Short for Voice over Internet Protocol, VoIP and mobile phones are both ways that you can make and receive phone calls, without using a landline. However, the technology behind them and the way they work varies quite a lot.
VoIP in particular comes with huge benefits for small businesses(not to mention the potential cost savings). Here we look at some of the differences between the two.
How is the Technology Different Between VoIP and Mobile Phone Calling?
VoIP transmits sound in digital ‘packets’ using the internet, using IP (Internet Protocol) networks. Various devices can be used to make VoIP calls, so you don’t always have to be tied to one location or use a handset if you don’t want to. Compatible devices include tablets and smartphones, which makes VoIP ideal for remote or hybrid working.
On the other hand, mobile phones transmit voice signals using cellular networks. These networks include a system of cell towers that relay signals between mobile phones. When you call someone using your mobile, your voice is converted into radio waves before being transmitted wirelessly to the recipient’s mobile device via these cell towers.
VoIP Phones For UK Homes
Because the PSTN landline network is being switched off in 2027, VoIP phones are becoming more popular among households in the UK. Unlike traditional phones, VoIP uses broadband, providing VoIP users with clear audio, lower cost calls and modern features such as voicemail-to-email and call blocking. Existing numbers can be retained, handsets upgraded to dedicated VoIP phones and current phones used with adapters for greater functionality.
What are the Differences in Infrastructure?
All you need to make a VoIP call is a stable (preferably fibre) internet connection. This makes it versatile and you don’t need to worry about poor signal in the same way you do with mobiles.
When you use your mobile phone to manage your business calls, you’re at the mercy of your call plan, which usually includes texts, minutes and data usage which can be limiting. International calling can be super pricey too.
VoIP is typically much cheaper to use for calls, as VoIP providers tend to offer set price, low-cost calling plans (our unlimited calls packages start from just £13.95 per month).
How VoIP Adapters Simplify the Switch to VoIP
If you’d like to switch to VoIP but would like to hold onto your landline telephone, you won’t have to switch over to a VoIP telephone right away. With ATA’s or VoIP Adapters, the phone can be directly plugged into the broadband router which makes the phone VoIP enabled.
ATA’s are especially useful for small businesses and offices. The flexibility of new VoIP calling systems gives you the freedom to switch over time. VoIP technologies can provide full-feature desk phones for users to take advantage of.
How Reliable is VoIP Compared to Mobile Phone Calls?
The call quality of a VoIP call is generally much higher than that of a mobile phone call with less interference. Again, mobile phone call quality is most affected by signal strength (we’ve all persevered with that annoying phone call that keeps cutting out!).
As VoIP calls are transmitted over the internet, if the connection is stable then VoIP calls don’t cut out.
VoIP Means Fewer Missed Calls
When you first start your small business, you may well choose to simply deal with any customer or client calls using your mobile. This is especially the case if it’s just yourself working and you don’t have any staff.
However, as your business grows, you’ll likely need to take on extra members of your team – and therefore need extra phone lines as your mobile on its own isn’t enough. But due to the landline switch-off coming in 2025, no new landlines are actually being sold from September 2023. So unless you move to VoIP you’re going to have a problem – unless you keep buying mobile phone handsets every time you get a new team member. Expensive!
Additionally, you’ll probably find your mobile rings day and night with new customers and striking any decent work/life balance is getting harder. But you don’t want to miss those calls, as calls mean potential new income!
With a VoIP phone system, you can divert calls to an answerphone or other team members during certain times of the day or week (or if you go on holiday). Fewer missed calls means more business opportunities and a more professional look.
Benefits of VoIP Phones
VoIP phones provide greater flexibility than traditional landlines and come at a lower cost while providing clearer calls.
Lower Call Expenses
VoIP phone call packages are almost always more affordable than traditional phone lines. Often, providers charge a fixed monthly fee for unlimited UK calls and do not require line rental fees.
Improved Call Quality
VoIP calls are crisp and clear with a stable broadband fibre service and are not plagued by the static and interference encountered with traditional PSTN landlines.
Flexibility and Portability
As your VoIP phone number is not tied to a specific location, you can receive calls and attend calls worldwide using a compatible phone, computer or mobile application.
Future-Proof Technology
Moving to VoIP now makes your phone system prepared for the fully digital world without hiccup, especially with the 2027 PSTN switch-off deadline looming.
Fancy Giving VoIP Phone Calling a Go?
Sign up for our FREE 7-day free trial. There’s no obligation to continue after the 7 days if you don’t want to, but it’s the ideal way to try out all the business-friendly features on offer.
The fact is that by getting VoIP you’ll not only be able to manage your business calls better, but you’ll also give yourself a more professional appearance – whilst potentially saving a lot of money too. Plus of course, you’ll protect yourself from the landline switch-off.
Still Not Convinced?
Check out our latest success stories or feel free to give our friendly expert team a call on 0203 617 9950.
