VoIP and Telephony

VoIP and Telephony FAQs

• What is VoIP and how does it work?

  A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system lets you make and receive calls over the Internet. Unlike traditional phone lines, which are tied to a single phone, a VoIP telephone service allows you to access phone services from devices like your smartphone, laptop, and other VoIP telephone systems. Traditional telephony systems use circuit-switching technology to connect you to the caller on the other end of the line. Meanwhile, a VoIP phone system uses packet switching to convert voice audio into digital data packets, which are sent over the Internet.

• What should I look for in a VoIP telephone service?

  To find a VoIP phone service for small business owners, it’s important to identify your business’s requirements first. Do you want to cut down the cost of your phone bill? Do you need a solution that provides you with a centralized communications platform? Check the costs involved, as rates can vary from one VoIP phone service provider to another. Then, assess its features. Some of the key features to consider include an auto attendant, call forwarding, call analytics, and video conferencing. Lastly, identify the level of customer support that a service provider offers. Look for a VoIP provider that offers access to live representatives, self-service options, and round-the-clock support.

• Are VoIP telephone systems scalable?

  Yes. A VoIP business phone service offers better accessibility and scalability. Because it’s a cloud-based phone system, it can grow as your business grows without you having to make expensive upgrades. For instance, VoIP call center solutions have call transferring and collaboration features, allowing small and large teams to interact and work online. If you have an office in one state and expanding in another, you can sign up with a VoIP mobile phone service provider in that area even if you’re based in a different state. This allows you to cater to clients in that particular location.

• Are VoIP telephone systems secure?

  A VoIP telephone system, when not properly secured, is vulnerable to threats like voicemail hacks, toll fraud, and eavesdropping. These, in turn, can compromise valuable data. If you’re in the process of choosing a VoIP business phone service provider, check to see if it has multiple data centers. Having multiple servers in various locations enables one server to cover for another in case it fails. Implementing VoIP encryption also helps keep your VoIP phone system more secure. Additionally, ask your IT staff to set up a firewall to help filter threats and monitor unusual activities. On Fiverr, you can find VoIP and telephony experts who can set up and secure your VoIP telephone service.

• What factors can potentially affect the cost of a VoIP phone service?

  A VoIP phone system is priced based on two main factors: the number of extensions and the number of call paths or outside lines your business requires. Other factors that influence the cost include the number of users, features included, and other add-on features. Additional costs to consider include your internet service charges, VoIP hardware like headsets, conference phones, and VoIP desk phones, infrastructure and cabling costs, and monthly charges. The number of phone numbers your VoIP phone system has and the duration of your agreement with the provider also affect the cost.

• Can I set up my own VoIP phone system?

  While you can go the DIY route when setting up a VoIP phone system for your small business, it can sometimes be a daunting process that comes with a lot of considerations. These include setting up security protocols, familiarizing yourself with the different VoIP types, configuring third-party integrations, if any, and choosing the right VoIP provider that best fits your needs. The easiest way to go about this is to work with VoIP installation experts on Fiverr who can work with VoIP telephone systems from providers like Cisco, Nextiva, OpenPhone, and more.