A VoIP number is essentially the number assigned to you by a VoIP service provider after you sign up. VoIP numbers are also called virtual numbers, made of the same string of digits you’d find on any telephone line. These numbers work with Voice over Internet Protocol technology and can be used to call from any device with an internet connection.
How Does VoIP Work
A VoIP phone system makes calls by converting analog to digital signals over your internet connection, this is done by your VoIP app. These digital signals are then sent over the internet to your provider’s VoIP servers. The servers then convert these digital signals to audio sounds that are heard by the receiver.
VoIP calling is an internet service so call management is usually done through an online dashboard. You most likely already pay for an internet connection so a subscription to a good VoIP provider is usually all there is to the upfront cost if you’re choosing a hosted service.
Difference Between VoIP Numbers and Regular Phone Numbers
A VoIP phone number doesn’t have to be assigned to a particular address while a regular phone number is attached to a physical location, so the latter isn’t the best fit for remote work.
Also, VoIP numbers rely on an internet connection to place calls while regular phone systems use the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) involving a lot of copper wiring.
Finally, a VoIP number’s connection to the internet makes it vulnerable to cyber-attacks and this doesn’t happen on non-voip phone lines but the frequency and potency of these attacks usually depends on your VoIP provider’s security.
The Advantages Of A VoIP Number
Here are five of the many advantages a VoIP phone system provides that you won’t find on a traditional phone service:
1. Increased Portability
Traditional phone lines are stuck to your desk so you can’t take them with you on a walk or a trip, and that’s what makes VoIP numbers perfect for remote workers.
You can handle calls from anywhere in the world as long as you have access to an internet connection. If you’re on a multi-user subscription, many members of a team can be given access and calls can be handled by people from different devices and even countries.
2. Lower Costs
When you’re just starting, investing in a deskphone system and an IT team to manage all of it can eat into a significant part of your budget but getting VoIP numbers can help with reducing a lot of that cost.
VoIP providers offer you direct cost savings by eliminating the need for physical hardware and copper wiring. VoIP calls are generally cheaper than landline calls and also involve a long-term reduction in recurring costs.
3. Easy Scalability
The higher scalability of VoIP systems as compared to traditional telephones makes it an attractive option for growing businesses.
Call traffic will increase during peak season for these businesses and getting VoIP numbers can allow them to easily meet this increased demand without needing to buy additional phone lines. The same thing happens when you’re trying to scale down as you’re heading into the off-season, you can easily get on a cheaper plan in minutes.
4. Better For Businesses
VoIP numbers can be what you need to strengthen your business. Many providers have features like call analytics and call recording and this can help employees improve key business processes from anywhere.
VoIP platforms also have a better user interface and onboarding doesn’t take as much time as with traditional systems. Plus, setting up your VoIP numbers can be done in minutes, and many providers allow these numbers to be shared.
5. Reliable Call Quality
VoIP calls only need a stable internet connection with good bandwidth to go through without any problems. Call quality issues like jitter and latency were common problems when VoIP was initially introduced but not so much today, and with VoIP phones in the picture today, innovations like noise-canceling microphones have produced even better sound quality.
What Should You Look For In A VoIP Provider?
Choosing the right VoIP provider can be difficult for first-time buyers but here are three features that you need to consider before deciding on your final pick.
1. Auto-attendant
This is an automated assistant that directs incoming calls to the right person or team. It’s a virtual receptionist that’s customizable so callers can get a greeting and listen to important information while being routed to the right team, and it can also help answer basic questions.
2. Caller ID
Caller ID helps you customize your business name and phone number before placing outgoing calls. It can also help adjust your area codes to match your prospects and appear more local.
3. Call Analytics
Your call analytics is a tool that records data about your incoming and outgoing calls, it tracks metrics like call volume, call time, hold time, and speed of answer. You can then use these reports to measure KPIs and develop strategies to improve performance.
Is It Difficult To Switch To A VoIP Number
Getting your VoIP numbers will only take a few minutes, and you can also move existing phone numbers. This is called porting and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other telecommunication agencies have guidelines that allow you to port your VoIP numbers from your existing phone service to a VoIP provider and from one VoIP provider to another.
No matter what VoIP numbers you get, the advantages of VoIP systems are hard to deny. Sophisticated businesses around the world are using this great technology and even better is that there are VoIP service providers that allow you to try it for free, so go get started!
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