Phone Numbers

This guide covers renting, managing, and configuring phone numbers on Plivo.

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Number Types

Long codes require implied consent; toll-free requires express consent; short codes require written consent.

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Rent a Phone Number

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Via Console

1. Navigate to Phone Numbers > Buy Numbers
2. Filter by country, prefix, location, and capabilities (Voice, SMS, MMS)
3. Select number type (local, mobile, toll-free)
4. Click Buy Number

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Via API

Use the Phone Number API to rent numbers programmatically. No limit on how many numbers you can rent (sufficient credits required).

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Number Charges

Billing cycle starts on the rental date and renews on the same date each month.

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Number Activation and Verification

Some countries require regulatory documentation before a number becomes active.

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Requirements by Number Type

Check the Plivo Coverage Page for country-specific requirements. Common document types:

• Address documents: Proof of residential or business address
• Identity documents: Government-issued ID of the number owner

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Activation Process

1. Check requirements on the coverage page
2. Gather required documents
3. Purchase the number (activation requirements shown during purchase)
4. Submit documents via the console’s verification tab
5. Wait for approval

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Number Statuses

For active numbers:

• Active: Number is operational
• Pending Verification: Awaiting document approval

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Manage Numbers

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Assign an Application

1. Navigate to Phone Numbers > Active
2. Click on the phone number
3. Select XML Application for Application Type
4. Choose your application from the dropdown
5. Click Update

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Unrent a Number

Via Console:

1. Go to Phone Numbers > Active
2. Select numbers to remove
3. Click Choose Action > Unrent Numbers
4. Confirm

Via API: Use the Account Phone Number API Numbers are reserved for 5 days after unrenting, then returned to the carrier.

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Reclaim an Unrented Number

Within 5 days of unrenting:

1. Go to Phone Numbers > Unrented phone numbers
2. Click Buy Number for the desired number

Standard purchase charges apply. Availability is not guaranteed.

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US Messaging Requirements

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10DLC Registration

US local numbers require registration with The Campaign Registry (TCR) for A2P messaging. Filter numbers by status:

1. Go to Phone Numbers > Active
2. Click Filter > 10DLC Status

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Toll-Free Verification

To enable SMS on toll-free numbers:

1. Purchase the toll-free number (voice-enabled by default)
2. Submit verification via Console or Verification API
3. Wait for carrier approval

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SMS Best Practices

• Obtain proper consent before messaging
• Include opt-out instructions (STOP)
• Use clear sender identification
• Avoid URL shorteners that obscure destinations
• Don’t send prohibited content (gambling, illegal activities)

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Direct Inward Dialing (DID)

DID routes inbound calls directly to extensions without an auto-attendant.

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Setup

1. Go to XML Applications
2. Click Add New Application
3. Configure answer URL to route calls to extensions
4. Assign a phone number to the application

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Country-Specific Requirements

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Brazil KYC

Following Anatel decision #262, all local and mobile numbers in Brazil require KYC documentation:

• In-country physical address
• Business registration documents

Submit via the console compliance section.

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India

See Voice API > India Calling for India number requirements.

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Number Disconnection

Plivo may disconnect numbers or suspend accounts for:

• Violations of Terms of Service or Acceptable Use Policy
• Traffic flagged by carriers or regulators
• Unapproved traffic patterns (e.g., inbound-only verification codes)
• Spam or fraudulent activity

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Related Resources

• Number Porting
• CNAM Lookup
• Phone Number API Reference
• Global Coverage
• Number Pricing
• 10DLC Registration