Understanding the Difference: Phone Validity vs. Trestle’s Activity Score

At Trestle, we provide detailed insights into phone numbers, from ownership and activity to metadata that helps businesses build reliable workflows. However, distinguishing between similar-seeming signals, such as the phone activity score (connected/disconnected status) and the validity of a phone number, can be essential for optimal lead management and fraud prevention. This article will break down these nuances to help you leverage Trestle’s phone insights better.

What is Phone Validity? #

Phone validity is a straightforward concept: it confirms if a phone number has a proper syntax (10 digits, etc.) and is assigned to a carrier. It doesn’t tell you whether a call will be answered, but it’s a foundational step in verifying a phone number. A number is considered valid if:

1. It has the correct syntax.
2. It’s assigned to a carrier within a designated numbering system (e.g., the North American Numbering Plan).

If these two checks pass, the number is valid, meaning it’s formatted correctly and could theoretically receive calls. Many services will also provide the carrier name, line type (e.g., mobile, landline), and region associated with the number. However, Trestle’s Phone Validation API and Real Contact API add Activity Score and other insights to ensure a number isn’t just valid on paper but viable for actual contact. Read more about how a phone’s validity is determined.

The Limitations of Validity Alone #

Knowing a phone number is valid doesn’t necessarily make it useful. A valid number might not be in use, meaning it could result in a disconnected tone when called. In situations where reaching a live person is crucial, such as lead generation or customer outreach, this can pose a problem. This is where the phone activity score comes in, complementing phone validity with a connected or disconnected signal.

What is the Phone Activity Score? #

The phone activity score is Trestle’s measure of recent phone engagement. It ranges from 0 (no activity or disconnected) to 100 (consistent recent activity). Unlike validity, which confirms a phone number’s structural authenticity, the activity score determines whether the phone is actively used. It’s particularly useful when businesses need to prioritize reachable contacts, avoid wasted calls, and manage promotional resources effectively.

Here’s how to interpret different activity score ranges:

• 70-100: The phone is active, consistently used, and likely connected to a subscriber.
• 30 or Below: There’s either no recent activity or high confidence that the phone is disconnected.
• Around 50: Limited data makes it uncertain whether the phone is active or inactive.

In practical terms, an activity score of 70 or above supports confident outreach, while a score of 30 or below suggests the number may be inactive or disconnected. This allows businesses to filter out lower-priority leads. To learn more about how the activity score is calculated, check out this article.

How to Use Phone Validity and Phone Activity Score  #

Here are some guidelines to help decide when to rely on phone validity, the activity score, or both:

1. For Lead Contactability: If your goal is to reach potential customers, checking both phone validity and activity is essential. A lead with a valid phone number but a low or zero activity score is less likely to answer, and prioritizing numbers with a high activity score increases your chances of contact.
   • Rule: is_valid = true && activity_score > 30
     
2. For Fraud Prevention and Fake Sign-Ups: Fraudulent sign-ups or promo abuse often involve non-fixed VoIP or virtual numbers that are easy to obtain but lack reliable contact points. Lower activity score phones are also a risky signal; additional friction should be added for the sign-ups. Trestle’s insights can identify and flag these numbers for scrutiny, reducing risk.
   • Rule: is_valid = true && line_type != “NonFixedVOIP” && activity_score > 30
     
3. For SMS Campaigns: SMS success hinges on valid, active, and likely mobile numbers. Combining phone validity, a high activity score, and a mobile line type increases the chances that messages reach their target.
   • Rule: is_valid = true && activity_score > 30 && line_type == “Mobile”

The Power of Validity and Activity #

While phone validity checks for a number’s technical viability, the activity score assesses its practical usability. Together, they provide a comprehensive view that helps ensure better business outcomes, whether filtering quality leads or catching fraud.

Trestle’s phone insights allow you to make informed choices based on the type of number and its usage patterns. By understanding the unique strengths of phone validity and activity scores, you can tailor your contact strategies and optimize workflows across your business.

If you have additional questions, please reach out to support@trestleiq.com.