Benefits of Switching to VoIP for Your Business

VoIP is a new technology, enabling users to essentially make telephone calls using the internet – VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. For home users, access is usually provided through a computer, but dedicated hardware, including handsets, are more common for business users and are increasingly becoming the norm. VoIP calls can be made to any type of telephone line, not just other VoIP lines. It has become increasingly accepted in recent years, and has become seen as a replacement for standard telephone lines in some areas.

As the data is carried over your existing broadband connection, operating costs for VoIP providers are far lower than for telephone network operators (e.g. BT), who have to maintain and operate a physical, regulated national and international network. This lower operating cost is reflected in the usage costs, and is remarkably different when comparing national and international calling costs. Internally, there are also lower costs associated with using VoIP. Moving or setting up new employees on an internal network does not require a telephone engineer to handle a line or number change. Employees can simply move the VoIP phone and access broadband at any point, and have the same contact number, with no physical set up required.

A related benefit is that VoIP makes your network very flexible, including things the aren’t feasible with standard phone technology. Providing you have broadband access, you can use the VoIP service anywhere, such as at home or when travelling. Employees and customers can be in contact via your normal landline number, and, conversely you can make calls without the expense of a mobile phone. Although you don’t always need a computer, you can connect VoIP system to one to make multitasking easier, meaning, for example you can stay connected at an internet café.

Some VoIP services feature the ability to forward faxes and voicemail to your email inbox, meaning they can be archived and forwarded easily, and some providers allow you to save time by having emails automatically read aloud. There are benefits for customers too. It is possible, and straightforward, to set up a “virtual” phone number. This means the number customers dial doesn’t necessarily have to be the normal one for your region, you can set it to theirs, meaning they’ll only be charged their local call rate. Calls made to you can also be set up to direct to a mobile phone before going straight to voicemail if nobody is there to answer at the VoIP line, meaning customers can always get in touch with you.

It doesn’t matter what type of broadband connection you use, so you can consider any of the broadband providers to provide the line for your VoIP service. If you’re considering using multiple VoIP lines over one broadband connection, it can be a good idea to consider speed when comparing, to provide a reliable replacement for a traditional phone line.

Please Note - All Prices Quoted Are Correct at Time of Posting