While emails and instant messaging may dominate your daily communication, you may be surprised to learn that faxing remains quite popular. At least 70% of healthcare providers utilize faxing to exchange medical information, and the global faxing industry is expected to grow 11% by 2027.
So, why is this historical communication method still used? There are several reasons, but security is one of the main contributors. For those in the medical industry, HIPAA compliance is essential. HIPAA — the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act — is strict in the security measures that must be taken to protect patients’ medical information. Faxing provides this security and allows healthcare institutions to be HIPAA compliant.
On that same note, international businesses rely on this same security when sharing sensitive company information they can’t risk being intercepted by others. That’s why they get a business fax number.
So, if you’re ready to take the leap into using the new and improved version of faxing and need to know how to get a fax number, read on.
How To Get a Fax Number in 3 Different Ways
You can choose between a physical fax machine, electronic fax numbers, and can even customize your fax number format. So, when you ask, “How do I get a fax number?” there’s more than one answer here.
Get a Traditional Fax Machine With a Built-In Fax Number
A traditional fax machine is a straightforward and reliable way of sending faxes. Traditional fax machines can even make phone calls because they’re connected through the Public Switched Telephone Network — PTSN.
To get a fax number this way, you’ll start by purchasing a fax machine from your local retailer or online. Connect your fax machine to your dedicated line and contact your service provider to activate the fax line. This step will give you your fax phone number. Test your fax machine by sending and receiving incoming faxes, and you’re ready to go.
Get a Fax Number From a Phone Company
Phone companies, both traditional and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers, offer fax services for all types of businesses. Begin by reaching out to your chosen phone company and asking about their fax services. They’ll usually provide a range of plans with varying features and pricing structures.
Once you’ve chosen the best fax service plan for you, the phone company will activate a dedicated fax line for you. They will assign a random fax number to that line as part of this process. Some services may offer you the option to choose your fax phone number if it’s available.
A word to the wise — keep track of your billing and account details. Depending on your plan, you may be charged based on usage. Be certain you know how many faxes per day and faxes per month you can send without being charged additional fees.
Get a Fax Number From an Online Fax Service
If you want to know the most modern way of how to get a fax number, you’ll want an online fax service. An online fax service combines the security of traditional faxes with the convenience of email service.
Online faxing utilizes the internet and email infrastructure to convert your messages into digital files — usually PDFs or images — and securely sends them via encrypted internet transmission. Using an online fax service means you don’t need a physical fax machine because you can send faxes through your email service on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
An online fax service usually offers toll-free numbers and a customizable monthly or annual plan based on the number of pages you send. Choosing an international or local fax service through an online fax service also provides many other benefits.
Benefits of Getting a Fax Number With Online Fax Providers
Each way of getting a fax number offers unique benefits, but the modern approach of online faxing provides just a bit more. Here are some benefits you’ll enjoy when you choose online faxing.
- Cost savings: Online fax services eliminate the need for traditional fax machines, dedicated phone lines, paper, and ink. This results in significant cost savings, making it a cost-effective alternative for all types of businesses and individuals.
- Mobility and accessibility: Online faxing allows users to send and receive faxes from anywhere with an internet connection. This mobility is vital for remote workers, travelers, and businesses with dispersed teams, enhancing flexibility and efficiency.
- Eco-Friendliness: Online faxing is eco-friendly because it reduces paper usage and plastic waste from ink cartridges. This reduces your environmental impact.
- Document management: Online fax services offer digital document management features that other fax services don’t. This offers you storage and easy retrieval of your documents.
- Enhanced security: Online fax services prioritize protection by employing end-to-end encryption and transmission methods to protect your sensitive faxed documents.
In addition to these great benefits, choosing an online fax service provider often offers email integration, flexibility in fax number format, and an overall ease of use that traditional faxing lacks.
How To Set Up a Fax Number With an Online Service
Setting up a fax number with an online service is a straightforward process. Start with the first simple step of researching the most convenient fax solution for you. From there, you select a subscription plan that suits your needs best, enter your credit card information for payment, and proceed with the following:
- Choose a fax number: Choose your type of fax number. Online fax services usually offer you a choice between a local, international, or toll-free fax number. You can also port your fax number if you already have one and want to keep it.
- Verify your account: Not all online fax services require this, but if yours does, follow the prompts and get your account verified.
- Access the dashboard and set up your fax preferences: Once verified, log in to your provider’s dashboard and set up your fax preferences. These include how you want to receive incoming faxes, notification settings, and file format preferences.
- Send a test fax: To verify everything is working smoothly, send a test fax to a number you know and have one sent back to you. Now you’ve got your online fax number all set up, and you’re ready to send messages.
Get Your Fax Number Quickly and Effortlessly Using MyFax
Whether you’re searching for fax numbers for business or personal use, MyFax has you covered. We offer several plans to meet all your faxing needs — from monthly plans to send and receive 100 pages per month to discounted annual plans that let you send hundreds more each month. You can easily send protected faxes from your computer, tablet, or even your phone to 50 recipients at a time when you sign up with MyFax.
Sign up for MyFax’s free trial and try sending and receiving up to 100 pages.
