What is VoIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a means of communicating voice over IP networks, or put more simply, allowing phone calls over the internet.

How does VoIP work?

VoIP converts your voice into a digital signal and sends it to the person you’re speaking to, via the internet, rather than down a telephone line.

Whereas older telephone systems involved call operators manually ‘connecting’ calls, making a physical connection between the two recipients of the call, VoIP calls are entirely digital.

So typically anywhere there is internet access, there could be a VoIP call. The recipient of the call doesn’t need to also be using VoIP, so VoIP can call smart phones, computers, and telephone boxes.

It’s a phone line for the modern, connected world.

What are the benefits of using VoIP?

VoIP offers several benefits over older technologies

• VoIP does not require line rental, traditionally one of the largest telephony costs. Additionally, the cost of calls per minute is usually lower than older telephone networks.
• Calls, even to international numbers can in many cases be entirely free.
• VoIP is highly scalable. Because less physical hardware is required, new numbers can easily be added or removed without complicated installation work.
• VoIP numbers can be accessed from anywhere – so there’s no need to be tethered to a landline. Numbers are portable, so a call could be taken from a mobile, a computer, or anywhere a VoIP device can access the internet.
• VoIP allows videoconferencing, so can replace other systems, and save further cost. Again, because these are done over the internet, they can be done with a range of hardware, and concurrently across multiple, vast geographical areas.
• VoIP can be used on your own mobile phone, so there’s no need to carry a separate business phone. Don’t have your phone, or the battery is flat? It’s just as easy to pick up a laptop or tablet to continue a call. Of course, dedicated VoIP phones are available, if added functionality is needed.

Are there any downsides to VoIP

One of the few drawbacks of VoIP is that it is reliant on a stable internet connection. If the connection goes down, so does the ability to make calls. With modern systems, however, it’s possible to re-direct calls to a mobile phone.

Similarly, if an internet provider has bandwidth caps or restrictions in place, these could affect the ability to make VoIP calls. This can be mitigated with a high-quality installation which will prioritise calls over internet access, though be sure to check any bandwidth allowances from your IP.

How is VoIP installed / set up?

Installing VoIP is simpler than installing traditional lines, as no physical cabling needs to be laid. In many cases, all that is needed is an internet-enabled device, and some VoIP software. We can install VoIP for your network, so get in touch with us today to discuss your options, whether you’re on a cable network, DSL, or a large-scale business network.

Want to make the switch to VoIP?

As well as potentially saving your business money, using VoIP has many other benefits.

If you want to talk to one of our telecoms experts about how moving your phone calls to VoIP could help your business, please give us a call on 08700 118 000 or leave us a message today.