Take something like digital radio. Digital radio (DAB) became available in the UK in 1999 and has become increasingly popular over the years. A tech-savvy person will likely be able to tell you that digital radio is a compressed analogue audio signal transmitted using a digital modulation scheme. But that same tech-savvy person will likely be unable to tell you which DAB radios you should buy, or what to look out for when shopping for one. The same is true for VoIP. Most people know it stands for voice over internet protocol—a form of telephony in which your voice travels over a network (such as the internet)—but few know much about the differences in systems, or whether the general assumptions are true or not. Here we dispel some common myths about VoIP phone systems.
1) VoIP isn’t secure
VoIP phone systems can be secure, but it depends on the provider. If the provider owns their own network and infrastructure it is likely extremely secure. Downloadable VoIP applications like Skype are not secure.
2) VoIP is much cheaper
If you are getting VoIP through a telecoms service provider over a private network where voice quality is guaranteed, it will likely be a bit cheaper than a traditional business phone line through BT, but not ridiculously so. The real benefit comes from the flexibility of the system, scalability and advanced features.
3) VoIP is simpler in functionality
Many people think that VoIP systems are simplistic, lacking in the functionality found in a ‘real’ phone system. The truth is VoIP phone systems can do everything a traditional, on-site system can do and more. A good hosted VoIP provider will be able to offer features such as call recording, call reports, call logs, advanced call routing, out of hours messages and CRM integration—with the added benefit of being able to change things almost instantly via an online user portal.
4) VoIP isn’t for larger businesses
VoIP is for all businesses, including large corporations and one-man bands. It is just a matter of getting the right type of VoIP system. A business with 10-200 employees and several offices will generally benefit from a hosted VoIP solution, whereas a business with 500 employees is usually better off with an on-site VoIP solution. Read more about the difference here.
5) Voice quality is poor
Voice quality depends entirely on who your provider is. We have all made a Skype call and had the other person suddenly sound like they are talking through a tin can. But with a true hosted VoIP service provider with their own network and infrastructure, you will get perfect voice quality.
There is a lot more to learn about VoIP. Download our free guide to choosing an IP phone service. Or email us at info@vtsl.net and we will help you find the best VoIP solution for your business.