VoIP services are perhaps the most underrated development that we’re enjoying today. Despite their importance in propelling business growth, especially for startups working on a limited budget, many people remain unfamiliar with voip services.
We believe that in order to fully maximize its use today and in the future, we have to increase the average person’s familiarization with the topic of voip services. So for this post, we have Telnum to answer the most frequently asked questions about VoIP today.
How does VoIP work?
Unlike landlines that use copper wires or cell phones that use cell towers, it uses the internet to transmit data. Therefore, you need a strong and stable internet connection for this.
The transmission of data is happening in real-time and at lightning speeds per second. The data is also converted from voice to audio so that both ends of the call would be able to converse as if they’re in front of each other.
To start, you will need a virtual number for this. This would be your gateway to the world of VoIP and beyond.
Does VoIP only allow calls?
No. The calling function is just one of the many things that you can do. Apart from calls, you’re also able to send and receive texts as well as initiate video calls.
There are also many features that you can get. If you have a VoIP system, you’ll be able to access features such as call forwarding, call screening, automated attendant, voice to email, call menu, and many more. Different providers will have different offers for these. It’s better to inquire about these so we can recommend a system most suited to your needs.
Why should I try VoIP?
If you’re interested in maximizing your profits by minimizing costs, one of the ways you can do so is by trying VoIP. In this case, a budget cutback won’t necessarily compromise quality. You’ll be able to enjoy these benefits as well:
- Improved flexibility. If you don’t want to be locked into a contract, VoIP will be very appealing to you. Especially if your enterprise is fairly new, you need a lot of flexibility so you can effectively reallocate resources as needed.
- Feature-rich. With landlines, you normally have to pay for every additional feature you want to get. This is not only inconvenient but also expensive. VoIP systems usually come with amazing features that you don’t need to pay for. Anything else that you need, you can get for cheaper.
- Remote work-friendly. Office spaces are pricey. If the services you offer are compatible with a remote work setup, VoIP is highly recommended. For as long as there’s stable internet, you should have no issues with the tech.
Are there risks to trying out VoIP?
As with anything that you’re going to invest in, there will always be risks. What you can do is manage these risks so you get the full extent of the benefits. Here are a few risk factors:
- Internet connection quality. If you want the quality of your calls to be excellent all the time, you should have an excellent internet connection as well. It should be able to support the bandwidth for the communication you expect. Please ask your provider about the needed internet speed for your system.
- Security. As with anything on the internet, VoIP is also susceptible to hacks, phishing, and other forms of cyber attacks. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to prevent these from happening. Take cyber security seriously if you don’t want to suffer from business losses because of vulnerabilities.
- Equipment quality. Choosing the right hardware is important too. For call center agents, noise-canceling headphones may be necessary. But for the most part, the stock hardware in laptops is enough.
How do I create my own VoIP infrastructure?
If you don’t consider yourself highly techy, please know that contracting out this task is a valid course of action. Otherwise, don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as necessary to do this right. Setting up your infrastructure can be done in three steps:
- Determine the needs of your enterprise. If your staff is working from home, is there a required internet speed? How about laptop specs? But if you’re in an office, consider the expected growth. VoIP may be flexible, but your internet provider may not be.
- Set up the hardware. For a simple system, the existing hardware would be enough. Here are a few elements to consider: internet, SIP trunk, internet routers, servers, and IP phones.
- Select your provider. There are so many to choose from. But keep in mind that it’s not just about the price. Think about the features you need and the quality of their customer support. The provider you choose can also help you assess how well you did the first two steps.
With these steps, you can take your communication system to the 21st century.