VoIP is a technology that enables traditional telephony services to function over computer networks. It works by converting your voice into a digital signal which can then be transmitted over private Wide Area Network (WAN) and the public Internet.
In 1995, VocalTec pioneered the first widely available Internet phone, this means VoIP is not a new technology. It has been available since the 1990s, but it wasn’t so popular until recently.
Although VoIP is now a well-established means of setting up your business telecommunications, there’s still some skepticism around it. For any business, no matter the size, making a major shift in the communications infrastructure is something that may seem daunting and expensive. For those who haven’t yet adopted Voice Over IP, it can be hard to acknowledge the real benefits from prior assumptions.
No one wants to make the wrong decision, so let’s start debunking the most common myths about VoIP business phone systems.
#1. ”VoIP is for large corporations.”
The VoIP phone system is so flexible that it can be adopted by companies of any size and offers the same benefits for SMEs as it does for large corporations. For example, a small business can start with a single connection and expand as they grow, and mid-sized businesses can use VoIP in multiple locations and save money on inter-company calls.
VoIP is one of the most inexpensive ways of communication and SMEs can significantly reduce their phone bills, especially through saving on international calls. The benefits of VoIP phone systems are significant across all industries, from tech firms to real estate agents, schools and more.
#2. ”You can’t keep your existing number and will have to get a new phone”
Most likely you don’t want to give up your existing number when switching to VoIP and the good news is – you don’t have to. You can keep your existing number or switch to a new one, it’s up to you. Additionally, you can use the phone you already own. VoIP desk phones are connected to the internet via an Ethernet cable and there’s no need to make any electrical wiring changes to the office building.
You can make and receive phone calls from multiple devices which are VoIP compatible such as personal or company laptops, desktops, or mobile phones.
#3. ” The installation is hard.”
Transitioning to business VoIP is super-easy due to the simplicity of the system. You and your staff will be able to use the system as if it were a conventional phone network. You connect your phone to the internet, enter the user details, and that’s it!
At Everyday Communications, we’ll take care of installation, set-up, plus ongoing management for you. All you need to do is plug in your new VoIP handset (your old PSTN phone won’t work over the Internet).
#4. ”It’s just like Skype or Zoom.”
There’s no need to log in to an app or computer, you can still use a traditional telephone handset if you’d like to. It’s the underlying technology that relies on an internet connection and not a landline. There’s another common misconception that you can only call other VoIP systems. This is also a myth. It’s cheaper to call landlines and mobiles from a VoIP system than a traditional landline network and even cheaper than using a standard mobile.
#5. ”It isn’t very different from a traditional alternative.”
By moving to VoIP you can benefit from multiple features that are not available with a landline. Instant messaging, project management applications and video conferencing, are just a few examples.
It’s not just “another great deal”.
Hidden fees and installation charges, sound familiar? It’s not unusual for businesses to be wary about VoIP. Cloud telephony isn’t like that, there’s only a monthly charge for the number of lines you need and no international charges. We’re here to offer a more versatile, and more affordable solution for your business. Our mobile broadband service with cloud telephony can provide a combined business solution and also enhance day-to-day business productivity.
For more info about our VoIP phone systems or to find the perfect phone solution for your small business, get in touch with our team!
