With technology moving at an overwhelming pace, it’s easy to get lost when it comes to updates and upgrades, what you need and what you don’t and the incessant use of acronyms! The latest on you need to know about is Voip.

So here it is, laid bare for you, the what’s, where’s and why’s of VoIP in a language that we can all understand!

What VoIP Means

VoIP means Voice over Internet Protocol. In simple terms, this means that you can have a telephone conversation via the internet (or other networks) instead of using a landline Phone. In fact, the traditional technology that powers your landline (known as Public Switched Telephone Network or PSTN or Integrated Services Digital Network or ISDN) will no longer be supported by the end of 2025. Your landlines will be switched off in favour of VoIP.

Do I Need A VoIP Phone System For My Business?

Absolutely! Just like back in October 2012 when analogue TV stopped working in favour of a digital network, landline phones will be obsolete by the end of 2025. The phasing out has already begun, with some providers no longer offering new analogue phone lines. So if you want to keep in contact with your customers, then it’s essential that you make the switch to a Voip Phone system asap.

Will I Need A Service Provider?

Yes, just like you do for your current landline or mobile phone. You could opt to stay with your current landline provider and let nature take its course. However, in doing that, you pose the risk of being moved onto and tied into a contract and system that doesn’t support all of your business needs. We recommend shopping around for a VoIP service provider to find a company who can match your budget and requirements. We would be happy to give you a quote.

What Does The Setting up Involve? Is it easy?

We don’t know about other VoIP service providers, but here at SwitchboardFREE we make it quick and painless! Unlike landlines where you need lots of wires, hardware and equipment, with VoIP you need nothing additional to switch initially. All you need to do is spend a few minutes with one of our VoIP account managers relaying some of your business details and we’ll do everything for you. Alternatively, you can simply set it up yourself right online. You can keep your existing business number if you wish. It can take up to 2 weeks to port from your current provider but we’ll give you a free temporary number whilst you wait. Alternatively, you can choose a new number from our extensive library to level up your business straight away.

Are VoIP Phone Plans More Expensive Than Analogue?

Definitely not! VoIP phone plans work out significantly cheaper than their landline counterparts. Our basic package is only £5 per month, and for that, you get unlimited inbound calls, and 100 outbound calls, all with no contract. On top, we also give you access to more than 20 free features that will help you streamline your call management. 

Will My Current Phone Work With A VoIP Phone Service?

Possibly. It depends on how old your current phones are and if they are enabled for the technology. We find that most aren’t compatible, but that’s not a problem when you get started as you can use what we call a softphone or our specifically designed app. Once your VoIP phone system is up and running, you can then browse our choice of VoIP phones and choose new hardware that suits your needs.

So What Are The Benefits Of Having A VoIP Phone System In Place? 

There are so many that it would take a whole new article to go through them all in detail! But here are just a few, to give you an idea:

• No need for bulky hardware.
• Portability – use your phone anywhere.
• Scalability – have more phone lines instantly at very little cost.
• Call management including:
  • Call transfer & routing.
  • Multiparty calling & teams.
  • Conferencing & video calling.
  • Call log & recording.
  • CRM integration & analytics.
  • Auto attendant & disaster recovery,

VoIP Is Imminent

Whether we like it or not, the full switch over to a VoIP system is happening; but it’s not a bad thing. In fact, VoIP services for small business and medium business automatically brings call management systems into play, where previously they were unaffordable. This enables a more even playing field when it comes to having the capacity and facility to nurture existing customers and onboard new leads. Many small to medium businesses experience missed calls on a daily basis, but having a VoIP system in place frees up time and heavily cuts down on the volume of missed calls.

To see how much you can save by setting up VoIP with SwitchboardFREE, you can sign up for a free account, or call our friendly team on 0203 189 1213.

We can also provide a VoIP service for home phones, so you can sort both out at the same time. Don’t wait for the 2025 rush, save money now and sort your new system out today!

The post Help! What’s a VoIP Phone System & How Does It Work? appeared first on SwitchboardFREE.