VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that allows voice or video calls over the internet, rather than traditional phone lines.
What VoIP means for businesses?
VoIP offers flexibility, cost savings and enhanced collaboration – transforming the way businesses communicate. Unlike traditional phone lines which rely on physical copper wiring and dedicated circuits, VoIP uses internet connections to transmit voices. This has reduced reliance on expensive phone infrastructures, using features that were only available to large corporations.
For UK businesses, the Big Switch Off (the transition from analogue to digital landlines) is expected to be completed by the end of January 2027. So landline networks will be turned off and replaced by digital technology – VoIP. At this point, you will need to use the internet to make and receive calls, and if you have other systems connected to your phone line (CCTV, alarms, telecare) they will also stop working.
Use cases for VoIP
- Remote work and flexibility: Remote teams can stay connected using their laptops or mobile phones. Calls can be answered anywhere with an internet connection, so in-office, remote and hybrid workers all have the same access.
- Unified communications: VoIP integrates voice, video, messaging and file sharing into a single platform. Teams and Zoom combine multiple communication methods into one, streamlining collaboration.
- Customer support: VoIP systems often included call routing, virtual receptionists, and call analytics, improving the overall quality of customer support. This increase in efficiency helps businesses manage high call volumes while providing great customer interactions.
- Scalability: Traditional phone systems require hardware upgrades to accommodate additional phone lines, but VoIP can easily scale up or down by adding or removing users. There’s no need for physical changes, making it a more cost-effective and less stressful solution for growing teams.
Business benefits of VoIP
- Cost efficiency: Save costs on long-distance fees and maintenance of on-premise systems. International calls may not be included, but they will be significantly cheaper than phone lines.
- Enhanced mobility: Calls can be made and received on multiple devices, from any location with a connection to the internet.
- Advanced features: Call forwarding, auto-attendants, and conference calling can be customised to business needs, enhancing productivity and communication.
- Integration opportunities: VoIP systems can integrate with current systems, like CRM systems, to help businesses track conversations and gather insights.
- Improved call quality: As long as the internet connection is stable, the overall quality of the audio will be better than phone lines. The conversations will be clearer, there’ll be fewer dropped calls, and the communication experience will be better overall.
Our VoIP partner of choice, 3CX
We believe 3CX stands out amongst other VoIP providers. It’s flexible, cost-efficient, and has a robust set of features. It’s fully customisable, and can be deployed on-premise, in the cloud or as a hybrid solution, allowing businesses to choose the best option for their business. You can keep your existing infrastructure, as 3CX integrated with a wide range of SIP phones and other devices.
VoIP is a game-changer for businesses, providing cost-effective, scalable, and flexible communication solutions with a tonne of features. VoIP helps you stay competitive and efficient, so your communication tools work with you, not against you.
