What is ENUM?

ENUM is a new registry service that combines telephone numbers and the Domain Name System to simplify the way VoIP calls work. ENUM lets callers know that you can receive VoIP calls - it allows more VoIP calls to be connected directly over the Internet, for no charge, rather than via the traditional PTSN network.

How does ENUM work?

ENUM translates a telephone number into a domain name. This allows you to continue to use the existing phone number formats you are familiar with while allowing you to route your call using a DNS lookup. ENUM makes it possible to link different VoIP networks so that callers within businesses can connect via the Internet to other businesses that use other VoIP providers. 

As a result, telephone calls between businesses using this technology will be cheaper or even free, because there is no need to route the call via the traditional telephone system.

In the future, as the technology develops, you will be able to have control over the information associated with your ENUM registration so that calls can be connected to your desk telephone or mobile 'on the fly' as you move in and out of the office environment.  You could save all your contact details: fax and phone numbers, email and home addresses, voicemail etc into one ENUM entry. You would then be able to add rules to direct people to one or other of these contact details depending on who the person is, and what time it is. For example, you could route all calls to your mobile after 5.30pm, and have all contacts use email during working hours.

How do I get ENUM?

Choose an ENUM registrar and they will then be able to create an ENUM registration for you.