VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, has become a popular communication tool within businesses in recent years. However, there are still myths and suspicions out there that make choosing a VoIP system feel a bit daunting.
VoIP offers many advantages over traditional PSTN systems, including lower costs, more flexibility, and easier scalability. It also protects you from the effects of the landline switch off.
Top commonly encountered myths around VoIP which are not true:
VoIP Is Expensive
VoIP is a relatively new technology that allows people to make phone calls over the internet. Because VoIP is digital, it offers a number of advantages over traditional phone systems, including crystal-clear call quality and lower costs. However, many people mistakenly believe that VoIP is prohibitively expensive. In reality, VoIP can be very affordable, especially when compared to traditional phone service.
VoIP providers also offer a variety of plans to suit any budget, and many companies offer discounts for businesses that switch to VoIP. As a result, there is no reason to let cost stand in the way of making the switch to VoIP.
A Virtual Number Doesn’t Work For Small Businesses
A lot of small businesses believe that a virtual number won't work for them. They think that because they're small, they can't take advantage of the same technologies that larger businesses use. This simply isn't true. A virtual number can be a great asset for any size business. Here's why:
First, a virtual number is more flexible than a traditional phone number. You can route calls to any phone, anywhere in the world. So if you have employees who work from home or are often on the road, they can still stay connected with your customers. Second, a virtual number can give your business a professional image. It gives the impression that you're a larger, more established company. And finally, a virtual number can save you money. There's no need to rent or buy office space just to house a phone system. And since calls are routed over the internet, long-distance and international calls are very inexpensive.
VoIP Is Complex
In the past, making a phone call meant sending your voice through the air as electrical signals. With VoIP, your voice is converted into digital data and sent as packets over the internet. While this may sound complex, VoIP is actually quite simple to use. A lot of features do not mean lots of things to understand. In fact, VoIP can be just as easy to use as a traditional phone. All you need is an internet connection and a VoIP-enabled device, such as a smartphone, tablet or desktop. You can even use your regular home phone with VoIP by connecting it to a VoIP adapter. With VoIP, you can make and receive calls just like you would with a regular phone, but at a fraction of the cost.
VoIP Needs Lots Of Equipment To Work
What? No!
Making phone calls over the internet required a complex setup with multiple pieces of equipment. But not anymore, not only was this setup expensive, but it was also difficult to configure and maintain. However, today's VoIP technology has made it possible to make calls using only a smartphone, laptop, desktop or tablet and an internet connection. This greatly simplifies the process of setting up a VoIP system. In addition, VoIP calls are often clearer and more reliable than traditional phone calls, making VoIP an attractive option for many users.
VoIP Is Unreliable
When it comes to reliability, VoIP is the clear winner. VoIP calls are made over the internet and this has a number of advantages in terms of dependability.
First, VoIP is not susceptible to outages caused by bad weather or other physical disruptions. Second, VoIP calls are less likely to be dropped or experience poor quality due to network congestion. And finally, VoIP systems can be easily scaled up or down to meet the changing needs of a small business. As a result, VoIP is the most reliable phone system for businesses of any size.
Existing Numbers Cannot Be Transferred To VoIP
If you've ever switched from one cell phone service to another, you know that it can be a hassle to have to change your phone number. But what if you're switching to a VoIP service? Can you transfer your existing landline number to VoIP?
The answer is yes, in most cases. Porting your number simply means transferring it from one service to another, and it's a fairly straightforward process. However, there is one major exception: mobile numbers cannot be ported to VoIP. So if you're thinking of making the switch, be prepared to get a new phone number for your VoIP line if you are a new user or use a mobile number for business purposes.
Security Is a Concern With VoIP
With the rise of hacking and data breaches, companies must be extra vigilant about protecting their information. When it comes to VoIP, security is never an issue. VoIP uses strong encryption to protect all data transmissions, making it virtually impossible for hackers to eavesdrop on conversations or steal sensitive information.
VoIP systems are backed up by robust firewall protection. As a result, businesses can rest assured that their VoIP system is safe from intrusion.
You Have Plenty of Time to Switch to VoIP
No, not really. As the landline switch off approaches, the urgency to switch from a traditional landline to a virtual number is becoming more and more apparent. The national stop-sell of landlines has started in various areas in the UK, and the last-minute orders will begin to pile up as the shutdown approaches. The industry won’t be able to keep up with the demand, and businesses are at risk of losing their numbers forever. This is a major problem for businesses, as they will no longer be able to communicate with their customers with their number and will have to take a new number. The sooner businesses switch to a virtual number, the better chance they have of keeping their numbers and maintaining their customer base.
VoIP Won’t Work With Your Desk Phone
If you've been thinking about switching to a VoIP phone system for your business, chances are the desk phones you have will work just fine. Most desk phones are designed to work with a traditional landline, which uses analogue signals.
VoIP systems use digital signals, but most desk phones are compatible with VoIP and if they aren’t, they can be converted to work with a VoIP system with the help of a telephone adapter. So if you're thinking about making the switch to VoIP, there's a good chance your existing desk phones can come along for the ride.
Don't Get Caught Out By The Landline Switch-off!
If you've been considering whether or not to make the switch from a landline to a VoIP system, there's no need to wait any longer. The reality is that all landline users will eventually have to switch to a VoIP service, so it's beneficial to do so now in order to avoid any loss of service. Moreover, VoIP offers a number of advantages for businesses, including significant cost savings and a host of features that can improve productivity and efficiency. So if you're looking for a way to cut costs and improve your business operations, switching to VoIP is the way to go.
