SpringEdge Virtual Numbers let you receive incoming SMS from customers and respond in real time. Enable true two-way conversations, keyword-based auto-replies, polls, surveys, feedback collection, and opt-in/opt-out campaigns — all through a dedicated virtual mobile number. Incoming messages are forwarded to your application via webhooks or accessible through the SpringEdge dashboard, giving you complete control over customer interactions.
What Are Virtual Numbers for SMS?
A virtual number is a dedicated mobile number that receives incoming SMS messages. Unlike a regular SIM-based number, a virtual number is hosted on SpringEdge's platform and does not require physical hardware. When a customer sends an SMS to your virtual number, the message is captured by SpringEdge and forwarded to your application via a webhook URL or displayed in the web dashboard inbox.
Virtual numbers enable true two-way SMS communication. You can send outbound SMS from your virtual number using the SpringEdge SMS API, and customers can reply directly to that number. Replies are forwarded to your application in real time, creating a seamless conversational experience over SMS — similar to WhatsApp or live chat, but using the native SMS channel that works on every phone.
Businesses use virtual numbers for customer support helpdesks, NPS and satisfaction surveys, appointment confirmations, order status queries, lead capture campaigns, voting and polling systems, and regulatory opt-in/opt-out compliance. Combined with keyword auto-replies, virtual numbers can handle common queries automatically without human intervention.
For outbound-only SMS messaging, visit our SMS messaging services page. For a broader overview of all messaging channels, see SMS & RCS.
Why Choose Virtual Numbers
Turn one-way SMS into two-way conversations —
engage customers on their preferred channel.
Two-Way Conversations
Send outbound SMS and receive customer replies on the same number. Create a seamless conversational experience over the SMS channel that works on every phone.
Dedicated Number
Your own branded virtual mobile number that customers can save and text anytime. Build familiarity and trust with a consistent sender number for all SMS interactions.
Real-Time Webhooks
Incoming messages are forwarded to your application instantly via webhook. Process customer messages, trigger workflows, and send automated responses in real time.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Flat monthly pricing with generous incoming message allowances. No surprises.
| Component | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Number Rental | ₹5,000/month | Per virtual number, billed monthly |
| Incoming Messages | Free | 1,00,000 (1 lakh) incoming messages per month per number included |
| Additional Incoming | Contact Sales | Custom pricing for volumes exceeding 1 lakh messages/month |
| Outbound SMS | Standard Rates | Outbound replies use your regular SMS pricing plan |
No setup fees, no long-term contracts. Pay monthly. Cancel anytime. Virtual numbers are activated within 24 hours of purchase. Contact our sales team for bulk number discounts and enterprise pricing.
How Two-Way SMS Works
From number purchase to receiving your first incoming message — set up in minutes.
Get a Number
Purchase a virtual number from your SpringEdge dashboard. Choose from available numbers or request a specific number. Activation takes less than 24 hours.
Configure Webhook
Set up a webhook URL in your dashboard to receive incoming messages in real time. SpringEdge posts the sender number, message content, and timestamp to your endpoint.
Receive SMS
Customers text your virtual number. Messages are forwarded to your application via the configured webhook and are also visible in the SpringEdge dashboard inbox.
Respond
Send outbound replies via the SMS API or directly from the dashboard. Your reply is sent from the same virtual number, maintaining a seamless conversation thread.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
SMS-Based Customer Support & Helpdesk
Give customers a dedicated number to text for support. Incoming messages are routed to your helpdesk system via webhooks, creating support tickets automatically. Agents respond via the API or dashboard, and the customer receives the reply from the same number — creating a familiar, conversational experience.
Unlike email or app-based support, SMS reaches customers instantly and works on every phone — no app download, no internet connection required. Set up keyword auto-replies for common queries (e.g., "STATUS" for order tracking, "HELP" for support menu) to resolve issues without agent involvement.
SURVEYS & FEEDBACK
Text-Based Surveys, NPS & Voting
Collect customer feedback, run NPS surveys, and conduct polls through SMS. Send an outbound message asking customers to rate their experience (e.g., "Reply 1-5 to rate your delivery"), and capture responses on your virtual number. SMS surveys achieve significantly higher response rates than email surveys because they reach customers on their most personal device.
Run employee engagement surveys, event polls, contest voting, and market research campaigns. Responses are forwarded to your application in real time for immediate analysis and reporting. Combine with keyword auto-replies to acknowledge responses and thank participants automatically.
OPT-IN & LEAD GENERATION
Keyword-Based Opt-In, Opt-Out & Lead Capture
Run SMS opt-in campaigns by advertising your virtual number with a keyword. Customers text "JOIN" or "SUBSCRIBE" to your number, and SpringEdge captures the opt-in, stores the number, and triggers a welcome message automatically. Use the same mechanism for opt-out compliance — customers text "STOP" to unsubscribe instantly.
This approach is widely used for loyalty programs, event registrations, newsletter signups, and lead generation campaigns. Advertise your virtual number on print ads, TV commercials, social media, and in-store signage to capture leads through SMS — a channel with near-100% open rates and immediate engagement.
Virtual Number Platform Features
Keyword Auto-Replies
Configure automated responses triggered by specific keywords. When a customer texts "HELP", "STATUS", or any custom keyword, they receive an instant pre-configured reply.
Real-Time Webhooks
Incoming messages are forwarded to your application instantly via HTTP POST webhook. Receive sender number, message content, timestamp, and metadata in real time.
Dashboard Inbox
View, search, and reply to incoming messages directly from the SpringEdge web dashboard. No API setup required — manage two-way conversations from your browser.
Number Porting
Already have a number your customers know? Port your existing mobile number to SpringEdge's virtual number platform and keep using the same number for two-way SMS.
Multi-Number Support
Manage multiple virtual numbers from a single SpringEdge account. Use different numbers for different departments, campaigns, or brands — all managed from one dashboard.
Message Logging & History
Complete log of all incoming and outgoing messages with timestamps, sender/recipient details, and delivery statuses. Export logs for compliance and audit requirements.
API Integration
Send and receive messages programmatically using the SpringEdge REST API. Build custom chat flows, CRM integrations, and automated response systems.
DND Exempt Incoming
Virtual numbers receive SMS from all mobile numbers, including those registered on the DND/NDNC registry. DND restrictions apply only to outbound promotional messages, not incoming SMS.
Frequently Asked Questions about Two-Way SMS
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What is a virtual number for SMS?
A virtual number is a dedicated mobile number hosted on SpringEdge's platform that can receive incoming SMS messages. Unlike a physical SIM, it does not require any hardware. When someone texts your virtual number, the message is captured and forwarded to your application via webhook or displayed in the SpringEdge dashboard. You can also send outbound SMS from the same number, enabling two-way conversations.
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How much does a virtual number cost?
Virtual numbers are priced at ₹5,000 per month per number. This includes 1,00,000 (1 lakh) free incoming messages per month. There are no setup fees or long-term contracts — you pay monthly and can cancel anytime. Outbound SMS sent from the virtual number uses your standard SMS pricing plan. Contact our sales team for bulk discounts on multiple numbers.
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How many incoming messages are included?
Each virtual number includes 1,00,000 (1 lakh) free incoming messages per month. This allowance resets at the beginning of each billing cycle. If you expect to receive more than 1 lakh messages per month, contact our sales team for custom pricing on additional incoming volume.
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Can I use virtual numbers for two-way conversations?
Yes. Two-way messaging is the primary use case for virtual numbers. Customers text your virtual number, you receive the message via webhook or dashboard, and you reply via the SMS API or dashboard. The reply is sent from the same virtual number, so the customer sees a continuous conversation thread on their phone — similar to a WhatsApp or iMessage conversation.
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How do I receive incoming SMS in my application?
Configure a webhook URL in your SpringEdge dashboard. When an SMS arrives on your virtual number, SpringEdge sends an HTTP POST request to your webhook with the sender's mobile number, message content, timestamp, and your virtual number. Your application processes the payload and can trigger automated responses, create support tickets, update CRM records, or perform any custom logic.
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Can I have multiple virtual numbers?
Yes. You can purchase and manage multiple virtual numbers from a single SpringEdge account. Each number has its own webhook URL, keyword rules, and message logs. Use different numbers for different departments (sales, support, billing), different brands, or different campaigns. Each number is billed separately at ₹5,000/month with its own 1 lakh incoming message allowance.
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How quickly is a virtual number activated?
Virtual numbers are typically activated within 24 hours of purchase. Once activated, you can immediately start receiving incoming SMS and sending outbound messages from the number. You will receive an email notification when your number is live and ready to use.
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Can I use my existing number as a virtual number?
Yes. SpringEdge supports number porting, allowing you to transfer your existing mobile number to our virtual number platform. This means customers who already know your number can continue texting you without any change. Number porting typically takes 3-7 business days depending on the carrier. Contact our team to initiate a porting request.
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Are virtual numbers DLT compliant?
Incoming SMS on virtual numbers is not subject to DLT regulations — anyone can text your virtual number without template restrictions. However, outbound SMS sent from your virtual number must comply with DLT requirements, including registered sender IDs and approved content templates, just like standard outbound SMS. SpringEdge handles DLT validation automatically for all outbound messages. Visit our DLT guide for more details.
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What happens when I exceed 1 lakh incoming messages?
Your virtual number continues to receive messages even after the 1 lakh free incoming limit is reached. You will not lose any messages. Additional incoming messages beyond the free allowance are charged at a custom rate based on your volume. Contact our sales team to discuss pricing for additional incoming volume and to set up overage billing before you hit the limit.
Get Your Virtual Number Today
Sign up for a SpringEdge account and purchase your first virtual number. Start receiving incoming SMS within 24 hours. For outbound SMS capabilities, explore our SMS messaging services, or see our Email to SMS gateway for zero-integration SMS sending.