Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, is essentially a way of accessing phone services over the internet rather than through a dedicated separate phone line. Traditionally, all users, business and personal alike, used to use a Public Switched Telephone Network or PSTN. This is a big network of circuits generally operated by a range of phone operators. However, with the advent of the internet, many big businesses have swapped to VoIP, and now many smaller businesses are following suit.
The Advent of VoIP
While still a relatively immature market, the use of VoIP has really taken off in recent times. Perhaps because of this, many providers are still entering the marketplace, meaning that there is strong competition for customers, which is good news for business and personal users alike.
This rapid adoption of VoIP can be attributed to a number of things. In part, it is out of necessity as some providers, such as BT, will be switching off PSTN services after a certain date, as can be seen here https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/04/19/bt_pushes_ahead_with_plans_to_switch_off_traditional_telephone_network/.
Infrastructure Needs
One of the reasons VoIP is so attractive to many small businesses is that it helps in the establishment of an overarching integrated network. While in days gone by it was the norm for businesses to use a wide range of siloed networks, it is cheaper and more efficient and effective to have one infrastructure that combines video, data, voice, etc.
This makes communicating easier for employees and allows businesses to run in a more streamlined way.
Cost Savings
In addition, VoIP calls tend to be a lot more cost-effective than PSTN. Often they are free, which is obviously a huge bonus. With so much competition in the market place, it is fairly easy for small businesses to find a really competitive package to suit them. Organizations shouldn’t worry about wholesale VoIP termination rates either, as there are many options in the market to consider, such as https://www.idtexpress.com/blog/2018/04/07/wholesale-voip-termination-rates-why-voip-is-booming/.
Great Quality
One perceived drawback to VoIP was in voice quality. However, as technology has improved, so too has the quality of calls. It now rivals or even sometimes surpasses PSTN. The same goes for connections – even in remote parts of the world, VoIP can rival traditional methods.
If your small business isn’t already using VoIP, then get in touch for more information.