VoIP Systems for Small Businesses

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, offers businesses an opportunity to access all their connectivity needs in a comprehensive package. This type of system is relatively new to the market and proves to be a good alternative to traditional business phone line systems.

More businesses are converting to this cheaper, more comprehensive alternative. In this article, we explain what VoIP is and explore the advantages and disadvantages of using VoIP for small businesses.  

What is VoIP?

VoIP is a phone system. It provides businesses with a simple way of transmitting voice calls over IP networks. It allows employees to make phone calls using an internet connection, rather than a landline. This offers a variety of extra benefits that a standard phone service line cannot.

VoIP converts analogue voice signals into digital data. The data goes through a server and connects to the internet. Once it arrives at your target location, it converts back into analogue audio. 

Is VoIP Right for Small Businesses?

Investment in Voice over Internet Protocol is booming. Anyone can use a VoIP phone system. Including both consumers and businesses. The real growth has been with business VoIP service.

With Business VoIP, businesses can access a comprehensive package to meet all their needs. VoIP providers are offering businesses much more than the traditional phone system we're all used to.

This includes:

• Individual phone numbers can be easily upscaled as the business grows
• Advance voicemail features
• Internet-activated caller ID 
• Auto-attendant
• Conference calling
• Interactive voice response
• Presence information
• Phone directories
• Faxing capabilities from computers and mobiles

These features do require a high-speed internet connection but the quality of service is much better.

We recommend VoIP for small businesses because it offers ever-expanding systems that grow with your needs. VoIP can integrate extra devices and phones for new employees. This process is far more complicated for businesses that use traditional landlines. 

Another selling point for VoIP is its ability to promote remote connectivity. In a world where remote working has become the new norm, Voice over Internet Protocol allows employees to dial into their work phone from anywhere. All employees need to access VoIP is an internet connection. A VoIP service even allows employees to take their work calls on their mobile phones.

How Much Does VoIP Cost?

At Love Energy Savings, we know that businesses want to avoid large bills at the end of the month. Lots of small business owners and start-up entrepreneurs seek alternative, flexible packages for essential amenities such as broadband and energy. We recommend VoIP for small businesses because it is far cheaper than traditional providers. It is also much cheaper and easier to upscale your VoIP service as your business grows, adapting to market demand.

A Business VoIP system costs around £10 per month per user. Businesses also need to pay around £100 per user for VoIP hardware. For example, small businesses with 5 employees will typically pay £500 to set up their system and £50 per month to keep it running. 

We can only talk about the cost of your future VoIP system in general terms. There are lots of different factors that decide how much you will pay per month. Businesses that require a high number of home or international calls might have to purchase a bespoke, more expensive package. Some VoIP providers offer advanced features and benefits, but businesses can often pick and choose which ones are relevant.

Ready to get a tailored VoIP quote?

Advantages and Disadvantages of VoIP Solutions for Small Businesses

Like any service, there are advantages and disadvantages of VoIP Solutions for small businesses. Although we champion VoIP as one of the best comprehensive package providers for new and small organisations, there are a few disadvantages to be aware of. 

Advantages of VoIP Solutions for Small Businesses

A VoIP service transmits calls through the internet, and this comes with a variety of benefits:

• Employees can work from home with VoIP’s reliable remote connectivity. Employers can cut back on rent, electricity, cleaners, and other necessities when their staff work from home.
• VoIP users do not have to pay for hardware installation. If you already have a broadband system and office phone, your business is ready for VoIP Solutions. 
• Businesses do not have to pay for a line rental, meaning they pay a lower cost per call. 
• When you choose VoIP Solutions for small businesses, you never have to worry about external IT support again. VoIP will handle any issues that arise. 
• VoIP offers businesses a comprehensive package. You can purchase all your office, mobile, and data service needs in one place with VoIP. 

Disadvantages of VoIP Solutions for Small Businesses

• The main disadvantage of VoIP is that it requires a constant internet connection, power source, and consistent broadband speed. Businesses that operate in areas that have regular power outages might struggle with a VoIP system. Low bandwidth can also cause calls to disappear completely. A high-speed internet connection is often recommended for the best quality.
• When employees use VoIP, their calls come from an IP address that has no cell tower information or GPS data. This might present a problem if an employee needs to call emergency services through their VoIP system. Emergency services cannot trace addresses through the VoIP system. 

How to Get a VoIP System?

One of the reasons we recommend VoIP for small businesses is that it is easy to set up. Prospective customers do not have to worry about installing new broadband lines and waiting weeks to access VoIP. If you have an internet connection, you're already halfway there.

The first step towards getting a VoIP system is contacting a VoIP provider. You may want to shop around to find a great deal from a variety of VoIP providers. There are lots of different providers to choose from including Love Energy Savings, RingCentral, and DialPad. It is important to shop around and find a comprehensive provider that can meet your needs.

Next, you need to invest in VoIP-compatible hardware. There are lots of different options when selecting a VoIP phone and a VoIP headset. We recommend shopping around and finding hardware that suits your business practices and employees. 

Once you have secured a contract and the necessary VoIP hardware, you can begin using the system. If you choose a reputable VoIP provider, they will help you set up your system every step of the way.

Request a VoIP Quote

Voice over Internet Protocol is a modern solution to remote working. Small and large organisations alike can stay in touch with their international counterparts with VoIP. We recommend VoIP Solutions for any business that wants to upscale business operations or even has multiple offices and locations worldwide. When you choose VoIP, you can streamline your monthly bills and stay connected to team members across the globe. 

Put your details into our site and receive a tailored quote within seconds. With our VoIP quotes, it has never been easier to find a comprehensive package that meets your needs. 

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