- Using VoIP and WhatsApp
- Solution #1 – Getting a New Mobile Number
- Solution #2 – WhatsApp Bussiness Platform
Using VoIP and WhatsApp
If you try to register your Telebroad SMS number to WhatsApp, you will likely get an error message saying that the number is not recognized as a mobile number in the U.S. This is a common issue for VoIP numbers since only actual mobile numbers are generally accepted for registration of regular WhatsApp accounts to avoid abuse and fraud.
Porting your VoIP number to a cellphone provider may not help solve this because what is usually taken into account is the original designation of the number.
Solution #1 – Getting a New Mobile Number
One solution is to get a new mobile number and use it to register with WhatsApp. This is an easy and quick option that may better suit small businesses.
You can obviously use any mobile carrier, but a top choice for your consideration is Telebroad's own UNI-Mobile service which can be installed as a physical SIM or an eSIM. The service offers unlimited global wireless voice, text, and data plans for a set price. It connects directly with existing Telebroad numbers, making it easier to integrate and set up call forwarding so you can take mobile calls on your main number.
Solution #2 – WhatsApp Bussiness Platform
For business users, Meta (WhatsApp parent company) offers both a business app and a business platform. The bussiness app will not work with your Telebroad numbers because it needs to run from an actual mobile device and a VoIP number cannot be used with it (as mentioned above porting the number will not help either.)
Instead, you need to use the WhatsApp Business Platform that provides WhatsApp Business API connectivity and can therefore work with VoIP.
The WhatsApp Business Platform's FAQ can help you decide if this is the right solution for you, but you should keep a few things in mind:
- The service is free only for your first 1000 conversations per month, after which these rates apply.
Conversations are counted with a 24-hour session cycle that is initiated from the first message sent by a business or the first business reply to a customer. - You can sign up to the platform directly, but to do so you must have a developers team that is able to set up webhooks and program and process API requests.
- Otherwise, you will need to work with one of Meta's approved business solution partners, who may charge additional fees. The full partners list is available here. You can search the list for "Business API" to help you narrow down the choices.