Cut Your Costs With VoIP Phone Service
If you’re looking for a way to cut back on the cost of your business telephone bills, consider a VoIP phone service. Voice over Internet Protocol might be right for your business. Before you can decide, however, you need the facts. So here they are.
What is VoIP?
VoIP refers to Voice over Internet Protocol. Using a VoIP phone, your voice is transmitted over the web instead of making use of the traditional cable lines. The voice of the other person on your call is also carried in a similar manner. Essentially, VoIP is a type of telephone service that uses the Internet for making phone calls.
How does VoIP work?
As you contact another person through a VoIP telephone or from computer to computer (as with Skype), your voice signals are changed into digital signals. They then travel over the Internet. For the person on the other line to hear you, the digital signals are then converted back to voice signals.
How does VoIP reduce costs?
Because you are not using the standard telephone cables, the expense of one or more telephone lines and standard phone service are eliminated. Instead, you pay a much lower rate to get VoIP phone service.
Who sells VoIP service?
Probably the most well known VoIP provider is Skype. If you use Skype’s free service, it must be used from computer to computer using a headset with a mic (see required equipment below). This free service is ideal for a business trying to keep costs to a minimum. Skype also has both subscription and pay-as-you-go plans with more features, including mobile phone options. Note: From a safety standpoint, you cannot use Skype to make emergency 911 calls.
Nextiva is a top of the line VOIP service for business. They offer a virtual PBX solution that allows the small business owner to manage incoming calls efficiently with features such as auto-attendants and call forwarding, as well as capabilities for calling one toll-free or local number. Nextiva was recently awarded Best Business Class VoIP Provider.
What Equipment Do I Need?
In addition to a computer and broadband access, you’ll need a headset for most of the free or inexpensive VOIP services.
When you’re using a service that runs through your computer (rather than getting transferred to your phone), you’ll need a headset with a mic. You can go wireless with the Plantronics .Audio 995 Wireless Stereo Headset
Alternatively, for a wired headset (one where you are connected to the computer), you can try the Logitech ClearChat Comfort USB Headset (Black)
Why is VoIP reliable when traveling?
Unlike many cell phones that don’t work internationally, VoIP works well when traveling wherever you can get a computer with Internet access. Both standard Internet and wireless work with VoIP. You would need to bring along a reliable (and ideally, small) headset and plug it into the Internet connection to place your calls. VoIP phone service promotes a secure conversation.
What are the advantages of VoIP?
Like any other technology, VoIP has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are:
Inexpensive. Compared to the traditional phone line, VoIP is powered by a high speed Internet connection. If you have an existing broadband Internet, it will be easy to avail of this service and start calling computers anywhere in the globe for no fee. It also makes available the option of calling a regular phone line through the computer at a very affordable rate. As you sign up with its provider, you will be given the list of places with which you may call all for free!
Easy access. Place and receive calls wherever you may be by simply accessing an Internet connection and signing in to your account. If you are on a trip, just be sure to bring your headset and a plug in Internet connection or your VoIP phone. It is also possible to make calls while you are in the hot spots.
Features you expect on a standard phone. You get to enjoy a lot of extra features such as call forwarding, voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, three-way calling, and many others. Send documents and pictures even when you are using the phone!
What are the disadvantages of VoIP?
Now that you’ve seen the advantages, let’s examine the disadvantages of using VoIP for business.
No power, no service. VoIP is dependent on electricity. When there is a power blackout, you will not be able to use your computer to connect to the Internet, thus eliminating the ability to make calls. As a solution, you must be ready with your battery backups or a power generator.
No call tracking for emergencies. It is usually easy to track a caller’s location if he or she is using a standard cable phone devices. With a VoIP phone system, which uses an IP address, there is no possibility of tracking the origin of a call in emergency situations.
Reliability and quality. Since VoIP relies on an Internet connection, its proficiency is affected by the quality of the broadband signal and the restrictions (if any) of your computer. Unless you have a solid broadband connection, you could experience poor signal and an unclear voice during peak Internet usage times. With a proper connection, these disturbances rarely occur. To be safe, check with other VoIP users with your Internet Service Provider.
