Most AI receptionists work with forwarding, so you keep your number. Conditional forwarding (busy, no answer, after hours) lets staff answer first and the AI take the overflow.
How forwarding is set up depends on your carrier or phone system. Some providers also offer a new local number or porting of your existing number.
Forwarded minutes may be billed by your carrier in addition to the AI receptionist's charges. Check both.
As of November 11, 2026. General information, not legal advice.