The introduction of the VoIP phone system has been the biggest change in telephone systems in the last 112 years. Nowadays, it’s a technology that we’re all very familiar with – apps like Whatsapp utilise VoIP. But, how exactly does it work? This post is going to explain that as well as its benefits for businesses…Â
What Does VoIP Stand For?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. Head to our telecoms glossary to find out more acronyms for other terms commonly used in the industry.
How Does VoIP Work?
A VoIP phone system works using internet phone lines (instead of Analogue or Digital lines). The system itself is hosted in the cloud rather than located physically on your premises. VoIP converts your voice into a digital signal, compresses it, and sends it over the internet.
Here’s how VoIP works in more detail:
01. You make or receive a call on a VoIP device
02. The audio from the call is broken down into packets (a packet is a unit of data)
03. These packets are sent over the internet and routed to the other party on the call
04. The packets are then reassembled in order and heard on the call as audio.
Because of the nature of VoIP phones, they do rely on a solid internet connection to work. Should your broadband drop for any reason, so will your phone system. Here at Yo Telecom, we guarantee 100% WiFi coverage as well as fast, reliable speeds.
What Are The Benefits Of VoIP?
+ Scalable and Flexible
Because of the nature of the system, adding or removing users from a VoIP system is much more convenient than that of a traditional business phone system. Should your business scale really quickly, a VoIP system can scale with it. Adding additional handsets to a VoIP system is simple, as is removing unused ones. A VoIP phone system is a very flexible phone system.
+ Can Be Cheaper Than Other Options
For those just starting out or on a tighter budget, a VoIP system can be a better option. Why? Calls themselves tend to be cheaper (UK Calls are free), and there is less hardware to be paid for upfront. Linked to this, there are also lower or no maintenance fees involved, this is because any updates happen automatically in the cloud. There are no new bulky pieces of hardware to pay for.
+ Many Features Available
Despite being a more affordable option, a VoIP phone system can still be feature-rich. Features available with a Yo Telecom VoIP Phone System include voicemail to email, missed call tracking, on-hold marketing, call recording and call transfer. When compared to traditional business telephones, VoIP phones still carry a large number of advanced features.
+ BT Switch Off Ready
Over the next few years, more and more of the BT Switch Off will be occurring. Simply put, BT is shutting off their traditional phone lines (ISDN and PSTN). This means any business with a phone system that relies on these will need to replace it over the coming years. VoIP phones are BT Switch Off ready as they do not use these, they simply use the internet. Opting for a VoIP phone ahead of the Switch Off means that your business is already set up and ready to go.
So, there we have it, a look into how VoIP works. It’s a technology that we all often use without even realising, and one that we’re only going to see more and more of over the coming years…
Considering VoIP For Your Business?
Wondering whether VoIP is suitable for your business? Enter your details in the form below and one of our communication consultants will be in touch to discuss your options.
