Ready to Ditch the Landline? Why Modern Businesses are Choosing VoIP

Another month, another sky-high long-distance bill. You’d love to work from home to care for your child, but it’s just not feasible with your current phone setup. And hiring new staff? That’s on hold—you're maxed out on lines until the technicians can (hopefully) make it next week. Challenges like these can make you feel like your business communications are stuck in the past!

That's why many companies are switching to a better phone system—VoIP! Imagine slashing your phone bill, enjoying crystal-clear calls from anywhere with internet, and easily adding lines without a technician. Ready to learn more? Let’s dive into the details!

What is VoIP?

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that uses your internet connection to make and receive calls. In simple terms, VoIP converts voice into digital signals that travel over your broadband connection. This process allows you to make calls from various devices, including your computer, tablet, or a dedicated VoIP phone. Since the system isn’t dependent on a dedicated copper wire like your landline – VoIP is portable! You can use your device to make calls wherever you have an internet connection (more on that later).

A basic VoIP setup includes a VoIP phone connected to your router, and a VoIP service provider which sets up the call.

How Does VoIP Compare to a Landline?

In a traditional setup, calls travel through analog phone lines and copper cables. While dependable, landlines offer limited features and lower voice quality and can be affected by line cuts. VoIP, on the other hand, uses the internet to transmit calls, giving it greater flexibility and scalability. VoIP integrates with other software, supports remote work, and lets you forward calls to a cell phone during outages. Where landlines are like single-purpose appliances, VoIP offers all the versatility of a smartphone—and more.

Why Switch from Landline to VoIP?

There are several compelling reasons businesses are switching to VoIP phone systems:

• Cost Savings: VoIP calls, especially international ones, are generally far more affordable than those made on traditional lines. Many VoIP providers offer packages specifically tailored to small businesses.
• Scalability: VoIP services can easily grow with your business. Adding new users is typically as easy as updating your software settings, unlike traditional phone lines that may require physical rewiring.
• Complete Portability: With VoIP, employees can make and receive calls from anywhere with an Internet connection. With the growing demand for work-from-home flexibility VoIP is the answer!
• Advanced features: Access premium functionality like auto attendants, call recording, text messaging, and call queues – without expensive add-ons.
• Clear Audio Quality: Crisp and clear calls wherever a fast, stable internet connection is available. This improves the quality of client interactions and overall office communications. 

Equipment Required for a VoIP System

Setting up a VoIP system is fairly straightforward, but you’ll need a few key components:

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  High-Speed Internet Connection: VoIP calls require a stable and fast internet connection.
• VoIP-Compatible Phones: These can range from softphones (apps on your computer or mobile device) to specialized VoIP desk phones.
• Router/Network Switches: Ensure your network equipment can handle the increased data load, especially for large teams.
• VoIP Service Provider: VoIP providers handle the actual call routing and management. Choose one that offers the features and support your business needs. Contact us for more information about our VoIP services.

What is a Softphone?

A softphone is a ‘software phone’ – that is, a software application on your computer which is used to send, receive, and otherwise manage calls. By contrast, a hard phone is a physical telephone device which connects to the internet through Wi-Fi or an ethernet cable.

Is My Internet Connection Good Enough for VoIP?

For VoIP to deliver clear, reliable audio, network quality is key. Here’s what to consider:

• Bandwidth: Ensure your internet can handle the call volume. As a guide:
  • Look at your peak call volume and multiply by 0.2 Mbps for a safe bandwidth estimate.
    • Example: 10 simultaneous calls x 0.2 Mbps = 2 Mbps
  • Remember to consider both upload and download speeds since calls involve both receiving and transmitting digital audio.
• Jitter and Ping:
  • Aim for jitter under 30 ms and ping under 100 ms to reduce lag and interference.
    Click here to test the quality of your current internet connection.

 

Want to test the quality of your internet connection right now? CLICK HERE

 

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What Are Jitter and Ping? 

Jitter refers to variations in the time it takes data packets to travel from one point to another in a network, often due to network congestion or signal interference. Like unpredictable traffic jams on a highway, jitter can cause delays, echoes, or choppy audio in VoIP calls. 

Ping measures how quickly data packets travel between devices. It’s essentially the "reaction time" of your internet connection, with lower values indicating faster speeds.

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Main Features of a VoIP System

VoIP systems come with a variety of features designed to support and enhance business communication:

• Auto-Attendant: Like a virtual receptionist, this feature routes calls to the correct department without human intervention.
• Call Recording: Record calls for training or compliance.
• Voicemail-to-Email: Converts voicemail messages to email for easy access.
• Call Forwarding and Routing: Direct calls to the right person, even if they’re working remotely.
• Video Conferencing: Many VoIP providers offer integrated video conferencing, making team collaboration seamless.
• Virtual Phone Numbers: Permits multiple phone numbers, even in different locations, to ring to a single device or department.

Turbo-charge Your Communications with VoIP Services

The time has come to let go of your old landline phone system. VoIP opens a new world of cost savings, flexibility, and powerful features that help modernize your business communications. Ditching your old landline for VoIP brings immediate benefits

• remote accessibility
• seamless scaling
• reduced monthly bills

Ready to see how VoIP can streamline your workflow? Setup is easy with the help of a qualified IT partner. Let us tailor the perfect VoIP solution for your unique needs. Let’s transform how your team connects and communicates—reach out today to learn more!