What is a VoIP phone?
The term “VoIP” actually refers to a number of different technologies that all provide a means of digital communication, but allow for the transmission of voice, or other sounds (music files for example) instead of standard analog signals.
What are VoIP phones?
To take advantage of these types of services, you’ll need a VoIP phone. Just like with regular telephone service and “landlines” (if you really still have one), a VoIP phone makes and receives calls over your Internet connection.
Do I need to purchase VoIP phones or is it part of the service?
You’re able to purchase VoIP telephony hardware and use them with many VoIP services. If you already have a phone system (multiple phones and the boxes they plug into), it’s possible to make use of VoIP services without replacing these.
Check if the service you’re considering requires a specific type of phone or device, though many will support one that you already have.
What are the benefits of VoIP phones?
There are a number of reasons to consider moving to VoIP for your phone service. For businesses, cost is a critical element as it can be as little as 10% of the costs of traditional phone service.
VoIP phones also allow for calls to be made from the convenience of your computer or mobile devices. This is great if you’re out of the office, but want to be able to take calls without being tied to a desk.
It’s also possible with many services to have multiple different extensions, with each person having them on their own devices, giving you the freedom to take your calls wherever they’re convenient.
What are some disadvantages of VoIP phones?
Though VoIP is an attractive choice in terms of cost, it does require a significant initial investment in equipment. The service providers do offer options to help offset these costs, but it’s still something that needs to be considered.
Another drawback is that while you can use your VoIP phones on a mobile or home network, it’s not compatible with standard cellular networks. This means that while traveling on the road, you would not be able to take advantage of your VoIP services.
Is it worth switching my existing telecom provider to a VoIP service provider?
It’s certainly possible that you’ll find a better deal with a VoIP provider, but you need to weigh the cost of disconnecting your current provider and moving your phone service to the new provider.
While you might save quite a bit each month, it can be frustrating and burdensome to make changes during business hours. Make sure you add up the cost of your time and other expenses involved if deciding to move away from your current provider.
What types of VoIP services are out there?
There are a number of service providers that offer VoIP telephone services to businesses and homes. It’s important to understand the differences between the services, as some are considerably better deals than others.
A “pure VoIP” service is one where all devices are required to be VoIP phones. Depending on the provider, they may include features such as basic telephony and fax services.
A “cloud phone” service is one where the phones connect to a service provider’s servers and perform some or most of the functions traditionally handled by your phone system.
This type of service can be as little as a regular phone line or as much as an extremely sophisticated phone system complete with multiple extensions, voicemail and even video conferencing.
Make sure to understand the different features available with each service so you can determine which type of VoIP phone service will be most beneficial for your company.
How do I choose the right VoIP phone service?
There are a number of things to consider when choosing a service provider.
Does the service support your devices?
It’s important to choose a provider that supports the types of telephony equipment you’re currently using. For example, if you’re currently using traditional phones with separate handsets then it will be beneficial to choose a VoIP phone service that is compatible with these types of devices.
How much will the service cost?
Like all services, costs can vary considerably depending on a number of factors.
Some of these are the features you’ll require, how long your contract will be and even the payment options you choose.It’s also helpful to know if there are any additional fees that will be charged, such as equipment rental fees or installation charges.
Do they have a local or toll-free number?
When choosing a VoIP phone service it’s important to know if the service provider has an available local or toll-free number in your area that you can use for incoming calls. This can be helpful when determining how many extensions you will need to purchase and will also be necessary for any call routing services.
When choosing a VoIP phone service it’s important to know if the service provider has an available local or toll-free number in your area that you can use for incoming calls. This can be helpful when determining how many extensions you will need to purchase and will also be necessary for any call routing services.
What are the service terms?
There are many providers that offer flexible subscriptions to suit your business and budgetary requirements.
Some service providers even offer a “bring your own device” program, which can be especially beneficial for those using traditional phones and who may not want to incur the expense of new VoIP hardware.
It’s also important that you understand how long your contract will be and what the cancellation policies are.
What is the quality of service?
A VoIP phone service provider will typically offer several different types of plans, such as a basic or advanced plan.It’s important that you know the different features available with each plan to determine which type of service will be most beneficial for your business.
What are the different types of VoIP phone services available?
There are two categories to choose from when choosing a VoIP phone service, those that provide virtual PBX services and those that provide on-premises PBX services.There are some significant differences between the two, especially when considering costs.A virtual PBX service is one where all services are provided to the phone system from a centralised location. This includes the PBX (Private Branch Exchange) which controls all lines, extensions and even phone features.
These types of services are typically more expensive due to the need for a phone system at a remote location.
An on-premises PBX, which is also commonly referred to as an IP-PBX, is one that resides on the premises of an organisation. This means it can be easily managed by the company but is less reliable due to being so close to the phones.
It’s also possible to add new extensions without the expense of additional hardware, making a hosted service ideal for smaller companies that are just starting out.
If you are in search of the best business VoIP providers UK, partner with menetalk.
