Routing your business calls via a broadband connection is one way in which business can make significant savings. You may have heard about internet telephony systems or Voice over Internet Protocol services and wondered what it’s all about – well here’s a simple guide.
If you use the telephone a lot for your business then you’ll appreciate how quickly bills can mount up. Unlike a home phone which is only used socially and at evenings and weekends, making regular phone calls during business hours can be a costly exercise. One way in which you can minimise these costs is to set-up a Voice Over Internet Protocol phone service, otherwise known as VOIP.
VOIP is not exactly a new concept but has taken a while to become a service that people trust. In the US usage of VOIP telephony is very popular and many small business owners in the UK are now beginning to appreciate the savings that can be made.
Benefits of using VOIP include:
- Low set-up and usage costs
- Easy to install and use
- Predictable phone bills
- VOIP is scalable and easy to expand
- Advanced call features with no extra costs
- Use anywhere you have access to a broadband connection
- Have a local number in any location
How Does VOIP Work?
Quite simply, the VOIP service converts your regular voice calls into packets of data which can be sent over the internet. The person you are calling doesn’t need to have a VOIP service and will receive and hear your calls in the same way as they would from a regular phone.
How Does VOIP Save You Money?
Because the calls are sent through your existing broadband connection there is no expensive network to run and maintain. You can use a VOIP phone as a secondary system, say as an alternative to your home phone, or replace your existing business phone system altogether.
Call Plans
Monthly call plans start at just £5.99 a month and includes unlimited calls to UK landlines. There are several plans available which will suit various business types and even the most advanced plan costs less than £20 a month.
You can also add extra services such as a second line, a dedicated fax line or a virtual number with a local dialling code for a small extra charge.
Advanced Call Features
Contrary to what many people believe, VOIP offers a lot more than just basic phone calls. With VOIP you get a host of advanced features included at no extra charge including:
- Voicemail
- Call Diversion
- Call Waiting
- Caller Display
- Call Transfer
- Anonymous Call Blocking
VOIP Providers
Skype is the original and best known VOIP provider and has a range of features especially suitable for businesses including:
- SkypeOut – a cheap way to call landlines and mobile phones. Buy credits in advance from just £10 and take control of your phone budget.
- Skype Pro – a monthly subscription with benefits including international calls from mobile phones at local rates and discounts on hardware.
- Skype Voicemail – never miss a call with voicemail to take your calls when you’re busy or offline.
- SkypeIn – a personal number that anyone can call at low rates with free Voicemail.
