In any business, change can be a challenge. For some, making a shift in their fundamental communications infrastructure is something that appears daunting, especially when it comes to making the right choice about their telecommunications network.
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is now a well-established means of setting up business telecommunications, but because it represents a move away from traditional public branch exchange (PBX) systems, there has been some scepticism surrounding it.
This can then make choosing a business telephone network more difficult, because, obviously, no one wants to make the wrong decision, which could end up costing them more money to fix.
Therefore, here we’re looking at the common myths surrounding VoIP, and why they shouldn’t put you off investing in it as the business call system of your choice.
Is VoIP Low Voice Quality?
A persistent myth surrounding VoIP is that because it relies on internet connections, the voice quality will suffer.
This myth has really stuck around from days of the very early experiences of users, when networks were slower and less sophisticated. Broadband has come on a long way, but as with many things in business and in life, you get what you pay for.
In other words, the better your business broadband connection, the higher quality your VoIP telephone system is going to be.
Current internet and 4G connections represent a huge leap in technological progress, but for anyone considering VoIP, it’s a case of ensuring you have the bandwidth to support your network.
Remember also, that VoIP only requires around 80kbps upload and 80kbps download per simultaneous call, so you’re not generating a huge amount of traffic via your connection, especially when it comes to single calls.
A test of your bandwidth will show how many phones it can support.
Get that right, and can enjoy the best quality calls since the inception of VoIP in the 1990s.
How Reliable is VoIP?
Similar to the myth about poor quality, is the idea that VoIP is somehow less reliable than a conventional phone network. Again, the same rule applies, that it comes down to the quality of your set-up.
Your calls come over your broadband connection. If this is reliable, then your calls will be too.
It’s a fact of life that ALL telephone lines, of whatever design, can experience issues, and occasionally both mobile phones and traditional landlines experience some drop out.
VoIP relies on the internet, which you can access from many different places, and networks are not focussed in one place, or at one single level. This increases your options significantly, and means that when there is a problem in one area, you should be able to use an alternative instead, which helps maintain the reliability of your network.
Is VoIP Difficult to Install and Manage?
Just because VoIP is new technology, doesn’t mean it is overly complex when it comes to installing and managing your own system.
In fact, the opposite is true: it is relatively quick to install and simple to operate. Choosing a hosted system means your provider will handle installation and set-up.
We can manage updates and maintenance through the cloud, and we carry out technological upgrades routinely on behalf of your VoIP network.
Basically, you and your employees will be able to use the system as if it were a conventional PBX phone network, but with the minimum of fuss. You connect your phone to the internet, enter the relevant user details, and you’re ready to go.
You’re in the driving seat. Just because you don’t have a physical exchange in your workplace doesn’t mean you aren’t in full control of your system. The key is the simplicity of the system.
How Costly is VoIP?
Is VoIP costly to run because it relies on digital technology? The answer is a definite no. You’ll find that VoIP is extremely cost-effective, with the emphasis on what you pay for the service itself, rather than on installation, operational or maintenance costs.
There’s a myth that VoIP is only cost effective if you are using it to call another VoIP phone system. This is not the case. While it is very cheap to make calls over VoIP networks, it is also cheaper when you call mobiles and landlines from a VoIP system.
Cost saving is one of the major business benefits of VoIP, and it’s an easily scalable system, so as your needs grow, your VoIP can extend to meet them, without costing you the earth.
What About Security?
We all know that hacking makes the headlines, but as long as your internal network is secure, then your phone network will be too. Providing you are using a recognised VoIP network, the risk of falling victim to hacking or cybercrime is minimal.
People use the internet securely and with confidence every day, from banking to other transactions, many of which are far more critical than a telephone call.
We make security a priority when we look at your system in readiness for VoIP.
Another myth is that you cannot contact emergency services through VoIP because you have no physical address associated with your network. This is not true. If you’re within the UK, your VoIP will connect with the right regional emergency services for your location, just as there is always a location attached to a mobile call.
Is VoIP Right for Your Business?
You don’t have to be a large corporation to benefit from VoIP. It is a truly versatile communications solution. SMEs and startups can benefit because it’s so easy to set-up and use, and you can add new phones as your business grows. Plus you can benefit from various business features that come with the system, adding to the professionalism of your company.
Call us on 03300 881 182, email sales@vipvoip.co.uk, or complete our online enquiry form, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.