What Is VoIP?

What Is VoIP?

VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) is a phone technology that allows you to make and receive phone calls using the internet instead of traditional copper phone lines.

Unlike traditional landline phone systems, that are limited to a single desk phone in your office, VoIP lets users make and receive phone calls from your computer, smartphone, tablet and VoIP compatible office phones.

As all calls are made over an internet connection, it makes it very cost effective for both domestic and international phone calls.

Benefits Of VoIP Phone Systems

There are a number of benefits of installing a VoIP phone system for your business. These include the following:

• VoIP phones are linked to user accounts and not phone numbers. This allows users to take calls from multiple accounts and different phone numbers.
• VoIP handsets have controls that allow users to choose between current, incoming and waiting calls.
• VoIP phone systems are capable of high definition sound when running via a high quality broadband connection.
• Once setup, VoIP systems are a lot cheaper than traditional phone lines. With most VoIP contracts you won’t pay more when making international phone calls or if you are talking for long periods.
• With VoIP, you don’t need to be in an office, sitting by your desk phone to take a call. You can take incoming phone calls from wherever you are using an app on your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
• VoIP phone systems are highly scalable. Whether you are hiring new employees or opening a new office, VoIP makes it easy to expand in just a few clicks.

It is important to note that you need a reliable, fast broadband connection to ensure your VoIP phone system has good sound quality when making calls. This often means that businesses need to install a private internet connection or use a quality ISP to reduce the chances of latency.

Cons Of VoIP Phone Systems

While VoIP is amazing technology, it may not suit every business. There are a couple of disadvantages of VoIP that you should consider. These include the following:

• You will need to retrain your staff on how to use the new telephone system. Fortunately, most VoIP systems are designed to be as straightforward and intuitive as possible.
• If your experience issues with your internet connection or a power outage, this can result in your VoIP phone system failing to work. Additionally, a poor internet connection can affect the quality of calls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Keep My Existing Phone Number?

Most VoIP providers will let you switch your old number over. However, some may require a new one. Get in touch with us today to see if your number can be transferred.

What If I Can’t Keep My Number?

There are several options. You can forward calls from your old number to your new VoIP number. You can use your VoIP number as an alternative secondary phone line. Or, you can choose a new number.

Can I Pick A New Number?

Yes. You can choose from a variety of different UK area codes, UK non-geographic numbers and international numbers.

Do I Need Broadband?

Yes, to use a VoIP phone system you need a broadband connection.

What If We Move Office?

VoIP is not geographically dependant. You can simply take your handsets with you and plug them in at your new office. As long as you have a broadband connection, your phone system will be good to go in no time.

Is VoIP Secure?

VoIP is just as secure – if not more so – than landlines. Documented instances of VoIP security breaches have been far and few between.

Thinking Of Switching To VoIP?

If you are thinking of choosing a new phone system for your business, VoIP provides a fantastic solution for expanding businesses. At Corp Networking, we have 17 years of experience in delivering first-call VoIP phone systems for businesses in Wirral, Liverpool, Chester, Cheshire & North Wales.

Get in touch with us to find out more about what Corp Networking could do for your business. We offer IT support for businesses of all sizes. Don’t hesitate to drop us an email at support@corpnetowrking.co.uk with any queries you may have. Alternatively you can call us on 0151 334 2543 to discuss your requirements with a member of our team.