Why VoIP is Different Than “Traditional” Phone Systems?

Traditionally, telephone calls are placed using physical equipment each step of the way. A pair of dedicated channels is needed to complete each call and must be maintained for the duration of the call. This type of call is impacted by factors such as distance, traffic, and availability, which can add to the cost of the call.

rather than through copper wires over telephone lines, sending the audio (your conversation) in digital “packets.” Using a process called “packet-switching”, voice data is transmitted and assembled at each end of the conversation with enough speed to ensure continuity throughout the call. By removing many of the limitations faced by “traditional” telephone calling, VoIP tends to be a much more cost-effective method of communication.

Because of its use of the Internet rather than physical hardware, VoIP also allows businesses more agility when it comes to scaling their telephone systems, adding/removing features, or restructuring their networks.

This agility, coupled with a host of available features, gives businesses the power to operate more streamlined manner and serve their customers much more effectively without needing additional personnel and equipment to improve business communication.

VoIP phone systems come with minimal equipment costs and can be implemented wherever your company may have an office. In contrast, traditional phone lines constantly need equipment upgrades and service repairs to function without fault.

The most significant benefit of VoIP is the ability to carry long-distance calls with rates that significantly lower the standard international calling rates. This would allow your business to expand beyond geographical borders and even internationally with the ability to provide services wherever the customers may be. If your company is located in the US, you can enjoy unlimited calls to US phone numbers.

Modern VoIP services also come with mobile apps and cloud support, allowing employees and team members to attend calls from anywhere they may be. This is a convenient and helpful feature. At the same time, the world had to hit a pause during the pandemic, and it continues to bring people together with the modern hybrid workplace model many companies have adopted as we emerge out of the pandemic era.

Companies can deliver messages to all employees more efficiently via VoIP compared to reaching everyone over the phone. VoIP allows callers to engage in something known as multi-party calling. This is especially useful for small and large businesses conducting conference calls with multiple callers. All callers can join the same call and engage in the same conversation. Currently, this is a built-in feature of the most popular VoIP providers.

VoIP services also come with features such as internet fax, business text messaging, and video call functions. Such a comprehensive communication suite will be a great addition to your business.

There are several factors that you may want to consider before adopting a VoIP phone system:

Internet Connection

Connectivity to the internet is necessary for VoIP phone systems services to operate. You will have to invest in a separate router and internet connection for your VoIP service to ensure uninterrupted service. This could also mean that you may not be able to reach geographical areas with low signals.

Quality Of The Call

Since the VoIP call is transmitted via the Internet, it may seem like something other than the smoothest call. You may experience low-quality voice and video or slight delays in transmission speed, creating a very tedious experience from time to time. This may be dependent on how strong your IP signal is. Due to connectivity issues, you may also experience sudden call drops when using a VoIP phone systems service.

Security Concerns

Since VoIP calls are transmitted via the internet, there is the possibility of interceptions and eavesdropping, which can compromise the level of security of the conversation. Most VoIP vendors are diligent about safety and have gone to lengths to ensure that you can securely communicate using VoIP. Educating your staff and following a thorough VoIP call protocol is also advisable.

Not Reliable As An Emergency Service

We reiterate that VoIP services depend on an active internet connection, which means it might not be the most reliable way to communicate in an emergency where internet services may be compromised. These days, most VoIP phone systems providers provide an E911 service that would alert someone of your location in case of an emergency.

These days with full internet connection speeds and the mainstream availability of 5G. VoIP services have become much more reliable and don’t seem to suffer from their usual drawbacks as much. And with the introduction of cloud-based services, VoIP phone systems are easier to use than ever.

If your company is on a mission to increase its reach and be available to more customers beyond your locale, investing in a VoIP phone systems service may be a great choice. When the time comes, you will also have the option to scale up your VoIP phone system and your company.

By now, it should be clear that a VoIP phone system can give your company more freedom than you can imagine. If you have decided that a VoIP phone system is the right fit for your company’s mission, we can recommend what VoIP phone systems service is suitable for you using our phone systems buyers’ guide. You can also compare all the top phone system providers on the market and also compare each VoIP system against the other to ensure that you pick the best option for your company’s needs.