What is a VoIP phone system?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a technology that converts analogue signals into digital ‘packages’, allowing voice, text, data and video calls to be made over the internet, from a single device.

While you can use a dedicated VoIP phone to make and receive calls, it’s not essential.

VoIP systems also work as a software based network. Users can simply download an app onto their existing business phones, laptop or other mobile device and access all the VoIP features they need.

You can read more about the benefits of using VoIP in this blog.

What’s the difference between VoIP and ISDN?

The main difference between VoIP and ISDN is that an ISDN line is fixed and hardwired.

It works by running physical cables from a box (usually on the street) directly into a business premises.

These cables are then connected to each handset, enabling them to make and receive calls over the line.

VoIP, on the otherhand, uses digital signals over a broadband internet connection, meaning individual phones don’t need to be ‘hooked up’ to an individual line.

Instead, users log-in to the VoIP system using a licence (like a SaaS cloud platform) to connect their device.

Because VoIP works over the internet and doesn’t require physical connections between devices and the network, it means any device with an internet connection can access the VoIP network.

This adds much more flexibility to how a business can manage calls, providing greater opportunity for cost savings.

How does a VoIP business phone system work?

A VoIP business phone system allows your business to make phone calls through your internet connection instead of a regular landline or a mobile network by converting analogue voice signals into digital signals.

When a call is made, the analogue signal is converted into ‘data packages’, which are sent through the network and pieced back together at the recipient’s end.

VoIP systems allow much more data to be passed over the network (unlike PSTN lines) which means more variety and quality of calls can be made.

It allows users to make calls to other computers, landlines and mobiles, rather than being restricted to landlines or mobiles.

You can use VoIP over public broadband, or using your own hosted connection.

What types of calls can you do over a VoIP phone network?

With a VoIP business phone, you will be able to call anyone who has a telephone number whether that is local, national, international or mobile.

It does not matter if they don’t have a VOIP phone system as you can call anyone who has a regular analogue phone.

Most VoIP services will allow you to speak with more than one person at a time with conference calling and people internally within your business.

Over a VoIP network you can make a wider variety of calls using one device:

Voice calls

Just like a normal phone, you can make simple voice calls over your VoIP system. However these calls can be made not just to other phone, but also to laptops, tablets and other smart devices with an internet connection.

Video calls

Video and conference calling is one of the main benefits of using a VoIP phone, and they allow you to make these types of calls using your regular phone, without the need to download separate conferencing software like Zoom or Skype.

Text calls

If you need to send a simple text to someone, VoIP allows you to do this too. You can send these messages to the recipient’s phone, or to whatever device they use to access the VoIP network.

Additional VoIP features

As well as making and receiving a wider variety of calls using VoIP, this type of digital network has many other features which can improve your business’ phone management.

Call routing

With VoIP you can more easily manage how calls are routed to the right person, regardless of where they’re working or what device they’re using. Calls can be routed based on customer and enquiry type, staff availability or department.

Call forwarding

With VoIP you can have calls made to your business’ office number automatically forwarded to employees’ mobiles. This is ideal for remote business’ as it allows you to retain a single business number that can be answered from anywhere.

Call recording

One of the biggest time wasters of calls and meetings is trying to decipher notes or remember what has been said or who has been assigned to what actions. With VoIP you can set call recording so all calls can be watched or listened back to at a later date.

Conference bridging

This feature allows you to add additional people to a call that is already ongoing (similar to inviting people onto a Zoom call)

While on a VoIP call you can simply invite other people to join (either using voice or video calling) and they can join the call at the push of a button.

Free local numbers

If you want to build a local presence in a new area without the additional office costs, VoIP allows you to add a local number to your system for free, which can be answered by employees on any device, from anywhere.

For example you could set up a London business number, which could be answered by an employee on their computer, laptop or phone from Manchester.

Hot desking

VoIP systems allow you to log-in to the network from any device, so employees have the option to work from anywhere while still being able to access their phone.

Buy the best VoIP phone system from Communications Plus

If you want to know more about how VoIP phone systems can benefit your business, you can browse our range of options online or get in touch and we’ll be happy to advise you on which system will fit your business.

If you’re ready to invest in a new VoIP business phone system ahead of the ISDN switch-off in 2025, get in touch.