If you are a business owner, chances are you might be hesitant to adopt VoIP phone systems for your communication needs due to the many myths and misconceptions that surround it. Voice Over Internet Protocol – VoIP – has become increasingly popular in recent years and is quickly becoming the go-to choice for business communications due to its affordability and flexibility. It lets you make and receive calls over the Internet using your existing infrastructure.
However, many who aren’t familiar with VoIP worry about reliability, security, and scalability. While any emerging technology should be treated with caution, VoIP has proven to be safer and more effective than traditional phone lines. And VoIP has continued to grow and progress throughout the past few years. In this article, we will debunk some of the most common VoIP myths and misconceptions associated with it so that you have the facts when it comes to choosing the right VoIP phone service provider for your business.
Myth #1: VoIP Calls Are Not Reliable Phone Calls
One of the most popular VoIP myths is the common misconception that VoIP phone service providers need a high-speed internet connection, making them less useful for businesses without access to high-quality ISPs. The truth is that most modern VoIP systems are designed to be reliable even in areas with poor or no reliable internet connection. The advancement of technology and high-speed internet connections have made VoIP just as reliable as a traditional phone service.
With VoIP services, businesses no longer need to rely on physical phone lines for communication, instead using an internet connection to transmit voice calls. This means that businesses no longer need to worry about poor sound quality due to unreliable or slow phone lines – the data is transmitted over the Internet in a more consistent digital form. Additionally, small businesses commonly use cloud-based VoIP to ensure their communication technology remains up and running in any scenario.
One of the biggest VoIP myths about using these phone companies is that they will drop the call, or the audio will become distorted when there’s a lack of bandwidth. While this could happen in some cases, it’s much less likely today than it was just a few years ago, thanks to advances in telecommunications technology like Opus Codec and Adaptive Bitrate (ABR.)
These technologies allow the VoIP service provider to forward calls over different paths when one path gets congested. This protocol ensures that call quality remains consistent throughout the conversation, regardless of any drops in bandwidth availability or decent internet connection.
Myth #2: VoIP Phone Systems Are Not Secure
Many people believe that VoIP phone calls are less secure than traditional phone systems, but this is not true. VoIP technology can be just as secure as traditional phone lines if the proper security measures are taken. They use the same encryption protocols as other forms of digital communication, such as web browsers, to prevent outside listeners from hijacking your phone system.
A VoIP telephone system features numerous security measures, such as encryption protocols, authentication protocols, transport layer security (TLS,) and secure real-time transport protocol (SRTP.) These technologies ensure that the data transmitted over your VoIP system is kept secure and private.
Additionally, your VoIP phone service provider can help you implement additional security measures to protect your system from malicious attacks further. Many business phone service providers allow users to add additional layers of security, such as two-factor authentication and IP authorization. These steps help to add an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.
With robust security protocols and virtual firewalls protecting your phone system and VoIP users from malicious actors on the Internet, you can rest assured that all of your important information is kept safe and secure on a VoIP phone system.
Myth #3: Setting Up VoIP As A New Phone System Is Expensive
There is a common misconception that setting it up as a phone system is prohibitively expensive. While this is one of the most common VoIP myths, it can be a very cost-effective phone system for businesses of all sizes. With the right setup and plan, most business broadband packages that receive VoIP calls can help save you up to 50% on your monthly telephone bill.
VoIP can be an ideal solution for any business looking to cut communication costs. Instead of utilizing expensive hardware or out-of-date existing phones, VoIP relies on the Internet to transmit calls over a secure network connection. These advantages mean you don’t have to pay for expensive landlines and long-term contracts with phone companies.
The key factor in determining the cost of setting up a VoIP system is the infrastructure needed to support it. Depending on the size and scope of your business, you may need additional VoIP-compatible hardware such as IP desk phones, VoIP handsets, and other associated equipment. However, even if these items are necessary to receive phone calls, they will likely pay for themselves over time due to the savings you’ll experience with your lower monthly phone bill.
Additionally, VoIP offers features other phone systems don’t, such as call forwarding, business voicemail transcription, the ability to accept audio and video calls, interactive voice response (IVR,) and customizable IVR menus. These various business features make connecting with your team quickly and efficiently easier, enhancing the customer experience every step of the way.
Myth #4: Setting Up A VoIP System Is Challenging and Time-Consuming
One of the most common VoIP myths and misconceptions is that setting it up is challenging, technical, and takes a lot of time to do. However, VoIP can be installed quickly and easily, usually in just a few hours. All it takes is the right equipment and basic technical know-how. Plus, depending on the type of system you’re using, minimal wiring may be involved.
One of the biggest steps for setup for your VoIP is the software that handles the communication aspects of VoIP technology, such as call management tools. To make this easier, many VoIP handsets provide pre-packaged solutions with everything you need in one convenient package. Many systems are constructed with user-friendly features such as self-guided installation instructions, intuitive web interfaces for customizing settings, and easy-to-use automated monitoring tools to ensure the system runs smoothly.
It is important to note that VoIP can be even easier to set up with the help of a professional. A qualified technician can install the system quickly and accurately and ensure that all your components are working properly and provide troubleshooting advice if needed.
In addition to setting up the basic equipment, they can also help configure call routing rules, create customized voicemail greetings, and even guide users through setting up their personal or company laptops for ideal efficiency and the best possible customer experience at the end of the day.
Myth #5: VoIP Is Only Used By Tech Companies Or Call Centers
The name VoIP “Voice Over Internet Protocol” sometimes leads to the myth that it is only used by tech companies or call centers. While these businesses employ VoIP, many organizations and individuals take advantage of its affordability and convenience. Small businesses, large corporations, educational institutions, and medical offices use VoIP services as an effective communication solution.
There are many reasons why voice over internet protocol makes it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes wanting to reduce costs while taking advantage of the many features associated with VoIP. With more people than ever working from home or another remote location, video conferencing, voice messaging, call forwarding, auto-attendant, caller ID, and other options help make workplaces of all sizes more efficient.
While it is true that larger organizations can benefit from additional VoIP features like call center integration and digital receptionist capabilities to optimize their customer service experience, it is not limited to just them. Online voice messaging capabilities allow businesses of all sizes to stay connected even through VoIP, making it a great solution for anyone who needs a reliable communication system.
Myth #6: VoIP is Only Good for Big Businesses
Many people have the misconception that VoIP phone systems are not necessary for, or not designed around, small or midsized businesses (SMBs). The fact is that VoIP systems are very modular and flexible. Like many business-oriented systems, VoIP networks are structured with growth and expansion in mind – many in the tech industry would say that a VoIP system is better for small businesses, thanks to their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and customizable toolsets.
A VoIP system can allow for more efficient and capable remote working by allowing your employees to use their office phone number from any phone. This allows your business to be more mobile and better handle a remote workforce, expanding your options and talent availability into new, exciting markets.
So, VoIP systems and networks are not only viable for large company structures. This kind of networking and telephony system can provide you with excellent customer service and competitive advantage alongside low operational costs.
Don’t Let VoIP Myths Keep You From Efficient Business Communication
If you’re unsure about adopting VoIP as a phone system for your business, we can help you through the process at Mohawk Networks. We provide incredible Internet, video, and voice services across Northern New York and neighboring areas, and no one has more fiber in the ground than us. If you’re ready to discuss VoIP solutions, contact us today for a quote!
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