VoIP (or Voice over Internet Protocol) is a phone which allows users to send and receive calls via an internet connection. VoIP continues to grow in popularity; many UK businesses today are now making the switch to VoIP following OpenReach’s official announcement that landlines will be switched off in 2025.
Keep reading to find out more about what VoIP is, how it works, and why people and businesses are now using it.
What Is VoIP and How Does It Work?
Traditional landlines rely on copper wires, while VoIP phones can be used anywhere in the world without having a physical installation point. VoIP relies on a reliable internet connection, which means those that use VoIP can send and receive calls to anyone regardless of their location.
VoIP uses packet switching technology – or in other words, converts the analogue audio signals (an individual’s voice) into digital data over the internet (either public internet or a private network). Calls can be made to anywhere as well as from and to any device. VoIP phones also allow people to send calls to landlines too!
What Are the Benefits to VoIP?
There are endless benefits to VoIP. From how easy it is to install, run as well as how cost-effective VoIP business phone systems are for startups and SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises). Some of the benefits to VoIP are:
- Easy installation
- High-quality audio
- Flexibility over location
- Little equipment needed to use or install
- Advanced features
- Easy to integrate into other business systems
- Previous numbers can be kept when switching
- Inexpensive to run
- Easy to learn and teach to employees
Clearly, there are many benefits to VoIP. Another great thing about VoIP is that it can be used on various devices, from laptops, tablets, desktops to phones. What’s more, VoIP can also be used for business or personal-use – so, it is truly multifunctional and can be used by anyone.
VoIP is particularly loved by businesses today. VoIP business phone systems not only have many features for businesses to take advantage of and help grow their business, but are also cost-effective and easy to integrate. Any business, regardless of size or industry, can benefit from using VoIP.
How Does VoIP Differ to a Traditional Landline?
One of the main differences between VoIP and a traditional landline is that VoIP is not limited by a physical location. Landlines are fixed into a single physical point by a copper wire, while VoIP uses digital data to send and receive calls.
Another key difference between VoIP phones and mobiles to landlines is that there are also other features to take advantage of. While landlines can have advanced features at an extra cost, VoIP phones already come with these – such as, conferencing, call routing, call queueing and even digital receptionists.
VoIP phone systems can also be a quick and easy option to contact multiple different contacts, particularly if you need to do so internationally. For example, if you are helping people get mortgages for home improvements and need to move quickly, VoIP can provide a quick and easy way to facilitate this type of contact.
VoIP in short, is becoming the more favourable option when it comes to business phone systems. The inevitable landline switch-off which quickly approaches means more and more companies, of varied sizes, are now considering the switch to VoIP.
How to Choose a VoIP Provider
Choosing the right VoIP provider might seem difficult for businesses that are switching their business phone systems. However, doing some quick research, understanding your budget as well as what specific features you’d like to use from VoIP can help make this process easier and quicker.
Taking customer reviews, a business’s experience as well as any credentials, will certainly help you discover which VoIP provider is best for you. Look out for special offers as well as any packages which may help you save money long-term. However, finding a VoIP provider in today’s age is relatively easy and making that switch will definitely pay-off.
