VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It’s a fancy acronym for a phone system that uses the internet to make and receive calls, instead of the traditional copper landlines that have been around since Victorian times.
Most modern businesses already rely on the internet for a majority of their communications, so it makes sense that we should use it for our phone calls, too. It’s perhaps no wonder, then, that within the next few years all voice calls in the UK will be facilitated by VoIP.
By then, the UK’s traditional copper cable network (also known as the public switched telephone network, or PSTN) and the digital network that operates through it (the Integrated Services Digital Network or ISDN) will be permanently switched off.
PTSN and ISDN technologies have become outdated and can’t compete with modern broadband technology (particularly ultrafast full fibre broadband provided by companies like Ogi). Combining the speed and reliability of the latest internet technology with the ability to make and receive calls anywhere means VoIP is an obvious successor to the traditional landlines that have served us for almost 150 years.
Aside from the fact that landline phone systems won’t work in a few years, there are many compelling reasons for businesses to make the switch to VoIP sooner rather than later.
These reasons include:
VoIP uses an existing internet connection to make calls instead of a dedicated phone network, so you can avoid paying call charges and line rental.
It tends to work out a lot cheaper than using landline phones in your office. In fact, the average savings businesses should expect after adopting a VoIP system can range from 30% to 50%.
This makes VoIP especially cost-effective when you have a large team.
Traditional PSTN and ISDN phone systems experience dropouts, affecting the quality of your business calls.
As long as you’ve got a fast and reliable internet connection, VoIP is super reliable with the clearest calls you’ll ever hear.
VoIP is also more secure than traditional landlines.
Calls made via landline can be vulnerable to privacy breaches like wire tapping and radio scanning.
On the other hand, reputable VoIP providers offer encrypted calls and secure authentication to prevent hackers (or anybody else) from listening in.
As well as offering all the functionality of a landline phone system, VoIP means you can benefit from some extra handy features.
From simple call recording and monitoring to contact centre services for big teams, it’s easy to manage and streamline many aspects of your business using VoIP.
And that’s just for now – new features and improved user experiences can be added as soon as they’re made available, future-proofing your business.
A good VoIP provider makes it easy to take work calls wherever you are, whatever device you’re on.
Accessing your business phone number is as easy as opening an app on your smartphone.
It’s also simple and affordable to add new users and numbers as your business grows, with none of the costly network upgrades associated with traditional phone systems.
With the PSTN and ISDN switch off on the not-too-distant horizon, it won’t be long before every business swaps outdated landlines for fully digital phone systems like VoIP.
A good provider will be able to help you make this transition with minimal fuss and zero downtime, keeping your current phone number and avoiding disruption for employees and customers.
They’ll be there to advise you on the best option for your business, and help to set up your new VoIP system in a way that makes sense for your team. So, how do you choose a VoIP provider?
When choosing a VoIP provider, it goes without saying that you’ll want your VoIP calls to be crystal clear, without lag or dropouts in your connectivity. For that, you need great broadband.
To future-proof your business, look for ultrafast full fibre broadband that uses FTTP technology (fibre to the premises, as opposed to FTTC which only reaches the nearest fibre cabinet in your area).
This is what we offer at Ogi, and it’s our mission to ensure that every business in Wales can benefit from the next-generation ultrafast broadband speeds we provide.
It makes sense to choose a VoIP provider for your business that also supplies other cyber essentials such as managed security, access to managed services and ultrafast, reliable WiFi.
That way, you won’t have to deal with multiple suppliers if something goes wrong – a single point of contact will be able to handle all your tech troubles and get you back online in no
time.
What’s more, if you already use Microsoft Teams, specialist providers like Ogi can integrate your VoIP solution to work seamlessly within this environment.
If you’re based in Wales and want a VoIP provider that can also supply ultrafast, future-proof workplace technology and awesome customer service, Ogi can help.
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