Call Forwarding
Short answer: Call forwarding is a telephony feature that automatically redirects calls arriving on one phone number over to another phone or line. Callers dial the number you publish, and the call rings wherever you've pointed it — your own mobile in a different country, say.
Forwarding lets a single number follow you across devices and borders without ever having to hand out your personal number.
How it works
The provider handling the incoming call checks a forwarding rule tied to the number dialed, then opens a second leg to the destination and bridges the caller through. Rules can fire unconditionally or kick in only when the line is busy or unanswered. In SIP, a redirect can also be signalled with a 3xx response as defined in RFC 3261.
Types of forwarding rules
| Rule | When it kicks in |
|---|---|
| Unconditional | All calls get forwarded, no exceptions |
| Busy | Kicks in only when the line's already busy |
| No answer | Kicks in only when nobody picks up |
| SIP redirect (3xx) | Signalled through a 3xx response as defined in RFC 3261 |
How it applies to SMS Conecta
Every SMS Conecta number ships with call forwarding to any phone, on top of unlimited incoming calls. You could also answer through a SIP app such as Zoiper or the browser web dialer instead, with every call logged in the dashboard.
Related terms
- DID
- Caller ID
- SIP
- Softphone
Frequently asked questions
Can calls be forwarded to another country?
Yes, SMS Conecta call forwarding reaches any phone anywhere.
Does forwarding keep my personal number hidden?
Callers see and dial only your SMS Conecta number; the destination stays out of sight.
Is answering through an app possible instead?
Yes, just plug the SIP credentials into any SIP app, or use the web dialer.
Related pages
- DID numbers
- caller ID
- SIP
- forward calls from a virtual number
- second number for business
- travelers use case
- Web Dialer
Sources
- IETF: RFC 3261, SIP: Session Initiation Protocol (as of September 2026)