5G is Here: What Does This Innovation Mean for VoIP?

As many international mobile carriers prepare to begin introducing 5G data networks to the masses, a lot of hype has been generated around this topic. Some mobile carriers are rolling out small tests of the new technology this year, while telecom operators and smartphone manufacturers alike are developing the necessary technology to facilitate 5G.

The introduction of 5G will play a significant role in the use of VoIP technology. VoIP stands for voice over internet protocol and is an age-old method of making calls through the internet. This method was especially used for making international calls. 

VoIP calls, both audio and video, depend greatly on the download and upload speeds allowed by the internet service provider. The lesser these speeds the lower the quality of the call. With the 5G technology available in the market, the download and upload speeds offered by internet services are much greater. This greater speed can prevent the phenomenon referred to as packet loss.

Packet loss is a phenomenon that refers to packets of data being lost as it is transmitted through a computer network. This loss of data can result in call disruption and poor video quality. In some cases, it can even cause the calls to drop.

Boasting 10 to 20 times the speed of its 4G predecessor, 5G distinguishes itself by being able to extend bandwidth as needed. 4G is a system that consists of fixed bandwidth which, if saturated, will shift down to slower speeds. 5G, on the other hand, is much more versatile because this bandwidth automatically adjusts if more users are connected to a network. Thus, speeds will remain constant, which helps eliminate slow or dropped connections.

With a versatile bandwidth system being the key differentiator for 5G, how does this affect VoIP? A better bandwidth means that more things are possible, and here are some advantages to take note of.

Bandwidth can now be expanded to accommodate an increased number of users, so the likelihood of slow connections will be little to none. This is good news for VoIP, as call quality will improve – and stay, at its peak. The connectivity for video conferences will now also be more robust, which will make overall communication better for remote workers.

Facilitating 5G through microwave signals now makes it easier to access remote areas, such as hilly regions. The Taebaek Mountains of South Korea are a prime example. With the Winter Olympics of 2018 taking place here, South Korea aims to also launch 5G together at the same time. It’s no surprise that shifting to a different terrain can make internet connectivity poor, but this will now be a thing of the past once 5G is introduced to the masses, and smartphones can enable it.

Apart from the wonders that 5G will create in the VoIP spectrum, it will also empower other forms of technology to perform better. For instance, robots that function independently can now function seamlessly owing to constant connectivity speeds. The same goes for applications that use Augmented Reality, such as semi- or fully- autonomous cars.

To make the best use of VoIP technology along with the benefits of 5G internet, it is very important to have a good VoIP software that allows you to make calls seamlessly. VoIP vendors are aware of the competition in the market and each one of them is trying their best to stand out in the market.

With VoIP vendors making all sorts of claims to sell their products and services, it is very important that you be well-informed about what features should you look for in VoIP software. Following are some of the features that you must have if you want to make the best of your VoIP software.

• Advanced call management and call routing will help your business systemize how it directs incoming calls.
• An auto-attendant eliminates the need for a human switchboard operator and keeps your customers happy as no call is missed.
• Business text messaging capabilities can help you with SMS marketing and keep your customers updated about what’s new.
• Call analytics can provide you with some very important customer insights that you can leverage to improve your relationship with your customers and reach your business goals faster.
• Call forwarding is also an important feature to make sure that no calls go answered. When your team is not available at their designation, the call forwarding feature can forward the call to a number where there will be someone to attend the call, and your customer will be saved from disappointment.
• The conference bridge feature in VoIP software can help you to connect more than two people on a single call.
• Extension dialing is a feature that can increase efficiency within your organization. The extension dialing system allows your team members to respond to forward the call much faster thus reducing the waiting time for the customers.
• Video conferencing is now a must-have feature in any good VoIP system as video conferencing has become essential to businesses and has become a norm.
• VoIP switchboard is also an important feature that allows you to keep the calls going even when the callers are on the move.

Other useful features that you should look for in a VoIP system include VoIP caller ID, voicemail greetings, voicemail to text and email, toll-free number, instant messaging, custom ringback, do not disturb mode, call screening, call queuing, call recording, call rating, speed dial, three-way calling, softphone, priority alerts, mobile app, hot-desking, and IVR.

Interested to know how the latest VoIP systems can benefit your business and its bottom line? Visit our website wheelhouse.com and compare and review the top VoIP vendors. You can also contact us using our helpdesk and our team will be happy to help you in making an informed decision regarding the purchase of the best VoIP software.