rule

10. First, start with the Invalid rule. Click it to open up the list of actions. Here is where you decide what happens if someone outside your desired location, regions, and caller IDs calls.

invalid triggers options

You can choose to send them to Voicemail, or play an Announcement, or use the Phone Call trigger to route them elsewhere like remote agents or a call center.

11. Next, set up a New Rule for your target locations and caller IDs. When you click on New Rule, you will be able to choose the country you want to include in this rule.

choose your country

12. Then, click Next to choose what happens to callers calling from your selected country. Pick your action from the list of actions.

application choices

13. Now customize your routing rule:

  • Select a prompt (if needed) from the pre-recorded and uploaded options. You can add prompts in the right-side menu.
  • Choose a Destination — either a ring group or a phone number — where you want to forward the call. You can set up this ring group through the right-hand menu under Phones.
  • Select a Ringback tone — either the default or one specific to the country where the calls will be routed.
  • Determine the Wait time before a call is considered failed or moved to a backup trigger.

Here’s an example: Set Country to Paraguay +595 and use the Phone Call action to send incoming calls to your Emergency sales team.

14. Click Save at the bottom of the new card to save your changes.

15. You can also set another rule to the same IVR which will be applied when callers call from Anywhere else + to cover all your bases, or to support callers from another location.

anywhere else option

16. You can also send calls to Voicemail, Fax, Announcement, or User Menu for further customization.
17. When done configuring your Caller ID-Based IVR, click Save Application on the top by the Application Name.

Simultaneous Ringing

Simultaneous ringing is a call routing feature that allows an incoming call to ring on multiple phone numbers simultaneously. As soon as any one of the designated phones answers, the ringing stops on all other devices. This ensures that the call is answered promptly by the next available person.

Businesses can improve their response times by enabling calls to ring on various devices or teams, such as office phones, smartphones, and those of remote workers. The caller remains unaware of the routing process; they simply dial the business number, and the call is directed to the first available representative.

Simultaneous ring maximizes the chances of a call being answered promptly, leading to better customer satisfaction and more efficient communication.

How to Set up Simultaneous Ring

1. Log in to your control panel.

2. On the dashboard, go to the left-hand menu and under Services, select My Phone Numbers.

select my phone number

3. Locate the line you want to modify and click its Settings icon (⚙️) at the right corner.

select the settings icon

4. Underneath Call Forwarding, hover over Advanced Routing (⚪). To switch to Advanced Routing from Basic Forwarding, click the icon so it is selected (🔵), indicating that your call forwarding is set to Advanced Routing.

advanced routing tab

5. Select Go to Rules within the Forwarding Rules section.
6. Once the Rule List page appears, tap Create New Rule.

time of day rule list

7. Set up your simultaneous routing rule with the desired numbers and destinations.

new rule forward calls

  • Begin by entering a Description. Next, under On These Days, indicate the specific days you want to activate Simultaneous Ringing.
  • Next, specify your desired Start and End Date and Interval.
  • Set your Call Method to Simultaneously, which connects to all listed numbers concurrently.

By default, you can ring up to ten phones simultaneously. However, this number can be increased as you wish. Please contact your account manager to request an increase in simultaneous ring capacity.

8. Click Save Rule, and you are done setting up Simultaneous Ringing.

Sequential Forwarding

With Sequential Forwarding, incoming calls are directed to a series of preset phone numbers in a specific order until the call is answered, ensuring that no vital call goes unanswered.

Here’s how it works:
The call first rings on your primary number for a duration that you define. If there is no answer, the sequence automatically forwards to the following number. This process continues—up to four phone numbers—until someone picks up. If none of the numbers respond, you can choose to send the call to voicemail.

Sequential forwarding is ideal for businesses that want to maintain constant availability without missing calls. It helps distribute calls across team members or locations and is especially useful for remote teams, after-hours support, and businesses operating across time zones.

How to Set Up Sequential Forwarding

1. Log in to your control panel.

2. Then, under Services, select My Phone Numbers from the menu on the left side.

select my phone number

3. Click the Settings icon next to the service line you wish to modify. settings

4. In the Call Forwarding section, toggle the Advanced Routing switch to enable it. Once activated, the icon will turn blue (🔵), indicating that advanced routing is now active.

5. Select Go to Rules under the Forwarding Rules section.

6. Click Create New Rule and set up your preferences:

time of day rule list

Here, you can enter all the parameters you want to include in your sequential forwarding rule. Enter a Description, select the days of the week (under On These Days), set the Start and End Dates, and specify the phone number to forward calls to under Perform Action.

7. Set your Call Method to Sequential, where numbers are dialed in a one-by-one order.

Add additional numbers that will ring sequentially if the previous number does not answer.

forward all calls rule

default sequential settings

8. Click Save Rule.

Weighted Call Distribution/Percentage-Based Call Distribution

Percentage-Based Call Distribution—also known as Weight Call Distribution—is an advanced call routing technique that uses randomization and percentages to distribute calls across different destinations. This feature enables you to route X% of calls to one destination and the rest to another to manage incoming calls more efficiently.

It works through a Randomized Weighted Distribution. Each inbound call is evaluated independently using randomization weighted by these percentages.

Let’s look at an example: 17 incoming calls, 20% of which go to A and 80% to B.

It’s not guaranteed that exactly 3 go to A and 14 to B. By randomization, you might see 2 vs 15, or 5 vs 12. However, over many calls, the average will trend toward 20%-80%.

How to Set Up Percentage-Based Call Distribution

Setting up percentage-based routing is simple with Global Call Forwarding. Once you have activated your service:

1. Log in to the control panel.

2. Under Services, click on My Phone Numbers, located in the page’s left-hand menu.

3. Hover over your desired phone line and click the Settings icon. settings

4. Underneath Call Forwarding, hover over Advanced Routing (⚪). To switch to Advanced Routing from Basic Forwarding, click the icon so it is selected (🔵), indicating that your call forwarding is set to Advanced Routing.

call forwarding tab

5. Now, under Forwarding Rules, click on Go to Rules and click on Create New Rule.

Here, you can:

  • Add description
  • Configure days and times for this routing rule

forward all calls rule

6. Then, select Forward All Calls and under ‘Forward All Calls to’ list your desired phone numbers and percentages for weighted distribution.

Note: Percentages must add up to 100% and cannot exceed 100%, and you must use whole numbers: 50% rather than 50.33%.

forced distribution

7. Choose your call routing method: Forced % Distribution, and click Save Rule.

Business Hours & After Hours Routing

Business hours and after-hours routing use time-based routing technology to define specific time zone-based schedules for each of your phone numbers. You can configure business hours (e.g., Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM) and set IVR rules to manage how incoming calls are handled both during and outside these hours.

How to Set up Business Hours Routing

To configure business hours and after-hours routing, follow these steps in your control panel:

1. Log in to your control panel.

2. Select My Phone Numbers from the menu on the left side of the dashboard.

3. Click the Settings icon next to the phone number you want to update. settings
4. Underneath Call Forwarding, hover over Advanced Routing (⚪). To switch to Advanced Routing from Basic Forwarding, click the icon so it is selected (🔵), indicating that your call forwarding is set to Advanced Routing.

call forwarding to advanced routing tab

5. In the Forwarding Rules section, select Go to Rules.

6. When the Rule List page opens, click Create New Rule to get started.

time of day rule list

7. Enter a Description, choose the days of the week under On These Days, and set the Start and End Dates along with the desired time Interval.

rules and settings

If your business operates from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., you can set up different routing rules for calls that arrive after 5:00 p.m.

8. Choose how to handle after-hours calls:

  • Forward all Calls to a different number or location
  • Send calls directly to Voicemail

forward calls, sequential option

To send calls to a different number or location: Add phone numbers under Forward all Calls for individuals or teams available to take after-hours calls.

Then, select the Call Method:

  • Sequential – rings numbers one after the other
  • Random – rings a randomly selected number
  • Simultaneous – rings all numbers at the same time.

9. Click Save Rule, and changes will take effect based on the chosen time zone.

VIP Routing

VIP call routing lets your business prioritize critical incoming calls, ensuring that high-value clients and top accounts receive immediate assistance.

With Global Call Forwarding, you can set up VIP caller routing in the following ways:

  • Dedicated phone numbers (Recommended) — Get a dedicated phone number to give out to VIP clients. Set up an X-digit extension for VIP callers to press or get a phone number and only “whitelisting” VIP callers. Then, decide where you want these calls to be routed via Advanced Routing or IVR. You can work with our tech support team to get dedicated phone numbers and set this up.
  • Caller ID Routing — Route calls based on the caller ID (as shown above). However, to set up caller ID routing for one specific phone number, you’ll need to work with our tech support team.

Holiday Routing

Holiday routing is a call management feature that lets you redirect all inbound calls during specific holidays or designated periods.

You can forward these calls to alternate destinations, such as:

  • Your personal phone number
  • Remote team members
  • Outsourced support services
  • Voicemail, and more.

This ensures your customers and prospects continue to receive support, even when your leading teams are unavailable.

How to Set Up Holiday Routing

1. Sign in to your control panel.

2. Under Services, click on My Phone Numbers, located in the page’s left-hand menu.

select my phone number

3. Go to the Settings icon next to the line you want to edit. settings

4. Underneath Call Forwarding, hover over Advanced Routing (⚪). To switch to Advanced Routing from Basic Forwarding, click the icon so it is selected (🔵), indicating that your call forwarding is set to Advanced Routing.

5. Navigate to Holiday Settings and select Go to Holidays.

select go to holidays

6. Click the green box in the right corner to Create a New Holiday List.

holiday list

7. Now start adding the Name of Your Holiday List and the Description. You can set up multiple lists for different holidays.

create a new holiday list

8. Then, click Save New Holiday List.

9. Now, go back to Advanced Routing and click Go to Rules.

call forwarding to advanced routing tab

10. Click Create New Rule.
11. Add a Description and select the desired Holiday List from the dropdown box on the right-hand side, along with the desired time Interval.

select desired holiday list

12. Then, add the necessary routing rules for this particular holiday list:

To route to a different location or phone number, add phone numbers under Forward all Calls and select the Call Method. Otherwise, you can send calls during this time to Voicemail.

forward calls, sequential option

13. Click Save Rule and view the changes.

How to Create Monthly On-Call Schedules?

Our Time-of-Day Routing (also called Time-Based Routing) feature enables businesses to route incoming calls based on specific days and hours. This is especially useful for companies that rely on on-call scheduling to manage rotating shifts, after-hours support, or global teams.

By using this feature, managers can create and automate a monthly schedule to ensure calls are routed to the right agent or department during designated shifts — without needing to update call routing settings daily or weekly.

First, you’ll need to map out how you want to set up your agents’ / teams’ schedules.

For example (we’ll show you how to set this up below):

Weekdays 8 AM – 4 PM → Route to Agent A or US office
Weekdays 4 PM – 12 AM → Route to Agent B or APAC office
Weekends 8 AM – 5 PM → Route to Offshore Support Center

Tips:

  • For 24/7 coverage, make sure every hour of the week has a designated route.
  • If your agents are in different countries, confirm routing aligns with their local time.
  • Consider setting up backup destinations in case the primary agent/destination is unavailable.

How to Use Time-of-Day Routing to Create Monthly On-Call Schedules

1. Log in to your control panel.

2. Under Services, click on My Phone Numbers, located in the page’s left-hand menu.

3. Go to the Settings icon next to the line you want to edit. settings

4. Underneath Call Forwarding, hover over Advanced Routing (⚪). To switch to Advanced Routing from Basic Forwarding, click the icon so it is selected (🔵), indicating that your call forwarding is set to advanced routing rules.

advanced routing and zone

5. Set your desired Advanced Forwarding Timezone for this phone line.

6. Navigate to Forwarding Rules and select Go to Rules.

7. A Rule List page will appear on your screen; tap Create New Rule next.

Here, you can create custom rules to manage monthly schedules.

a) Choose what days, dates, and times you want to assign to a particular rep or team. Then click on Forward All Calls and add the associated phone numbers.

b) You can also set weighted call distribution to split calls between the phone numbers you list below.

c) Then, decide how you want calls to route for this ring group, if relevant: sequential, random, simultaneous, forced % distribution.

rules and call method

8. Click Save Rule to set this routing rule in motion.

9. To create a different schedule for another agent or team, you must create a new rule for this phone line (or another phone line, as relevant) — follow steps 7 and 8.

Here’s what it will look like when you have your monthly routing schedule set up:

rules list time-of-day

You can further customize or turn on/off these schedules at any time through the control panel here.

Need additional help? Chat with our tech support team or your account manager; we’re here to help!

How to Receive Calls in the Softphone App

To forward and receive inbound calls in the GCF Softphone apps and/or integrations, follow these steps:

1) Choose Outbound Lines

Choose which outbound lines to use with the softphone apps or the integrations.

You can find your Outbound Calling lines and credentials in the control panel.

  1. Click Outbound Calling on the left-hand side of the control panel to reveal all outbound lines.
  2. Your UserID for each outbound calling line will be displayed under the UserID column.
  3. Click the desired User ID or Settings icon. Under the User Options tab, you can view your Line credentials: Password for this line.

For softphone apps: You will log in to the softphone with your desired Outbound line’s User ID and Password.

For the integrations: You will need to connect your GCF Outbound Line with your desired integration. Find instructions for your specific integration here.

2) Set Up Basic Forwarding

To forward and receive calls, you will need to change the Forward-to destination for your inbound lines.

  1. In the control panel, go to My Phone Numbers.
  2. Click on your desired inbound phone line or the Settings icon.
  3. Then, go to the Call Forwarding tab and the Basic sub-tab.
  4. Here, under ‘Forward all calls to,’ enter “sip:” followed by your selected Outbound line’s user ID (see step 1). Example: “sip:UserID.”
  5. Make sure you select the radio icon under Basic to switch the forwarding rule
  6. Click Save Changes.

basic call forwarding

For softphone apps: To receive inbound calls on the softphone apps, set ‘Forward all calls to’ the Outbound line UserID you log in to the softphone with.

For the integrations: To receive inbound calls on the softphone integration, set ‘Forward all calls to’ the Outbound line UserID you have set up the integration with.

3) Forward Incoming Calls to Multiple Destinations

To receive incoming calls on multiple destinations (devices, softphone app, integrations, phone lines, SIP addresses, locations), you will need to configure Advanced Routing.

  1. In the control panel, go to My Phone Numbers.
  2. Click on your desired inbound phone line or the Settings icon.
  3. Then, go to the Call Forwarding tab and the Advanced Routing sub-tab.
  4. Make sure you select the radio icon under Advanced Routing to switch the forwarding rule.
    advanced routing tab
  5. Now, click on Go to Rule and Create New Rule.
  6. In the ‘Forward all calls to’ section, you can enter different destinations where you want to receive calls.
  7. You can include phone numbers, SIP addresses, etc.
  8. You can also customize the routing method: Sequential, Random, Simultaneous, and Forced % Distribution.
  9. Click Save Rule to save changes.

How to Set Up Percentage-Based Call Distribution

What is Percentage-Based Call Distribution?

Percentage-Based Call Distribution — also known as Weight Call Distribution — is an advanced call routing technique that uses randomization and percentages to distribute calls across different destinations. This feature enables you to route X% of calls to one destination and the rest to another, to manage incoming calls more efficiently.

How it Works

It works through a Randomized Weighted Distribution. Each inbound call is evaluated independently using randomization weighted by these percentages.

Let’s look at an example: 17 incoming calls where 20% of calls go to A, 80% of calls go to B.

It’s not guaranteed that exactly 3 go to A and 14 to B. By randomization, you might see 2 vs 15, or 5 vs 12. But over a large number of calls, the average will trend toward 20%-80%.

How to Set Up Percentage-Based Call Distribution

Setting up percentage-based routing is simple with Global Call Forwarding. Once you have activated your service:

1. Log into the control panel.

2. Hover over your desired phone line and click the Settings icon.

3. Click on the Call Forwarding tab and select Advanced Routing.

Note: Make sure to click on the radio button under Advanced Routing to save this as your preferred call forwarding method.

call forwarding tab

4. Now, under Forwarding Rules, click on Go to Rules and click on Create New Rule.

Here, you can:

  • Add description
  • Configure days and times for this routing rule

5. Then, select Forward All Calls and under ‘Forward All Calls to’ list your desired phone numbers and percentages for weighted distribution.

Note: Percentages must add up to—and cannot exceed—100%, and you must use whole numbers: 50% rather than 50.33%.

forced distribution

6. Then, choose your call routing method: Forced % Distribution and click Save Rule.

How to Add Percentage-Based Call Distribution Rules within IVR

1. Click My Phone Numbers on the left-hand side of the page.

select my phone number

Click the Settings icon for the phone number line to create its call flow.
settings icon

4. Click the Call Forwarding tab and select IVR.

call forwading ivr

5. Click the Manage IVR Applications to customize your IVR processes in the IVR call flow builder.

6. Next, hover to the right side of the screen to upload prompts and add or create lists of phone numbers and email addresses in their respective tabs:

select prompts, phone numbers or emails

7. Create a phone number group by click on the Phones tab and then Add a new phone.

IVR - click phone tab

Here, you can create a list or hunt group with multiple destination SIP or phone numbers. This can be your sales team in the head office or your remote customer service team located in a different country.

8. Under Ring Mode, choose Forced % Distribution. Then assign weights to each destination SIP or phone number, as desired. Click Save Changes.

percentage based distribution

Let’s follow this with an example: A business has three sales centers spread across APAC to manage all regional inquiries. They want to route 70% of calls to their Thai office, 20% to India hotline, and 10% to Philippines agents. They will first create a ring group APAC Sales with these rules and then add it to their IVR.

9. To create the IVR menu, click on Create New Application or edit an existing application and click on Phone Call.

IVR new application

To set up forced distribution, you will need to add the phone group created (in step 7) as the phone call destination within the IVR, where desired.

10. After clicking on the phone call action, you will enter the IVR editor mode. Here, click on the Edit icon in the Call #1 card and change the name of the card, add a prompt (if desired), and select the ring group created (in step 7) as the Destination and click Save.

ivr manager

In our example, that would be the APAC Sales ring group.

Now, upon receiving a call, the IVR system will use randomization to route the call to the APAC Sales ring group based on weights assigned.

What is a Local Access Number? (Instructions)

A Local Access Number is a country-specific telephone number that allows users to make international calls through United World Telecom’s (Global Call Forwarding) network without relying on traditional VoIP or high-cost direct dialing. This solution is ideal for regions where VoIP services are restricted or where international calling costs are prohibitively high.

Currently, Local Access is a legacy offering from United World Telecom.

How to Use Local Access Numbers with Us?

  1. Set Up an Outbound Calling Plan — Businesses sign up for an outbound calling plan with United World Telecom.
  2. Register Phone Numbers — Company admins register their phone numbers with us.
  3. Dial the Local Access Number — We provide a toll-free access number that their users can dial from one of their pre-registered phone numbers.
  4. Connect Internationally — Upon connecting, the user dials the access number, then enters the international number they wish to call.

This method routes the call through United World Telecom’s secure international infrastructure, bypassing VoIP blocks and providing a clear, reliable connection.

Benefits of Using Local Access

• Bypass VoIP Restrictions: Use a legal, compliant solution in countries with VoIP bans or restrictions.

• Cost-Effective International Calling: Lower rates compared to local telecom carriers or roaming charges.

• Reliable Connectivity: High-quality international voice connections through UWT’s global network.

• Convenient for Mobile or Remote Users: Enables teams to make global calls from their mobile or landline phones.

Note: Availability of local access numbers varies by country. Please contact our support team or view our rates page for more details.

How to Port a Skype Number?

Update (May 1st, 2025): We are no longer accepting Skype port-ins. Due to the May 5th cutoff date, porting requests will be rejected. Instead, clients can purchase a new phone number to replace their old Skype number.

You can easily port an existing Skype phone number to Global Call Forwarding.

Note that there may be cases where we are unable to port your number. However, you can buy a new phone number with us to replace your Skype phone number. Simply go to our Pricing page, select your desired country and phone number type, and enter your Forward-to / Destination number. Submit your application and we’ll take care of the rest.

Some things to keep in mind before getting started:

  • Before you start the process, you will need to ensure you can port your virtual phone number from Skype to Global Call Forwarding.
  • We only offer number porting for businesses. It is not available for personal use or 2FA verification purposes.
  • Check country coverage or browse our inventory to see if we cover your target regions.
  • We may require these documents to process your request so keep them ready:
    • List of all phone numbers you would like to port from Skype
    • Letter of Authorization (LOA)
    • Skype account information
    • Copy of current Skype phone bill

How to Port / Transfer Your Skype Number

To port your Skype number over to Global Call Forwarding, follow the below steps:

  1. Go to our Pricing page.
  2. On the left, select the country of the number to be ported (United States, Canada, etc)
  3. Select the number type (toll free, geographic, mobile)
  4. Select the prefix or area code (as relevant)
  5. Select Port/Transfer My Number.
  6. On the right, enter the phone number you would like incoming calls to be forwarded to.
  7. On the next screen, add Outbound Calling, if you want to make calls with this number.
  8. Submit your request.
  9. Send an invoice from your current carrier to changes@unitedworldtelecom.com. You can send a screenshot of the billing details (see below). To access this information, go to your Skype Settings.

skype number screen
Skype billing info

Once we’ve received all your documents, let us take care of the rest.

The service transfer can take a few days to a few weeks, based on your number’s country and type. Remember to maintain your old service during this transition period; cancel only after the new service is activated.

Start Using Your New Service

We’ll notify you once the transfer is done and you are ready to use your new service with us. You will then receive call traffic automatically on the new service and be free to cancel your old service.

Log in to your new Global Call Forwarding control panel to set up any features you’d like and start making calls!

Review this pdf

How to Schedule Reports? | Scheduled Reports

Our Scheduled Reports feature lets users schedule custom reports and receive them in their inbox at their convenience. Here’s how you can schedule a report in the control panel:

1. Log in to your control panel and open up the Dashboard
2. Go to Custom Reports from the left sidebar in the control panel. Here, you will see the Generate Reports tab and the Scheduled Reports tab.

3. To schedule a report in the Generate Reports tab, click the green Schedule Report button.

custom reports

4. Enter the following information:

  • Report name: Give your report a unique title.
  • Tags: Choose tags to filter and categorize your report.
  • Inbound / Outbound: Choose which phone lines should be considered for this report.
  • Complete calls only: Uncheck this if you want to also include missed and incomplete calls in your report.
  • Frequency: Adjust this to reflect how often you want to receive this report.
    • For example – To receive a report at the beginning of every month, you can configure the setting as – Every 1 month on 1st at 10:00AM.
  • Report period: What period should this report cover?
    • Following the previous example, if you want to see the previous month’s report at the beginning of a new month (i.e. see July’s call activity report on Aug 1st), you can configure the setting as – Previous month.
  • Recipients: Who will receive this report?

schedule custom reports

5. When ready, click Schedule to schedule the report. Once scheduled, you will be able to see and modify this report in the Scheduled Reports tab.

view scheduled reports

You can also schedule a report in the Scheduled Reports tab by clicking the green + Add button.

How to Install and Use the MS Teams Softphone Integration

With the MS Teams Softphone integration, you can use your Global Call Forwarding Softphone extension to make and receive phone calls.

Note:

  • This MS Teams extension only works if you are an existing customer of Global Call Forwarding and have activated the option for MS Teams Softphone integration.
  • New users can add the MS Teams integration to their GCF service for a $10/month fee per user.
  • New users have a 30-day free trial from the date of initial activation for each line.
  • This integration can be activated and canceled at any time from the account control panel.

How to Set up MS Teams Softphone Integration

To activate the option for MS Teams Softphone integration in your Global Call Forwarding account, follow the below steps:

1. First, log in to your Global Call Forwarding control panel with your email and password.

2. In the Services menu on the left, click on the Integrations option.

MS Teams integrations

3. Find the MS Teams Softphone and click on Activate. During this activation, you will be asked to select your desired outbound line for this integration.

4. Before you leave, make a note of your Outbound Lines’ User IDs/PINs and Passwords (see below). You will need this information to connect MS Teams and Global Call Forwarding.

MS Team pins

5. Agree to the Terms and Activate.

6. Then, download and install the GCF Softphone Windows desktop app from the Microsoft Store. After downloading and installing, log in to the softphone with your Global Call Forwarding Outbound Lines’ credentials — the relevant UserIDs / PINs and passwords you selected in step 4.

softphone login

7. Then, in the softphone, go to Settings and Integrations and activate MS Teams integration. A new screen to insert MS Teams credentials will open.

softphone settings

8. Next, go to your Microsoft Teams account.

9. In Apps, search for and install the Global Call Forwarding softphone app. After the installation is completed, return to your MS Teams Home page.

10. To use the softphone extension, your MS Teams page and the softphone app should be opened simultaneously.

11. To make calls, click on the desired contact or phone number, and the softphone desktop app will open and place the call for you. 

How to Use the GCF Softphone with MS Teams

Users can make calls in two ways using the GCF softphone within MS Teams:

Option 1: Call directly from the GCF softphone.

1. Open the Contacts within the softphone. Here you will see both MS Teams contacts and GCF contacts listed. This automatically updates and syncs.

2. Find and click the number or contact you wish to call, and Call.

Option 2: You can use the GCF click-to-dial extension, allowing you to directly click and call the phone numbers that appear in the Teams pages.

1. Click here to activate the GCF Chrome extension.

2. Once the extension is activated, it will automatically connect with the GCF Softphone app.

3. Within Teams, you’ll find a click-to-dial button next to all phone numbers. Simply, click on the button to dial the desired number or contact.

4. This will prompt the softphone dial pad to open up. Click on the Call button to place the call.

Alternatively, you can have the Dial immediately setting turned on in the extension settings. This way, when you click the call button, the call is placed through the softphone directly, without asking you to click Call.

Familiarize yourself with the softphone in our How to Use the GCF Softphone guide.

How to Add & Use Phone Number Tags

Phone Number Tags can help businesses easily manage phone numbers and filter call activity across inbound and outbound phone lines. Account administrators can use phone tags to:

  • Organize phone lines by department or function (sales or support hotlines, help desks, inside sales hotlines, emergency hotlines, etc.).
  • Filter different types of calls (IT calls, critical calls, etc.)
  • Manage calls by location, office, or region (APAC, EMEA, LatAm, etc.).

How to Add Phone Tags to Inbound and Outbound Phone Lines

1. Log in to your control panel and open up the Dashboard

2. To tag inbound phone lines, click on My Phone Numbers in the menu on the left side. To tag outbound phone lines, click on Outbound Calling instead.
3. Then, click the tag icon. tag iconHere, you can Manage Tags or Add tags. Choose a color to go with your tag.

Creating and managing phone number tags through our control panel.

4. You can add tags to every inbound and outbound phone line.

How to Use Phone Number Tags in Custom Reports and AI Call Insights

1) Filter Custom Reports with Phone Number Tags

To generate custom call activity reports for tagged phone lines,

1. Go to Custom Reports from the left sidebar in the control panel.

2. Here, you can filter the reports to get more customized data:

a) Enter a time frame in the fields provided.
b) Choose desired phone number tags.
c) Uncheck the Completed Only checkbox to see missed call metrics.

When ready, click Display Report or Download Report.

2) Filter AI Insights with Phone Number Tags

1. Go to AI Insights from the left sidebar in the control panel.

2. Here, you can filter the reports to get more customized data:

a) Enter a time frame and duration needed in the fields provided.
b) Choose desired tags.
c) Choose desired sentiment(s).

When ready, click Display Report.

How to Set Up AI Call Insights

Leverage AI to analyze call traffic and optimize customer interactions. Monitor calls efficiently with transcripts, summaries, and sentiment analysis. Our AI Call Insights feature comes with Call Transcription, Call Summary, and Sentiment Analysis.

Cost for AI Call Insights: New users get the first 30 days free! After 30 days, our AI Insights feature is $4.95 monthly + $0.05 per minute.

To activate AI Call Insights, log into the Global Call Forwarding control panel.

1. Click My Phone Numbers from the left-hand side of the dashboard.

2. Click on the Recording icon for the service line that you would like to record calls.

3. You will first need to activate Call Recording. Toggle the menu option to the right from Status Off to Status On.

4. Then, turn on the AI Insights – Basic. This includes Call Transcription, Call Summary, and Sentiment Analysis. You can also add Call Translation below to automatically translate call transcripts into your desired language.

5. Click Save Changes to confirm your request.

You will now have access to the AI Insights tab in the left-hand menu.

ai insights menu

Here, for each call, you can view transcripts, sentiment analysis, call summaries, recordings, and other call details.

ai reports with sentiment

transcription summary

ai call translation

To get more specific data, you can filter records based on:

  • Date range
  • Call duration
  • Phone tags
  • Call direction (inbound or outbound)
  • Sentiment rating

reports and analytics

Our AI Insights – Advanced plan will offer more detailed analyses (coming soon).

Have questions? Contact your account manager today or chat with us online.

How to Generate API Credentials

Get backdoor access to your call records and phone line connectivity through our API. To gain access to our API you will need to create an API key.

1. Login into your control panel.

2. In the top right corner click on the small down arrow and select Account Settings.

select account settings

3. From the sub menu choose API

4. Click on the Create API Key button.

create api key

5. Click on and copy your API key and it is now ready for use.

copy api key

Find more information in the API documentation and API Service.

How to Install and Use the GoHighLevel Softphone Integration

With the GoHighLevel Softphone extension, you can use your Global Call Forwarding Softphone within your GoHighLevel platform to make and receive phone calls.

Note: This GoHighLevel softphone extension only works if you are an existing customer of Global Call Forwarding and have activated the option for GoHighLevel CRM Softphone integration. And is using the Microsoft Store version of the GCF softphone for Windows PCs.

How to Set up GoHighLevel Softphone CRM Integration

To activate the option for GoHighLevel CRM Softphone integration in your Global Call Forwarding account, follow the below steps:

1. Download GCF Softphone from Microsoft Store, on your Windows computer.

ms app store softphone

2. Log in to your Global Call Forwarding control panel with your email and password.

3. In the Services menu on the left, click on the Integrations option.

4. Find the GoHighLevel Softphone Integration and click Activate. During this activation, you will be asked to select your desired outbound line for this integration.

highlevel select

Before you leave, make a note of your Outbound Lines’ User IDs/PINs and Passwords (see below). You will need this information to connect HighLevel and Global Call Forwarding.

highlevel activate

5. Agree to Terms and Activate.

Highlevel activate

6. Then, open your GCF Softphone desktop application and log in with your Global Call Forwarding Outbound Lines’ credentials — the relevant UserIDs / PINs and passwords you selected in step 4.

softphone login

7. Click on Settings and Integrations, and click on Activate CRM Connector for GoHighLevel.

Highlevel connector

8. A new window will open up. Log in with your GoHighLevel credentials.

9. Open your CRM page and start using the softphone.

How to Use the GCF Softphone with GoHighLevel

Users can make calls in two ways using the GCF softphone within GoHighLevel:

Option 1: Call directly from the GCF softphone.

1. Open the Contacts within the softphone. Here you will see both GoHighLevel contacts and GCF contacts listed. This automatically updates and syncs. Your contact list is updated whenever (and only when…) the application is restarted.

highlevel contacts

2. Find and click the number or contact you wish to call, and Call.

Option 2: You can use the GCF click-to-dial extension, allowing you to directly click and call the phone numbers that appear in the CRM.

1. Click here to activate the GCF Chrome extension.

2. Once the extension is activated, it will automatically connect with the GCF Softphone app. Please, restart your browser and application after installing and activating the extension.

3. Within the CRM, you’ll find a click-to-dial button next to all phone numbers. Simply, click on the button to dial the desired number or contact.

4. This will prompt the softphone dial pad to open up. Click on the Call button to place the call.

hubspot click-to-dial

Alternatively, you can have the Dial immediately setting turned on in the extension settings. This way, when you click the call button, the call is placed through the softphone directly, without asking you to click Call.

How to Add Call Transcription and Translation | AI Insights

Global Call Forwarding customers can also add Call Transcription and Call Translation features to their phone lines. Once transcription is activated, this feature will automatically transcribe recorded calls and display them in a text format.

You can view the text through the control panel. This gives your teams the option to read and easily share recordings

Current languages supported for transcription: Afrikaans, Arabic, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Belarusian, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Catalan, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, Galician, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Kannada, Kazakh, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Malay, Marathi, Maori, Nepali, Norwegian, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish, Tagalog, Tamil, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Vietnamese, and Welsh.

You can also activate Call Translation to automatically translate these transcripts to your desired language.

Note: To use Call Transcription, you will need to turn on the Call Recording feature in the control panel. And to use Translation, you will need to activate both Call Recording and Transcription.

Cost for Call Recording: Our Call Recording plans start at $5.00/month + additional 3¢ per minute.

Cost for Call Transcription: Call Transcription is part of our AI Insights feature. New users get the first 30 days free! After 30 days, our AI Insights feature (including Call Transcription) is $4.95 monthly + $0.05 per minute.

Cost for Call Translation: First 30 days after activation is free of charge. After 30 days, there is $3.95 monthly fee.

Current languages supported for translation: English, Portuguese, German, French, Russian, Italian, Swedish, Norwegian, Dutch, Ukrainian, Polish, Danish, Romanian, Korean, Hindi, Bulgarian, Czech, Indonesian, and Turkish.

Turn on Call Transcription and Translation

1. Get started by logging into your control panel.

2. Click My Phone Numbers from the left-hand side of the dashboard.

3. Click on the Recording icon for the service line that you would like to record calls.

4. If you haven’t turned on Call Recording, then first toggle the menu option to the right from Status Off to Status On.

5. Then, turn on the AI Insights – Basic (this includes Call Transcription. You can even turn on Translation.

6. Click Save Changes to confirm your request.

call recording transcription

How to View Call Recording Transcripts & Translations?

You can view call recording transcripts and translations in a few different ways:

  1. My Phone Numbers tab
  2. Outbound Calling tab
  3. Custom Reports
  4. Softphone (upcoming)

To view call recording transcripts and translations in the control panel, follow these steps:

1. Click on My Phone Numbers or Outbound Calling

2. Then, click the Service Plan icon of your desired phone line.
transcription choose service plan

3. Then, select the Activity tab. On the right, under Call Recording, you’ll see options to hear recordings or read transcripts.
call recording activity transcription

You can also view recordings and transcripts through Custom Reports for specific time periods.

recordings custom reports

We are also working on adding this functionality to our softphone for CRM integrations. Once activated, you’ll be able to view call recording transcripts and translations directly in the GCF softphone.

softphone transcriptions option

How Does Outbound Calling Pricing Work?

We offer five outbound calling plans, each with included calling credits and an additional per-minute rate. Higher plans offer more calling credits and better outbound rates.

outbound calling signup

Understanding Pricing and Plan Levels

The monthly service plan fee is used as a call credit each month. Call credits work similarly to a calling card, in that there is a credit balance and per-minute rates to call different destinations. Call usage exceeding the plan amount will be charged at applicable per-minute rates.

Example

Suppose you subscribe to the Outbound Calling Basic Plan at $25 monthly. This gives you $25 worth of credit to make outbound calls. Different countries and destinations (e.g., landlines, and mobile phones) have different rates.

For example, the per-minute rate to call the US and Canada is $0.023, and the per-minute rate to call mobile phones in the United Kingdom is $0.08 (rates are current as of May 20th, 2024).

  • You would have 1,086 included minutes if you only call the US & Canada ($25 / $0.023 per minute = 1,086 minutes)
  • Similarly, you would have 312 included minutes if you only call mobile phones in the United Kingdom ($25 / $0.08 per minute = 312 minutes).

Your calling credit gets recharged each month until you discontinue the service.

Here are some further examples:

    • You start the month with a $25 balance (Outbound Basic Plan).
    • You make a 10-minute call to the US. $0.23 is deducted from your balance (10 * $0.023). You now have $24.77 remaining in the month.
    • Then, you make a 10-minute call to a mobile phone in the United Kingdom. $0.80 is deducted from your balance, leaving you with $23.97 remaining in the month.
  • After using all your call credits, you can continue making calls, which will be charged at the per-minute rate.

Other Questions

• You can see your monthly usage by logging into your control panel — Outbound Calling > Service Plan of desired phone line > Activity:

outbound activity

• If you sign up in the middle of the month, you will be billed a prorated amount and have a prorated calling credit.

• The service is billed in 60/60 increments. If your outbound call is connected for 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or 32 seconds, you’re billed for 1 minute. And if the call does not connect, then you will not be billed for the call.

• You can View Rates for different countries on this page:

UWT outbound prices

outbound rates

FreePBX Call Routing (SIP Configuration)

Get enterprise-ready voice solutions by integrating Global Call Forwarding into your FreePBX today!

To set up, you will need your GCF SIP Information for Call Forwarding, then follow the below steps:

1. From the FreePBX Management Console, select SIP Trunks > Add SIP Trunk.

2. Select the Generic option in the Select Country dropdown menu, and then choose Generic VoIP Provider or Generic SIP Trunk.

3. Enter the SIP trunk main number (+15619086171). Click OK to create and proceed to configure the SIP Trunk.

trunk details

4. Enter a name for this VoIP provider account (Global Call Forwarding). Crosscheck the pre-filled Registrar/Server/Gateway Hostname or IP: mysipaccount.net

5. Specify the Number of Simultaneous Calls your provider allows: 24

6. For Type of Authentication, select IP based – enter SIP authentication ID (XXXXXXXXX) and password (XXXXX).

7. Click OK to save the trunk settings.

sip authentication

Route Calls Over SIP Trunk

Outbound rules dictate how FreePBX routes outgoing calls, i.e. via different SIP trunks or gateways, based on which user or group is calling, the dialed number, or the number length. You need to create at least one outbound rule to start calling with FreePBX.

route calls

1. Go to Outbound Rules, select Add, and enter a name for the new rule.

2. Specify any matching criteria to trigger this outbound rule in the Apply this rule to these calls section.

Asterisk Call Routing (SIP Configuration)

Get enterprise-ready voice solutions by integrating United World Telecom with Asterisk!

To set up, you will need your GCF SIP Information for Call Forwarding, then follow the below steps:

1. From the Asterisk Management Console, select SIP Trunks > Add SIP Trunk.

2. Select the Generic option in the Select Country dropdown menu, and then choose Generic VoIP Provider or Generic SIP Trunk.

3. Enter the SIP trunk main number (+15619086171). Click OK to create and proceed to configure the SIP Trunk.

4. Enter a name for this VoIP provider account (United World Telecom). Crosscheck the pre-filled Registrar/Server/Gateway Hostname or IP: mysipaccount.net

5. Specify the Number of Simultaneous Calls your provider allows: 24

6. For Type of Authentication, select IP based – enter SIP authentication ID (XXXXXXXXX) and password (XXXXX).

7. Click OK to save the trunk settings.

Route Calls Over SIP Trunk

Outbound rules dictate how Asterisk routes outgoing calls, i.e. via different SIP trunks or gateways, based on which user or group is calling, the dialed number, or the number length. You need to create at least one outbound rule to start calling with Asterisk.

1. Go to Outbound Rules, select Add, and enter a name for the new rule.

2. Specify any matching criteria to trigger this outbound rule in the Apply this rule to these calls section.

Learn About Our Integration With Asterisk

Asterisk is an open-source communication platform that enables organizations to implement and manage a full-featured private branch exchange (PBX) system using standard computer hardware. United World Telecom integrates with Asterisk to enable international DID number provisioning and reliable outbound calling. Learn more about our integration with Asterisk here.

Genesys Call Routing (SIP Configuration)

Get enterprise-ready voice solutions by integrating Global Call Forwarding with Genesys today!

To set up, you will need your GCF SIP Information for Call Forwarding, then follow the below steps:

1. From the Genesys Management Console, select SIP Trunks > Add SIP Trunk.

2. Select the Generic option in the Select Country dropdown menu, and then choose Generic VoIP Provider or Generic SIP Trunk.

3. Enter the SIP trunk main number (+15619086171). Click OK to create and proceed to configure the SIP Trunk.

4. Enter a name for this VoIP provider account (Global Call Forwarding). Crosscheck the pre-filled Registrar/Server/Gateway Hostname or IP: mysipaccount.net

5. Specify the Number of Simultaneous Calls your provider allows: 24

6. For Type of Authentication, select IP based – enter SIP authentication ID (XXXXXXXXX) and password (XXXXX).

7. Click OK to save the trunk settings.

Route Calls Over SIP Trunk

Outbound rules dictate how Genesys routes outgoing calls, i.e. via different SIP trunks or gateways, based on which user or group is calling, the dialed number, or the number length. You need to create at least one outbound rule to start calling with Genesys.

1. Go to Outbound Rules, select Add, and enter a name for the new rule.

2. Specify any matching criteria to trigger this outbound rule in the Apply this rule to these calls section.

Five9 Call Routing (SIP Configuration)

Get enterprise-ready voice solutions by integrating Global Call Forwarding with Five9 today!

To set up, you will need your GCF SIP Information for Call Forwarding, then follow the below steps:

1. From the Five9 Management Console, select SIP Trunks > Add SIP Trunk.

2. Select the Generic option in the Select Country dropdown menu, and then choose Generic VoIP Provider or Generic SIP Trunk.

3. Enter the SIP trunk main number (+15619086171). Click OK to create and proceed to configure the SIP Trunk.

4. Enter a name for this VoIP provider account (Global Call Forwarding). Crosscheck the pre-filled Registrar/Server/Gateway Hostname or IP: mysipaccount.net

5. Specify the Number of Simultaneous Calls your provider allows: 24

6. For Type of Authentication, select IP based – enter SIP authentication ID (XXXXXXXXX) and password (XXXXX).

7. Click OK to save the trunk settings.

Route Calls Over SIP Trunk

Outbound rules dictate how Five9 routes outgoing calls, i.e. via different SIP trunks or gateways, based on which user or group is calling, the dialed number, or the number length. You need to create at least one outbound rule to start calling with Five9.

1. Go to Outbound Rules, select Add, and enter a name for the new rule.

2. Specify any matching criteria to trigger this outbound rule in the Apply this rule to these calls section.

Twilio Call Routing (SIP Configuration)

Get enterprise-ready voice solutions by integrating Global Call Forwarding with Twilio!

To set up, you will need your GCF SIP Information for Call Forwarding, then follow the below steps:

1. From the Twilio Management Console, select SIP Trunks > Add SIP Trunk.

2. Select the Generic option in the Select Country dropdown menu, and then choose Generic VoIP Provider or Generic SIP Trunk.

3. Enter the SIP trunk main number (+15619086171). Click OK to create and proceed to configure the SIP Trunk.

4. Enter a name for this VoIP provider account (Global Call Forwarding). Crosscheck the pre-filled Registrar/Server/Gateway Hostname or IP: mysipaccount.net

5. Specify the Number of Simultaneous Calls your provider allows: 24

6. For Type of Authentication, select IP based – enter SIP authentication ID (XXXXXXXXX) and password (XXXXX).

7. Click OK to save the trunk settings.

Route Calls Over SIP Trunk

Outbound rules dictate how Twilio routes outgoing calls, i.e. via different SIP trunks or gateways, based on which user or group is calling, the dialed number, or the number length. You need to create at least one outbound rule to start calling with Twilio.

1. Go to Outbound Rules, select Add, and enter a name for the new rule.

2. Specify any matching criteria to trigger this outbound rule in the Apply this rule to these calls section.

How to Install and Use the Salesforce Softphone Integration

With the Salesforce CRM Softphone extension, you can use your Global Call Forwarding Softphone within your Salesforce CRM pages to make and receive phone calls.

Note: This Salesforce CRM extension only works if you are an existing customer of Global Call Forwarding and have activated the option for Salesforce-GCF Softphone integration.

Learn more about the benefits of the Salesforce integration here.

How to Set up Salesforce Softphone Integration

Each user selected must go to their Salesforce CRM and install the GCF Softphone extension:

  1. Log in to your Salesforce account. Then, go to Salesforce AppExchange. Search and install the Global Call Forwarding Softphone.

salesforce marketplace
2. After the installation is completed, a screen will appear requesting the corresponding Global Call Forwarding Outbound Calling credentials. To find your Outbound Calling credentials:

  • Log in to your Global Call Forwarding control panel.
  • Click Outbound Calling on the left-hand side of the control panel to reveal all outbound lines.
  • Your UserID for each outbound calling line will be displayed under the UserID column.
  • Click the desired User ID or Settings icon and under the User Options tab, you can view your Line credentials: Password for this line.

Enter the relevant User ID and password to connect Salesforce and Global Call Forwarding.

Salesforce pins and passwords

How to Use the GCF Softphone within Salesforce

Once the credentials are entered, a ‘phone’ icon will appear at the bottom right corner, click on it.

A menu will open your softphone app or simply click on the green ‘phone’ icons beside every contact’s phone number to instantly place a call to that number using your softphone extension.

Familiarize yourself with the softphone in our How to Use the GCF Softphone guide.

Advanced Settings

Note that the GCF Salesforce app only works in Salesforce Lightning modules. To activate the GCF Salesforce app in your desired module, follow these steps:

1. Click the gear icon on the top right corner of the page and choose Setup.

select setup

2. In the Search field, type in Apps and click on App Manager.

apps manager

3. Choose a module in which the GCF Softphone should be accessible. It must be a Lightning module under the App Type heading. Click on Edit on the far right of your desired module.

select module

4. Then, click on Utility Items (Desktop Only).

add utility item

5. Click the Add Utility Item button. Search for and click on GCF Softphone from the results. Note: Do not touch the setting under Utility Item Properties.

gcf softphone module

6. Then, click on Save. Now the GCF Softphone is installed in that module.

If you are still unable to view or use our integration, please make sure you have the Lightning Web Security box checked. To do this,

1. From your module’s Home page, click the gear icon on the right and select Service Setup.

2. From the left navigation menu, search for and click on Session Settings.

3. Then, scroll down to Lightning Web Security and check the box.
session settings

4. Click Save to save your settings. This change takes about 30 minutes to come into effect. Please clear your browser’s cache to ensure changes take effect.

Note that if your Salesforce account is using other third-party apps within the account, those apps may be affected with that box checked.

For any other questions, contact your account manager or tech support for assistance.


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How to Install and Use the Gorgias Softphone Integration

With the Gorgias Softphone extension, you can use your Global Call Forwarding Softphone within your Gorgias help desk pages to make and receive phone calls.

Note: This Gorgias softphone extension only works if you are an existing customer of Global Call Forwarding and have activated the option for Gorgias Softphone integration.

How to Set up Gorgias Softphone Help Desk Integration

To activate the option for Gorgias Softphone integration in your Global Call Forwarding account, follow the below steps:

1. Download GCF Softphone from Microsoft Store, on your Windows computer.

ms app store softphone

2. Log in to your Global Call Forwarding control panel with your email and password.

3. In the Services menu on the left, click on the Integrations option.

4. Find the Gorgias Softphone Integration and click Activate. During this activation, you will be asked to select your desired outbound line for this integration.

gorgias select

Before you leave, make a note of your Outbound Lines’ User IDs/PINs and Passwords (see below). You will need this information to connect Gorgias and Global Call Forwarding.

gorgias lines

5. Agree to the Terms and Activate.

gorgias terms

6. Then, open your GCF Softphone desktop application and log in with your Global Call Forwarding Outbound Lines’ credentials — the relevant UserIDs / PINs and passwords you selected in step 4.

softphone login

7. Click on Settings and CRM Integrations, and Activate the connector for Gorgias.

gorgia connector

8. A new window will open up. Log in with your Gorgias credentials.

9. Open your help desk page and start using the softphone.

How to Use the GCF Softphone with Gorgias

Users can make calls in two ways using the GCF softphone within Gorgias:

Option 1: Call directly from the GCF softphone.

1. Open the Contacts within the softphone. Here you will see both Gorgias contacts and GCF contacts listed. This automatically updates and syncs.

gorgias contacts

2. Find and click the number or contact you wish to call, and Call.

Option 2: You can use the GCF click-to-dial extension, allowing you to directly click and call the phone numbers that appear in the help desk software.

1. Click here to activate the GCF Chrome extension.

2. Once the extension is activated, it will automatically connect with the GCF Softphone app.

3. Within the help desk, you’ll find a click-to-dial button next to all phone numbers. Simply, click on the button to dial the desired number or contact.

4. This will prompt the softphone dial pad to open up. Click on the Call button to place the call.
hubspot click-to-dial
Alternatively, you can have the Dial immediately setting turned on in the extension settings. This way, when you click the call button, the call is placed through the softphone directly, without asking you to click Call.

How to Install and Use the Odoo Softphone Integration

With our Odoo CRM VoIP integration, you can use your GCF Softphone within your Odoo CRM pages to make and receive phone calls.

Note: This Odoo softphone extension only works if you are an existing customer of United World Telecom and have activated the option for Odoo CRM Softphone integration.

How to Set up Odoo Softphone CRM Integration

To activate the option for Odoo CRM Softphone integration in your Global Call Forwarding account, follow the below steps:

1. Download GCF Softphone from the Microsoft Store on your Windows computer.

ms app store softphone

2. Log in to your Global Call Forwarding control panel with your email and password.

3. In the Services menu on the left, click on the Integrations option.

4. Find the Odoo Softphone Integration and click Activate. During this activation, you will be asked to select your desired outbound line for this integration.

Activation instructions for Odoo CRM VoIP integration.

Before you leave, make a note of your Outbound Lines’ User IDs/PINs and Passwords. You will need this information to connect Odoo and Global Call Forwarding.

Odoo use ID and password

5. Agree to the Terms and Activate.

Odoo activate

6. Then, open your GCF Softphone desktop application and log in with your Global Call Forwarding Outbound Lines’ credentials — the relevant UserIDs / PINs and passwords you selected in step 4.

softphone login

7. Click Settings and CRM Integrations, and click on Activate CRM Connector for Odoo.

Odoo connector

8. A new window will open up. Log in with your Odoo credentials.

9. Open your CRM page and start using the softphone.

How to Use the GCF Softphone with Odoo

Users can make calls in two ways using the GCF Softphone within Odoo:

Option 1: Call directly from the GCF Softphone.

1. Open the Contacts within the softphone. Here you will see both Odoo contacts and GCF contacts listed. This automatically updates and syncs.

VoIP contacts setup for Odoo CRM integration

2. Find and click the number or contact you wish to call, and Call.

Option 2: You can use the GCF click-to-dial extension to directly click and call the phone numbers that appear in the CRM.

1. Click here to activate the GCF Chrome extension.

2. Once the extension is activated, it will automatically connect with the GCF Softphone app.

3. Within the CRM, you’ll find a click-to-dial button next to all phone numbers. Simply, click on the button to dial the desired number or contact.

4. This will prompt the softphone dial pad to open up. Click on the Call button to place the call.

Click-to-dial instructions for Odoo CRM
Alternatively, you can have the Dial immediately setting turned on in the extension settings. This way, when you click the call button, the call is placed through the softphone directly, without asking you to click Call. 

How to Install and Use the Pipedrive Softphone Integration

With the Pipedrive Softphone extension, you can use your Global Call Forwarding Softphone within your Pipedrive CRM pages to make and receive phone calls.

Note: This Pipedrive softphone extension only works if you are an existing customer of Global Call Forwarding and have activated the option for Pipedrive CRM Softphone integration.

How to Set up Pipedrive Softphone CRM Integration

To activate the option for Pipedrive CRM Softphone integration in your Global Call Forwarding account, follow the below steps:

1. Download GCF Softphone from Microsoft Store, on your Windows computer.

ms app store softphone

2. Log in to your Global Call Forwarding control panel with your email and password.

3. In the Services menu on the left, click on the Integrations option.

4. Find the Pipedrive Softphone Integration and click Activate. During this activation, you will be asked to select your desired outbound line for this integration.

pipedrive select

Before you leave, make a note of your Outbound Lines’ User IDs/PINs and Passwords. You will need this information to connect Pipedrive and Global Call Forwarding.

Pipedrive user ID and password

5. Agree to the Terms and Activate.

Pipedrive terms

6. Then, open your GCF Softphone desktop application and log in with your Global Call Forwarding Outbound Lines’ credentials — the relevant UserIDs / PINs and passwords you selected in step 4.

softphone login

7. Click on Settings and CRM Integrations, and click on Activate CRM Connector for Pipedrive.

pipedrive connector

8. A new window will open up. Log in with your Pipedrive credentials.

9. Open your CRM page and start using the softphone.

How to Use the GCF Softphone with Pipedrive

Users can make calls in two ways using the GCF softphone within Pipedrive:

Option 1: Call directly from the GCF softphone.

1. Open the Contacts within the softphone. Here you will see both Pipedrive contacts and GCF contacts listed. This automatically updates and syncs.

pipedrive contacts

2. Find and click the number or contact you wish to call, and Call.

Option 2: You can use the GCF click-to-dial extension, allowing you to directly click and call the phone numbers that appear in the CRM.

1. Click here to activate the GCF Chrome extension.

2. Once the extension is activated, it will automatically connect with the GCF Softphone app.

3. Within the CRM, you’ll find a click-to-dial button next to all phone numbers. Simply, click on the button to dial the desired number or contact.

4. This will prompt the softphone dial pad to open up. Click on the Call button to place the call.

hubspot click-to-dial

Alternatively, you can have the Dial immediately setting turned on in the extension settings. This way, when you click the call button, the call is placed through the softphone directly, without asking you to click Call. 

How to Install and Use the Intercom Softphone Integration

With the Intercom Softphone extension, you can use your Global Call Forwarding Softphone within your Intercom help desk pages to make and receive phone calls.

Note: This Intercom softphone extension only works if you are an existing customer of Global Call Forwarding and have activated the option for Intercom Softphone integration.

How to Set up Intercom Softphone Help Desk Integration

To activate the option for Intercom Softphone integration in your Global Call Forwarding account, follow the below steps:

1. Download GCF Softphone from Microsoft Store, on your Windows computer.

ms app store softphone

2. Log in to your Global Call Forwarding control panel with your email and password.

3. In the Services menu on the left, click on the Integrations option.

4. Find the Intercom Softphone Integration and click Activate. During this activation, you will be asked to select your desired outbound line for this integration.

intercom select

Before you leave, make a note of your Outbound Lines’ User IDs/PINs and Passwords. You will need this information to connect Intercom and Global Call Forwarding.

Intercom user ID and password

5. Agree to the Terms and Activate.

Intercom activate

6. Then, open your GCF Softphone desktop application and log in with your Global Call Forwarding Outbound Lines’ credentials — the relevant UserIDs / PINs and passwords you selected in step 4.

softphone login

7. Click on Settings and Integrations, and Activate for Intercom.

intercom connector

8. A new window will open up. Log in with your Intercom credentials.

9. Open your help desk page and start using the softphone.

How to Use the GCF Softphone with Intercom

Users can make calls in two ways using the GCF softphone within Intercom:

Option 1: Call directly from the GCF softphone.

1. Open the Contacts within the softphone. Here you will see both Intercom contacts and GCF contacts listed. This automatically updates and syncs.

intercom contacts

2. Find and click the number or contact you wish to call, and Call.

Option 2: You can use the GCF click-to-dial extension, allowing you to directly click and call the phone numbers that appear in the help desk software.

1. Click here to activate the GCF Chrome extension.

2. Once the extension is activated, it will automatically connect with the GCF Softphone app.

3. Within the help desk, you’ll find a click-to-dial button next to all phone numbers. Simply, click on the button to dial the desired number or contact.

4. This will prompt the softphone dial pad to open up. Click on the Call button to place the call.

hubspot click-to-dial

Alternatively, you can have the Dial immediately setting turned on in the extension settings. This way, when you click the call button, the call is placed through the softphone directly, without asking you to click Call.

How to Install and Use the Zoho Desk Softphone Integration

With the Zoho Desk Softphone extension, you can use your Global Call Forwarding Softphone within your Zoho Desk help desk pages to make and receive phone calls.

Note: This Zoho Desk softphone extension only works if you are an existing customer of Global Call Forwarding and have activated the option for Zoho Desk Softphone integration.

How to Set up Zoho Desk Softphone Integration

To activate the option for Zoho Desk Softphone integration in your Global Call Forwarding account, follow the below steps:

1. Download GCF Softphone from Microsoft Store, on your Windows computer.

ms app store softphone

2. Log in to your Global Call Forwarding control panel with your email and password.

3. In the Services menu on the left, click on the Integrations option.

4. Find the Zoho Desk Softphone Integration and click Activate. During this activation, you will be asked to select your desired outbound line for this integration.
zoho desk select

Before you leave, make a note of your Outbound Lines’ User IDs/PINs and Passwords (see below). You will need this information to connect Zoho Desk and Global Call Forwarding.
zoho desk choose line

5. Agree to the Terms and Activate.

Zoho Desk activate

6. Then, open your GCF Softphone desktop application and log in with your Global Call Forwarding Outbound Lines’ credentials — the relevant UserIDs / PINs and passwords you selected in step 4.

softphone login

7. Click on Settings and CRM Integrations, and click to Activate connector for Zoho Desk.

zoho desk connector

8. A new window will open up. Log in with your Zoho Desk credentials.

9. Open your help desk page and start using the softphone.

How to Use the GCF Softphone with Zoho Desk

Users can make calls in two ways using the GCF softphone within Zoho Desk:

Option 1: Call directly from the GCF softphone.

1. Open the Contacts within the softphone. Here you will see both Zoho Desk contacts and GCF contacts listed. This automatically updates and syncs.

hubspot contacts

2. Find and click the number or contact you wish to call, and Call.

Option 2: You can use the GCF click-to-dial extension, allowing you to directly click and call the phone numbers that appear in the help desk software.

1. Click here to activate the GCF Chrome extension.

2. Once the extension is activated, it will automatically connect with the GCF Softphone app.

3. Within the help desk, you’ll find a click-to-dial button next to all phone numbers. Simply, click on the button to dial the desired number or contact.

4. This will prompt the softphone dial pad to open up. Click on the Call button to place the call.

hubspot click-to-dial

Alternatively, you can have the Dial immediately setting turned on in the extension settings. This way, when you click the call button, the call is placed through the softphone directly, without asking you to click Call.

How to Install and Use the HubSpot Softphone Integration

With the HubSpot Softphone extension, you can use your Global Call Forwarding Softphone within your HubSpot CRM pages to make and receive phone calls.

Note: This HubSpot softphone extension only works if you are an existing customer of Global Call Forwarding and have activated the option for HubSpot CRM Softphone integration.

How to Set up HubSpot Softphone CRM Integration

To activate the option for HubSpot CRM Softphone integration in your Global Call Forwarding account, follow the below steps:

1. Download GCF Softphone from the Microsoft Store on your Windows computer.

ms app store softphone

2. Log in to your Global Call Forwarding control panel with your email and password.

3. In the Services menu on the left, click on the Integrations option or click here to open the Integrations page.

4. Find the HubSpot Softphone Integration and click Activate. During this activation, you will be asked to select your desired outbound line for this integration.

HubSpot select
Before you leave, make a note of your Outbound Lines’ User IDs/PINs and Passwords (see below). You will need this information to connect HubSpot and Global Call Forwarding.
hubspot activate

5. Agree to the Terms and Activate.

hubspot terms

6. Then, open your GCF Softphone desktop application and log in with your Global Call Forwarding Outbound Lines’ credentials — the relevant UserIDs / PINs and passwords you selected in step 4.

softphone login

7. Click on Settings and CRM Integrations, and click on Activate CRM Connector for HubSpot.

hubspot-connector

8. A new window will open up. Log in with your HubSpot credentials.

Hubspot authorize

9. Open your CRM page and start using the softphone.

How to Use the GCF Softphone with HubSpot

Users can make calls in two ways using the GCF Softphone within HubSpot:

Option 1: Make and receive calls directly from the GCF Softphone.

1. Open the Contacts within the softphone. Here you will see both HubSpot contacts and GCF contacts listed. This automatically updates and syncs.

hubspot contacts

2. Find and click the number or contact you wish to call, and Call.

3. To receive inbound calls within the Softphone app, you will set ‘Forward all calls to’ the Outbound line UserID you log in to the softphone with. Follow the below steps:

  • In the control panel, go to My Phone Numbers.
  • Click on your desired inbound phone line or the Settings icon.
  • Then, go to the Call Forwarding tab and the Basic sub-tab.
  • Here, under ‘Forward all calls to,’ enter “sip:” followed by your selected Outbound line’s user ID (see step 1). Example: “sip:UserID.”
  • Make sure you select the radio icon under Basic to switch the forwarding rule
  • Click Save Changes.

Option 2: Use the GCF Click-to-Dial extension, allowing you to directly click and call the phone numbers that appear in the CRM.

1. Click here to activate the GCF Chrome extension.

2. Once the extension is activated, it will automatically connect with the GCF Softphone app.

3. Within the CRM, you’ll find a click-to-dial button next to all phone numbers. Simply, click on the button to dial the desired number or contact.

Hubspot contacts and click-to-dial

4. This will prompt the softphone dial pad to open up. Click on the Call button to place the call.

Alternatively, you can have the Dial immediately setting turned on in the extension settings. This way, when you click the call button, the call is placed through the softphone directly, without asking you to click Call.

Note: If the call rings but doesn’t connect, the SIP socket might have disconnected. To resolve this, in the Softphone, go to Settings, scroll down to Advanced settings and then under Currently connected server, change the preferred server to the US, then click Save.

phone setting

If you have Call Recording or AI Insights activated with us, you will also be able to see recordings and transcripts of your call in HubSpot.

Hubspot activity and phone

How to Add Numbers with Local 2-Way Voice?

Local 2-Way Voice is a solution that ensures outbound calls through your international phone numbers travel via reliable local routes in target regions. You can use and display in-country caller IDs with the guarantee that local caller IDs will be displayed and calls will connect.

You can add Numbers with Local 2-Way Voice by:

  • Purchasing Local 2-Way Voice numbers from our inventory.
  • Adding Local 2-Way Voice numbers from the control panel.

To Purchase Local 2-Way Voice Numbers from the Website:

1. Go to our Pricing page.
2. In Step 1, select your desired Country and browse through Number types.
3. Look for Geographic (Local 2-Way Voice), Mobile (Local 2-Way Voice), or National (Local 2-Way Voice).

local 2-way prices
4. Then, fill in where you want calls to be forwarded and continue with the rest of the signup process.
5. Select an Inbound plan, add optional features, and choose an Outbound plan.

outbound calling plans
6. Add to Cart and then Submit.

To Add Local 2-Way Voice Numbers from the Control Panel:

1. Log in to your control panel.

2. Click on Add Service Lines from the left bar and select Call Forwarding.

add service line

3. In Step 1, select your desired Country and browse through Number types.

4. Look for Geographic (Local 2-Way Voice), Mobile (Local 2-Way Voice), or National (Local 2-Way Voice).

call forwarding options

5. Then, fill in where you want calls to be forwarded and continue with the rest of the signup process.

6. Select an Inbound plan, add optional features, and choose an Outbound plan.

pricing plans

7. Add to Cart and then Submit.

Note:

During the signup process, you can turn on a free trial to test the service. You can also add more numbers to your cart before finalizing the purchase.

How to Install and Use the Zoho CRM Softphone Integration

With the Zoho-GCF Softphone integration, you can use your Global Call Forwarding Softphone within your Zoho CRM pages to make and receive phone calls.

Note: This Zoho CRM extension only works if you are an existing customer of Global Call Forwarding and have activated the option for Zoho CRM Softphone integration.

Learn more about the benefits of the Zoho integration here.

How to Set up Zoho Softphone CRM Integration

To activate the option for Zoho CRM Softphone integration in your Global Call Forwarding account, follow the below steps:

1. Log in to your Global Call Forwarding control panel with your email and password.
2. In the Services menu on the left, click on the Integrations option.

zoho select
3. Find the Zoho CRM Softphone and click on Activate.
4. You must choose the PINs (User IDs) you would like to integrate with Zoho and click Continue.

choose zoho

Before you leave, make a note of your Outbound Lines’ User IDs/PINs and Passwords (see below). You will need this information to connect Zoho CRM and Global Call Forwarding.

5. Agree to the Terms and Activate.

Zoho terms and activate

Now, each user selected must go to their Zoho CRM and install the GCF Softphone extension:

a) Log in to your Zoho account.
b) Go to Zoho CRM marketplace. Search and install the Global Call Forwarding Softphone for Zoho CRM.

zoho marketplace

How to Use the GCF Softphone within Zoho

After the installation is completed, return to your Zoho CRM Home page.

1. Here, you’ll see a phone icon on the bottom right. When you click this, the GCF Softphone will pop up.

2. Log in with your Global Call Forwarding Outbound Lines’ credentials — the relevant UserIDs / PINs and passwords you selected in step 4.

call from Zoho

3. You can now dial calls from the softphone or simply click on the green ‘phone’ icons beside every contact’s phone number to instantly place a call to that number using your softphone extension.

Familiarize yourself with the softphone in our How to Use the GCF Softphone guide.

How to Install and Use the Zendesk Softphone Integration

With the Zendesk-GCF Softphone, extension you can use your Global Call Forwarding Softphone within your Zendesk pages to make and receive phone calls.

Note:

  • This Zendesk softphone extension only works if you are an existing customer of Global Call Forwarding and have activated the option for Zendesk Softphone integration.
  • New users can add the Zendesk integration to their GCF service for a $10/month fee per user.
  • New users have a 30-day free trial from the date of initial activation for each line.
  • Softphone Integration can be activated and canceled at any time from the account control panel.
  • Learn more about the benefits of the Zendesk integration here.

How to Set up Zendesk Softphone Integration

To activate the option for Zendesk Softphone integration in your Global Call Forwarding account, follow the below steps:

1. Login to your control panel with your email and password.

2. In the Services menu on the left, click on the Integrations option.

choose zendesk
3. Find the Zendesk Softphone integration and click on Activate.

4. You must choose the Outbound PINs (User IDs) you want to integrate with Zendesk and click Continue. If you do not have an Outbound Calling plan but wish to receive incoming calls through Zendesk, you can contact us to purchase an “Inbound-only” PIN for $5 per month.

zendesk select line

Before you leave, make a note of your Outbound Lines’ User IDs/PINs and Passwords (see below). You will need this information to connect Zendesk and Global Call Forwarding.

5. Then, click on Agree and Activate.

zendesk verify

Now, each user selected must go to their Zendesk account and install the GCF Softphone extension:

1. Go to the Zendesk marketplace.

2. Search and install the GCF Softphone app.

zendesk marketplace
3. Then, log in to the softphone with your Global Call Forwarding Outbound Lines’ credentials — the relevant UserIDs / PINs and passwords you selected in step 4.

Note that these credentials are specific to the PIN and are not the same credentials used to log in to your online control panel.

How to Use the GCF Softphone within Zendesk

Once the credentials are entered, a Global Call Forwarding icon at the top right corner should appear, click on it. If you do not see the GCF icon in the top right corner, log out of Zendesk, log back in, and clear your browser cache.

softphone from within Zendesk

A menu will open the softphone app or simply click on the phone number on every customer’s page to instantly place a call to that number using your softphone extension.

Familiarize yourself with the softphone in our How to Use the GCF Softphone guide.

How to Install GCF Chrome Extension

The GCF Click-to-Dial extension for Google Chrome is designed to help busy professionals and salespeople to quickly dial a phone number on a web page directly from the browser they use.

Users can initiate calls by highlighting a phone number on the web page and then right-clicking and selecting it from the drop-down menu or directly entering a phone number in the extension (click on the extension icon at the right upper corner to open our dialer). Please make sure that you select a phone number that has either + in front of the country code or has the proper country code prefix and that there are no local dialing digits in the middle, which could result in error messages.

Use this extension alongside our GCF Microsoft Softphone to directly initiate calls on any Chrome webpage by clicking the call button next to the number.

Steps on How To Start Using the GCF Click-to-Dial Extension for Google Chrome

Step 1 – Go to the Chrome Web Store and add the GCF Click-to-Dial extension to your browser by clicking the blue button “Add to Chrome”.

click-to-dial store

Step 2 – Download the GCF softphone from the Microsoft Store. Follow the instructions and install. Open and log in to the softphone with your GCF credentials (UserID/PIN and password)

ms app store softphone

Step 3 – Once complete, click the ‘Dial’ icon to reveal the dialer to manually enter a phone number to call. To make a call directly from a webpage, simply highlight the number and right-click. A popup menu will display the icon and say Dial: xxx-xxx-xxxx. Click that number and the call will be placed.

click-to-dial

How to Set Up Voicemail Translation?

Business Voicemail Translation is a cloud telephony feature that automatically translates your voicemail transcript messages into a preferred language. This ensures your teams never miss an important message due to language differences.

Our Business Voicemail Translation feature is available as an add-on for $3.95 per month per phone line.

To translate your voicemails, activate our Voicemail Transcription and Translation features in your control panel. Cost for Voicemail Transcription is $4.95 monthly fee + $0.05 per minute additional charge after 30 days free.

How to Turn on and Set Up Voicemail Translations?

1. Log in to your control panel. Click on My Phone Numbers and hover over your desired phone line.

2. Click on Settings.

3. Then, select the Call Forwarding tab, and under that, click on Voicemail.

4. Here, click the Translation button to turn it on.

Note: You will need to also activate Voicemail Transcription feature to translate transcripts to your preferred language.

voicemail translation

5. In the Deliver all Voicemails box – enter the email addresses to which you want the transcriptions and translations to be delivered.

6. Click Save Changes at the bottom right.

voicemail transcription

How to View Voicemail Translations?

If you have opted for your voicemails to be delivered to your email, you will automatically receive voicemail transcripts and translations to designated email addresses.

You can also view these translations by going to the Voicemail Inbox in the Voicemail tab.

Additional Information About Vietnam Toll-Free Number Access

Vietnam toll-free numbers have an industry-wide restriction and their access depends on local carriers.

  • 120 – VNPT Fixed*, Vinaphone Mobile**, SPT
  • 121 – Mobifone Mobile**
  • 122 – Viettel Fixed & Mobile

* Fixed (landline) – not reachable from mobile phones on VNPT, only VNPT fixed/landlines
** Mobile – not reachable from fixed lines, only mobile phones

For maximum coverage and to ensure callers from any network can contact your business, you can purchase:

  • 122 numbers since they seem to have the most market share (54% of 2021)
  • Multiple toll-free numbers (120, 121, and 122 numbers) and display them on your marketing materials.
  • Vietnam local numbers, which are reachable from all phones and networks in Vietnam and internationally.

Need help deciding? Connect with our global telecom experts. We’re here to help!

How to Install and Use the LiveAgent VoIP Integration

With the LiveAgent integration, you can add Global Call Forwarding numbers to your LiveAgent account, giving you essential telephony functionality — all in one place! Benefits include:

  • Make and receive calls with your GCF numbers in your LiveAgent platform.
  • Create contacts, notes, and tags to manage customer information.
  • View call history and contact-specific interaction history.
  • Features include click-to-call, built-in softphone, call recording, and more.

Note: This extension only works if you are an existing customer of Global Call Forwarding and LiveAgent.

To connect your Global Call Forwarding service with LiveAgent:

1. Log in to your LiveAgent account.

2. Navigate to Settings > Call > Numbers.

direct call liveagent nav

3. Click on the ‘+’ icon, search for Global Call Forwarding, and click on it.

GCF provider liveagent

4. Here, you’ll need to enter essential information about your numbers and services.

GCF credentials

5. Insert required SIP credentials – SIP username and password provided by GCF. To find this information, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Global Call Forwarding control panel.
  2. Click on Outbound Calling and User Options.
  3. Use the User ID for the username and Line Password for the password and enter these credentials in LiveAgent.

liveagent passwords

Contact your account manager, if you need clarification.

6. Click Add and give the system time to register your request.

Once registered, you will be able to use your Global Call Forwarding numbers with LiveAgent.

How to Install and Use the Zoho Data Integration

The Zoho CRM Data integration will automatically upload and display calls made and received through the Global Call Forwarding platform on your Zoho CRM.

Some of the key features of Zoho CRM include:

  • Upload inbound and outbound call records related to your contacts, leads, and accounts.
  • Choose an automatic upload frequency
  • See how many follow-up calls were made to a lead
  • See how many times a customer called your team and how long the calls lasted

Note: This Zoho CRM extension only works if you are an existing customer of Global Call
Forwarding and have activated Zoho CRM Data Integration within the Control Panel.

To set up the Zoho Data integration and install the extension, follow these steps:

1. Login to your Global Call Forwarding control panel.

2. On the left side, under Services, click on Integrations.

zoho select

3. Then, locate the Zoho Data integration CRM and click on Activate.

The system will then automatically generate a secret key. Copy and keep this key safe — you
will need to insert that information into Zoho CRM Extension.

zoho integrations

You can choose to apply this integration to the calls for all your lines or a select few.

4. Save all your changes before going to the next step.

Once the changes are saved, you can see the start date and secret key on your Global Call
Forwarding Control Panel.

save zoho settings

To complete the installation and activation process, head over to your Zoho CRM and complete the following steps:

1. Go to Zoho CRM to install the Global Call Forwarding CDR Data Link extension.

2. After the installation, a screen will appear where you must enter your G number and your secret key and select the desired update frequency for calls to be uploaded to Zoho CRM.

3. After two hours, you will see calls uploaded to the existing contacts and leads that have a matching number. The calls made from or to numbers that are not registered in your CRM will be ignored.

Note: Historical calls won’t be imported. The data link will only import the calls starting from the time the integration was requested in our platform and generated the secret key.

How to Set Up and View Voicemail Transcription

As a Global Call Forwarding customer, you can set up Voicemail Transcription through your control panel.

Cost for Voicemail Transcription: First 30 days after activation is free of charge. After 30 days, there is $4.95 monthly fee + $0.05 per minute additional charge.

How to Turn on and Set Up Voicemail Transcription

1. Log in to your control panel, then click on My Phone Numbers, and hover over your desired phone line.

2. Click on Settings.

3. Then, select the Call Forwarding tab and under that, click on Voicemail.

4. Here, you will see the Transcription button, click it to turn on Voicemail Transcription.
Note: The cost of this premium feature is $4.95/month + $0.05/minute per line.

Once the feature is turned on, you can view voicemail transcripts in your control panel or add email addresses in the text boxes below to automatically receive voicemail recordings and transcripts.

transcription on

How to View Voicemail Transcripts

1. Click on My Phone Numbers and hover over your desired phone line.

2. Click on the Voicemail Inbox icon. icon

3. On this new page, you can listen, view, and download voicemail recordings and transcripts.

voice popup

Note: If you have opted for Voicemail-to-Email, designated email recipients will receive an email with the audio recording and the transcript in text format.