What is the 'virtual numbers' feature offered with VoIP?

What is the 'virtual numbers' feature offered with VoIP?

Jim Gurol (VP of Operations, Tierzero) gives expert video advice on: Does VoIP offer the same bonus features as regular phone service?; Is voice mail better using VoIP?; How do 'alternate area codes' work in VoIP? and more...

Virtual numbers are a lot like alternate numbers. Basically, you get assigned another number. It might be a city or state that's closer to somebody that you know that you make a lot of calls to. And to that person that's calling you, it's going to appear like a local call to them. The problem, again, is the 911 problem that is causing issues where if that outbound call appears from that virtual number as a New York number and you live in Florida, for example, then the 911 will be dispatched to New York and not Florida.