Business VoIP providers have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. And it’s no wonder why – VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) offers a number of advantages over traditional phone systems, including lower costs, increased flexibility and enhanced call quality.
But what exactly is VoIP? How does it work? And what do you need to know before making the switch to a VoIP business phone system?
In this article, we’ll answer all of those questions and more. We’ll also provide an overview of the top Business VoIP providers in the UK, so you can compare features and find the perfect fit for your business.
What is VoIP?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a technology that allows you to make and receive phone calls over the internet, rather than using a traditional phone line.
VoIP works by converting your voice into digital data packets and then sending those packets over the internet to your recipient. The process is reversed at the other end, with the data packets being converted back into audio so the person on the other end can hear you.
One of the main benefits of VoIP is that it’s much cheaper than a traditional phone line. That’s because you’re only paying for an internet connection, rather than a separate phone line.
In addition, VoIP offers increased flexibility and features over a traditional phone system. For example, many VoIP providers offer call forwarding, voicemail-to-email and caller ID blocking as standard.
What do you need to use VoIP?
To use VoIP, you’ll need a broadband internet connection and a VoIP adapter or IP phone.
A VoIP adapter is a box that connects your regular home phone to the internet, allowing you to make and receive VoIP calls. IP phones are purpose-built for VoIP and look just like regular phones, except they connect directly to your router via an Ethernet cable.
If you’re using a computer or mobile device to make VoIP calls, you’ll also need some form of headset so you can talk and be heard clearly. This can be a simple set of headphones with a built-in microphone, or a more sophisticated USB headset.
What are the benefits of VoIP?
There are a number of advantages that VoIP offers over traditional phone systems, including:
Cost savings: VoIP is typically much cheaper than a traditional phone line, since you’re only paying for your internet connection.
Flexibility: VoIP systems are often more flexible than traditional systems, with features like call forwarding and voicemail-to-email as standard.
Improved call quality: VoIP calls are typically clearer than traditional phone calls, since they’re not subject to the same degradation that can occur over analogue phone lines.
What are the disadvantages of VoIP?
There are also some potential drawbacks to using VoIP, including:
Reliance on internet: VoIP requires a reliable and fast internet connection to work well. If your internet connection is slow or unreliable, your VoIP calls will suffer.
Power outages: If there’s a power outage, your VoIP phone system will be down since it relies on electricity to power the VoIP adapter or IP phone.
Potential for dropped calls: If your internet connection is interrupted, your VoIP call may drop. This is less of a problem with modern broadband connections, but it can still happen occasionally.
How do I choose a VoIP provider?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a VoIP provider, including:
Cost: How much does the service cost? VoIP providers typically charge a monthly fee, with some offering discounts for longer-term contracts.
Features: What features are included in the service? Make sure the provider offers the features you need, such as call forwarding and voicemail-to-email.
Call quality: How clear are the calls? VoIP calls should be just as clear as regular phone calls, so make sure to test out the call quality before signing up for a service.
Now that you know all about VoIP, let’s take a look at some of the top Business VoIP providers UK.
Now that you know all about VoIP, it’s time to make the switch to VoIP. VoIP offers many benefits over traditional phone systems, including cost savings, flexibility, and improved call quality. So what are you waiting for? Make the switch to VoIP today!
