Customers expect to reach your business the way they prefer, by phone or by text. SIP trunking with SMS lets you handle both over one connection, so calls and messages stay in one place. This guide explains what a SIP trunk is, how SMS works with it, what to look for in a provider, and how E-MetroTel SIP trunks help businesses in the U.S. and Canada.
Key takeaways
- A SIP trunk connects your business phone system to the public phone network over the internet.
- Adding SMS lets your team send and receive texts from your business numbers, alongside calls.
- E-MetroTel SIP trunks are month-to-month, quick to set up, and include number porting and E911 in the U.S. and Canada.
What Is a SIP Trunk?
A SIP trunk is a virtual phone line. It connects your business phone system to the public telephone network over the internet, instead of traditional copper lines. Each trunk can carry many calls at once, and you can add or remove capacity as your business changes.
For most businesses, SIP trunking means lower line costs, easier scaling, and phone numbers that are no longer tied to one location.
How SIP Trunking with SMS Works
With an SMS-enabled SIP trunk, your business phone numbers can send and receive text messages as well as calls. Your team uses the same numbers customers already know, and messages arrive where your staff already work.
With E-MetroTel, SMS is integrated through our cloud and on-premises platforms. Combined with our contact center tools, it brings voice, SMS, chat, email and social messaging, such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, into one omnichannel experience.
Common ways businesses use SMS
- Appointment confirmations and reminders.
- Order, delivery and service updates.
- Quick follow-ups after a call.
- Letting customers text the same number they call.
In the United States, business texting from local phone numbers usually requires A2P 10DLC registration, a carrier process that helps prevent spam. Our team can explain how registration works for your numbers.
Benefits of E-MetroTel SIP Trunks
Month-to-month, with no long-term contract
Add or remove SIP trunk capacity as your call volume changes, with clear pricing and no hidden fees. This is especially helpful for seasonal businesses and growing teams.
Unlimited calling in the U.S. and Canada
Plans include unlimited minutes within the U.S. and Canada, with competitive international rates shown up front.
Fast setup and number porting
Set up a SIP trunk in minutes through an easy online portal. Keep your existing numbers with DID porting, or get new numbers quickly.
E911 in the U.S. and Canada
Launch with E911 capability, so emergency calls are routed correctly and your service meets local requirements.
Reliable North American infrastructure
Calls run on AWS-based softswitches located in Canada and the U.S., which supports reliability and data residency requirements.
Real people for support
When you need help, you talk to a person on our support team.
What to Look For in a SIP Trunk Provider
- Clear pricing: know exactly what you pay per channel, per minute and for international calls.
- Contract terms: month-to-month plans give you flexibility as your needs change.
- Texting support: check that SMS works with your business numbers and your phone system.
- Number porting: make sure you can keep your existing numbers.
- Emergency calling: E911 support for every location.
- Reliability and data location: know where your calls are processed.
- Support: access to real people when something needs attention.
How to Get Started
- Tell us your needs: number of users, locations and expected call volume.
- Choose your numbers: port your existing numbers or pick new ones.
- Set up your trunk in the online portal, with our team’s help if needed.
- Turn on SMS and E911, then start calling and texting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SIP trunking?
SIP trunking delivers phone lines over the internet. It connects your business phone system to the public phone network and lets you add or remove lines easily.
Can a SIP trunk send text messages?
Yes, when the provider supports SMS. With E-MetroTel, SMS is integrated through our cloud and on-premises platforms, so your business numbers can send and receive texts.
Do E-MetroTel SIP trunks require a contract?
No. E-MetroTel SIP trunks are month-to-month, and you can adjust capacity as your needs change.
Can I keep my existing business phone numbers?
Yes. Existing numbers can usually be moved to E-MetroTel through DID porting.
Is E911 included?
E911 capability is available in the U.S. and Canada, so emergency calls are routed to the right place.
Bring Calls and Texts Together
E-MetroTel SIP trunking combines reliable voice, built-in SMS, clear month-to-month pricing and fast setup, backed by real people when you need help.
