Is your office still using the age-old landlines for attending/making calls? Trusted for decades, it may sound like the best voice-calling solution. However, like many other solutions, traditional landlines have faded in the depths of time.
Thanks to the ingenious mind of Marian Croak, modern-day companies are able to connect with their clients/customers wirelessly. This is what we call VoIP phone service. With the ability to go wireless, your office won’t be held back by weather, cost, or even a landline device!
Wondering what we’re talking about?
Keep reading to learn how a VoIP phone service works, its benefits, and everything in- between! If you’re interested in trying VoIP for your firm, then look no further than Oppuous.
Our extensive marketplace with 600+ providers ensures you find the optimal solution to every business requirement!
What is VoIP Phone Service?
Voice over Internet Protocol VoIP is a phone technology. It enables you to make calls over the internet instead of traditional copper wires. VoIP phone service can range from a physical telephone to a software with calling features.
The working of this technology is quite simple to understand, too. For brevity, here’s a quick step-by-step list:
- Your audio is converted into data packets as you speak.
- These data packets are sent over the internet via your VoIP phone.
- The receiver’s phone decompresses the data packets and converts them back into audio.
Many small businesses use VoIP software to save money on purchasing additional phones. The only expense here would be a monthly subscription charge. In fact, many VoIP software also works as a UCaaS platform, allowing you to do more than just manage incoming calls.
Okay, wait one second. How will these businesses use a VoIP software when their current landlines are programmed to work on wires?
You’ve got an eye for detail! True, normal landlines are programmed to make calls via copper wires. But that’s the fascinating part of VoIP phone service: it does not require a landline phone at all!
Note: Smart devices capable of connecting to the internet can also be used for making calls. This includes your mobile phone, laptop, and PC.
If you really want to, you can also use wired landlines using a VoIP adapter.
3 Types of VoIP Phone Systems
Now that you’ve got an idea of how a VoIP phone system works, it’s time to explore three ways service providers implement this technology.
Cloud VoIP Phone Service
First one up on the list is cloud VoIP. Here, your service provider hosts the network server needed to make calls. Using this takes away the hassle of managing a PBX system. The opposite of cloud, i.e., on-site VoIP phone service, places the main PBX system in your office.
While this usually isn’t a problem, PBX systems are costly to set up. This, coupled with the duty to handle it when experiencing downtime, can be off-putting for many entrepreneurs.
UCaaS
Unified Communications as a Service, or UCaaS, is one of the best VoIP solutions. It enables you to make local/international calls, host conferences, chat, and even mask your caller ID. You can connect several mobile devices with this phone service and enjoy multiple benefits.
One of the main reasons why UCaaS is so famous is the price factor. Earlier, firms had to pay separately for call, video, file sharing, and text services, now they only need to pay a single charge at the end of the month.
Additionally, since you have all services under one roof, there’s no need to contact different support teams for any configuration, either.
CPaaS
Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) is the last type of VoIP phone service. To a certain extent CPaaS and UCaaS are similar. However, what sets them apart is their infrastructure.
With UCaaS solutions, you get multiple plug-and-play services. Whereas CPaaS only provides a suite of APIs and SDKs that you can integrate and use with your current application.
The advantage of CPaaS over UCaaS is that you don’t have to manage any backend coding. You also get to choose the type of communication service to be integrated and its functioning.
An example of this is live chatbots. We hope you’ve come across at least one website with a chatbot. The automated responses you get are all customizations from CPaaS APIs.
6 Benefits of VoIP Phone Service for Businesses
Now, it comes down to why the majority of businesses have started shifting to VoIP phone service. Let’s explore six benefits of VoIP that allow it to truly empower small businesses.
Cost-Effective
Any solution that can do the job while lowering costs is a massive win-win for any business. Similarly, using internet protocol, VoIP provides phone features online while saving you some heavy bucks. The average cost of getting a landline system up and working will cover three costs:
- Hardware costs.
- Installation charges.
- Renting phone lines charge.
These may not look very problematic on paper. However, when businesses are in the picture, prices change, and not for the better. Even the simplest of calculations will end up costing you around $300 for setting up one business phone system.
Now imagine trying to organize five or even ten of these landline systems. We haven’t even gotten to the charges for adding extra lines.
Using VoIP phone service, you only need to worry about the monthly subscription charges and IP phones (if you choose to have one). With multiple features embedded into one software, you only pay once for all communication services.
Flexible
Many VoIP phone service providers give you a specific virtual number. This number lets you call anyone with any device. Yes, you can read that again.
Whether on a trip, meeting, or at home, you can make calls using your laptop or phone. To give you a perspective, think of your device as a virtual phone. You can use the same number everywhere as long as there’s internet.
Such flexibility from business VoIP services help you make traveling decisions without
hesitation. Further, you can ensure not to miss urgent calls even when your phone isn’t nearby.
Perfect for situations when your phone’s out of juice!
Multitasking
As mentioned above, VoIP phone service providers don’t stop at calling alone. They give you a software loaded with features ranging from texting to video calls. Once onboarded, your team can easily communicate across different channels simultaneously.
For instance, they can get on a call and share files at the same time. This is extremely helpful when customer support agents need to resolve an urgent issue.
Further, VoIP phone service providers may also allow you to communicate with customers from different channels for seamless ticket resolutions.
Many services like call routing, queue, voicemail, and record are pre-built into VoIP software. While they’re also available on normal PBX systems, features like these are labeled as “add-ons.” Meaning you’ll have to pay extra for them.
Scalability
What’s better than a multitasking, flexible and low-cost solution? A multitasking, flexible, and low-cost solution that scales with your small business! Unlike traditional landlines, VoIP phone service lets you add or remove phone lines as per your needs.
If you feel like a certain season isn’t bringing as many calls as usual, you can remove lines for that specific period. This way, you’re only paying for what you use. Plus, with VoIP, you don’t need to have a bulky wired setup in your main office branch.
Rather, with the system on the cloud, you’re saving on physical space. More space lets you expand your office with extra equipment.
Suitable for All Team Sizes
One of the greatest advantages of using VoIP phone service is its serviceability. No matter your team size, you can use features that give the impression of your company having multiple departments.
Even if you’re not in the same locality as your customer, you can receive a VoIP number with your customer’s area code. It’s always reassuring to know that there’s someone nearby solving our matters than someone miles away, right?
Another important aspect of VoIP features is auto-attendants. If you’ve already got a secretary, you know what we’re talking about. To handle ongoing clientele calls, businesses appoint a secretary. They are responsible for conveying any messages and/or receiving calls.
Once you bring UCaaS into the picture, these tasks are basically automated. Your auto-attendant will transfer all calls without the need for an operator.
These are just a couple of features that VoIP technology brings to the table. You can always contact your VoIP phone service provider to explore any additional benefits they provide.
High Voice-Quality
When landlines became prominent as the main source of technology for an office or home phone, there was always one issue. Bad voice quality in case of extreme weather or damaged phone lines. VoIP phone service eliminates this problem by offering high-quality voice calls over the internet.
But VoIP phone service is dependent on the internet. What about businesses with lackluster internet speed?
Quick on the uptake!
True, bad internet will only lead to poor voice calls. However, with 4G already the norm, you’ll hardly ever experience latency, lags, or dropped calls every day. If you’re still unsatisfied and want to upgrade to optic fiber or 5G, then Oppuous is here to deliver!
With our consultation and internet service providers, you can upgrade to the next generation of internet that guarantees speeds over 100Mbps. Stop stressing over dropped calls and distorted voice quality with our super-fast broadband!
Not sure where to start? We’re here for you! Unlike many others, Oppuous also offers IT consultation so you can make an informed decision that racks profit like never before!
Now it’s time to look at top-notch VoIP phone service providers.
Nextiva
Nextiva is a cloud communications firm known for its award-winning customer service and support. They provide comprehensive features such as unlimited internet, fax, and phone calls, even in their most basic plans.
It has an easy-to-use interface and seamlessly integrates with Google, Hubspot, Salesforce, Microsoft, etc. Apart from this, they also have a top-rated mobile app that helps you configure settings.
Pricing:
Nextiva has a flexible pricing plan that can be selected according to your user count and team size. The cheapest one starts from $18.95 per month, which goes up to $32.95 per month.
RingCentral
Our second pick is RingCentral. It is a cloud-based VoIP phone service that delivers the best combination of features for all business sizes.
From unlimited calling to call log reports and document sharing, your team can easily handle calls from anywhere. Hence, RingCentral is a great option for a remote company.
Also, it has a user-friendly interface and app which can be accessed from any device.
Pricing:
RingCentral has three plans:
- Core: Starts at $20 per month
- Advanced: Starts at $25 per month
- Ultra: Starts at $35 per month
The good news is that RingCentral also provides customized pricing.
8×8
8×8 is recognized for being an affordable VoIP phone service, providing cloud-based phone services for businesses. The platform offers users access to an all-in-one collaboration experience right from voice, video, team chat, and private messaging.
Some of the top features that 8×8 offers include unlimited calling, call recordings, call handling, and call management.
As for integrations, organizations can leverage their cloud phone system with Microsoft Teams and a CRM system.
Pricing:
You can choose from two plans involving X2 and X4, which range from $24 to $44 billed per month and user.
Microsoft Teams
With the Microsoft Teams Phone, businesses can make calls regardless of whether they employ the Teams app, mobile phone, or a landline. Make or receive video or conference calls from wherever you are.
You can manage interactions via an admin center while accessing standard VoIP phone service features such as screen sharing, call recording, call queues, cloud voicemail, and more.
Pricing:
Here are the plans offered by Microsoft Teams:
- Microsoft Teams Essentials: Approx. $4.00 user/month
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic: Approx. $6.00 user/month
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard: Approx. $12.50 user/month
Vonage
Providing unified and voice communication features, Vonage is another well-known VoIP phone service provider on our list. A few of their notable features include the VBC Mobile and Desktop apps that let you chat, call and host meetings with your teammates.
Besides this, you also get a business inbox and Never Miss a Call service, which provides users the Do Not Disturb, Voicemail, Simultaneous Ring, and other facilities. The interactive Admin Portal also equips you with premium features along with system trends and analytics.
Pricing:
Users are provided with three different plans, including their Mobile, Premium, and Advanced options, which range from $19.99 per user/month to $39.99 per user/month.
ZenDesk Talk
The last one on our list is ZenDesk Talk, which is a cloud-based VoIP phone service provider. This phone system allows businesses to address customers’ queries through live chat, email, help centers, chatbots, etc.
Additionally, it has omnichannel syncing that helps call agents get customers’ details and conversation history for seamless communication. Moreover, the ZenDesk Suite integrates with more than 1000+ business tools.
Overall, ZenDesk is a beneficial VoIP phone service offering a unified interface for call management functionalities.
Pricing:
- Suite Team: $55 billed per agent every month
- Suite Growth: $89 billed per agent every month
- Suite Professional: $115 billed per agent every month
Future of VoIP
Now, let’s take a quick look at the future of VoIP phone service. With the rise of AI, VoIP systems will be able to understand and interpret spoken language with a higher accuracy.
Above all, VoIP phone service providers will offer better integrations equipped with more communication options for businesses.
Detailing some of the emerging trends of VoIP phone services, businesses can expect more innovations such as:
- The Power of 5G: With the 5G network, this technology will massively improve the internet connectivity of VoIP phone services. Soon, poor-quality voice and video quality could be replaced with high-quality voice and high-definition video calls.
- Artificial Intelligence: We’ve already seen artificial intelligence integrated with VoIP services through AI-powered analytics and speech recognition. What’s more is AI’s ability to recognize patterns through sentiment analysis to improve customer interactions. This will help companies shape their advertising based on every customer call.
Better Security: VoIP phone service providers are preparing to create a more secure system that will go beyond encryption or passwords. Given the rise in cybersecurity attacks, companies will prepare to minimize the risks of breaching with multi-layered security.
Today, businesses are expected to provide high-quality customer services and support. VoIP phone services are a cost-effective medium for firms to build healthy customer relationships. To find the best VoIP phone service for your business, visit us at: https://oppuous.com/ and transform the way your team facilitates communication.
