6 Things You Didn’t Know About VoIP

January 27, 2021

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, can be a great alternative means of making and receiving phone calls for private or business purposes. Though you’ve probably heard of this technology already, do you know what it really has to offer? Check out these six VoIP advantages and disadvantages to help you decide whether or not VoIP phone service right for you.

VoIP Is Super Cheap

Maybe you’re looking to get another phone number without buying another “line” for your cell phone or to eliminate the installation costs associated with actually buying a landline (or second landline). Either way, VoIP could save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.

This is particularly helpful for businesses that move frequently or mobile entrepreneurs who need the ability to take their work with them. Rather than pay for expensive phone infrastructure, individuals or companies can simply pay for their VoIP service, which can be used virtually anywhere for a fraction of the cost.

VoIP Can Increase Productivity

Surprising as it might sound, VoIP can help increase employee productivity by minimizing the amount of “phone tag” that must be done when communicating with clients. VoIP accomplishes this by enabling the possibility of ringing multiple phone numbers on multiple devices, decreasing the chance that those calls must go to voicemail. Though it may take a little extra time in the beginning to configure this, according to research, the amount of time saved can add up to nearly four hours each week per employee.

VoIP Offers Regional Phone Numbers

If your business offers service outside of your geographic region, it’s helpful to have phone numbers with an area code that matches your target customers’ region. With VoIP, you could potentially have a phone number with nearly any area code you’d like. In fact, with some VoIP providers, you can even get virtual international phone numbers as well. This could broaden your reach far beyond what you’d be able to accomplish otherwise, and potentially make your business more appealing to certain client bases.

VoIP Requires an Internet Connection

VoIP is an internet-dependent service. In today’s world of high-speed internet availability nearly everywhere, this might not seem like an issue; unless your home or company is based somewhere extremely rural, for example, it probably won’t be a problem.

That said, before investing in VoIP, even businesses in major metropolitan areas should consider their internet latency and bandwidth to ensure that their connections are sufficient to handle high call volumes when necessary. A simple upgrade to your internet package may be sufficient to bridge the gap in this case, but it’s a factor that should be evaluated before making the switch to VoIP nonetheless.

VoIP Requires Electricity

VoIP is also electricity-dependent. In most areas, this is not a major problem. However, in the event of a power outage or emergency, no available electricity means no internet, which means a VoIP phone system is also inaccessible. This may not be a deal-breaker for your business, but it’s worth considering.

VoIP Is Difficult for 911 To Trace

Even if electricity is still available, it’s worth noting that VoIP calls can still be difficult for emergency services to trace, costing valuable time when emergencies arise. Some businesses or individuals (such as those caring for the elderly, who might need to make emergency calls more frequently) may want to avoid using VoIP for this reason.

VoIP is a powerful technology with the capacity to truly revamp the way individuals and businesses handle phone calls. Though it may not be a fit for everyone, it has the potential to save time, money and other valuable resources with its simplicity and affordability. With a little bit of background knowledge, it’s easy to decide whether or not it’s right for you.