VoIP 101 – Intro to internet business phone services

When starting a business there are a lot of jobs you need to tick of your checklist, from securing your domain name to hiring the first recruit. For the first few weeks you might be happy to make calls on your home landline or mobile, but you might have already figured out that it’s not the most efficient (or professional) way to do business.

Instead of going down the route of a traditional business landline, you might be interested in trying out a flexible VoIP phone service.

What is VoIP?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a way of making phone calls, and is fast becoming a popular alternative to traditional landlines. The calls are made over the internet, meaning all you need is a connection (3G, 4G, or wifi) for you to be able to start making calls. An example of a well-known VoIP system is Skype; Skype uses the internet to connect calls from A to B, which is the same with all other VoIP providers.

You may not have heard of the term VoIP before, but have possibly heard of other names for it. PBX, internet phone service, and cloud phone system are all variations on the same theme.

What are the benefits of using VoIP?

The biggest advantage of using an internet phone service is the low cost compared with a traditional landline. No line rental and generally lower calling costs mean you’re able to spend more money on areas of your business that require greater investment.

As a startup, the last thing you want to be worried about is getting tied into a 12 or 24-month contract with a phone service; with many VoIP providers (including Nimvelo) you’ll be able to enjoy the perks of a everyday phone service without being tied up in any contracts.

Flexibility is a big benefit of VoIP systems; remote working has been made easier with VoIP as you don’t need to be stuck to a desk, you’re able to work anywhere in the world and still make calls as it’s all done over the internet. This ability to provide flexible working can make your startup more attractive to the top talent, helping you to hire the best people to grow your company.

VoIP providers generally offer the same range of services as you could expect to receive with a traditional business landline system, but with the added benefit of greater control. Nimvelo Phone customers can manage their phone entire system and features online, so they’re able to add and remove things like phone numbers, extensions, and call routing at any time of the day or night.

Are there any disadvantages of VoIP?

VoIP systems may not be as reliable as traditional landlines as they depend on internet connectivity, meaning without a strong connection the line could potentially cut out. However with most areas now offering wifi or 3G/4G internet this issue is not as common as it used to be. We envision that once the whole of the UK has access to at least a 3G connection, a lot more businesses will switch to VoIP systems.

Is VoIP right for your business?

You may want to look at what features Nimvelo Phone offers to see if this is something that might be suitable for you, and please feel free to get in touch with our team if you have any questions at all – we’re always happy to help people understand how VoIP phone systems can help their business!