Since ‘working from home’ is here to stay, more and more companies are looking to get their hands on VoIP numbers. Good news is – those who do are in for a treat! IP telephony offers more than just an option to work remotely.
It’s a budget-friendly solution that adapts to fit ever-changing business communication needs. Thanks to a vast variety of add-ons included by service providers, getting a VoIP number can pave the way towards ultimate flexibility and personalized experience. Read on to make the most out of transition to VoIP technology and ditch regular phone numbers for good.
What Is a VoIP Number?
It’s just like the regular set of PSTN digits, except the phone calls are routed over the internet instead of the traditional phone line thanks to Voice over Internet Protocol technology. While it was quickly picked up as an alternative system for business communication, today it’s also becoming a common replacement for traditional landlines regardless whether it is for personal or business use.
How to Get a VoIP Number?
You need to sign up with a VoIP service provider first. Luckily, there are many options available at hand that are guaranteed to match different needs and budgets. Once you’ve got a VoIP provider, you can then choose your individual plan and a number.
You can have the digits assigned to you or you can pick your own that are easier to remember. In case you wish to keep your old number, there is also an option of number porting. This means you can change the service without changing your contact details or losing any of your past clients as a result of confusion.
Differences Between VoIP And PSTN Digits
While IP numbers work just like standard landlines, there are some key differences to keep in mind. For one, the data exchange in a call over the internet takes place thanks to packet-switched networks that are more efficient and cheaper to operate than circuit-switched networks. This has a ton of benefits, including:
Choose Your Area Code
Appear local from anywhere in the world! Thanks to lack of ties to any specific location, you can pick any country or area code for your virtual phone number. While it may seem like an insignificant feature at first, businesses can now appear localized in multiple markets at the same time in just one click. A local number always appears safer and more trusted over random international numbers that often get confused for spam calls instead.
Technology
Time to say goodbye to the outdated hardware… and this time for good. IP telephony is a simple communications solution that requires no necessary equipment to make or receive calls. You don’t even need a dedicated VoIP deskphone. You can easily repurpose any internet-enabled device into a workstation thanks to the virtual phone. This includes mobile devices such as cell phones, laptops or tablets thanks to web and mobile apps.
On the other hand, if you already have traditional deskphones, you can also incorporate them for your VoIP system via an analog telephone adapter. You simply need to connect it to your device, and it will enable VoIP phone number connection.
A stable internet connection is really the only ‘must’ on the list. That’s why, it is no surprise that small businesses often opt in for virtual numbers over traditional phone numbers.
Line Sharing
You can share a single number across multiple devices. This means that you can make and receive a call on your laptop, tablet, and smartphone or share a line with your colleagues all at the same time. This offers great flexibility to users, as it reduces missed calls and call transfer rates even when on the go.
Fixed vs. Non-Fixed
There are two types of digits to keep in mind: fixed and non-fixed. A fixed number, meaning it’s tied to a specific physical location, like your home or office. Non-fixed lines, on the other hand, are not assigned to any particular address and are difficult to trace to their owner with a reverse phone lookup. While it may be convenient for some businesses, however lack of geolocation makes them inefficient for 911 emergency calls.
Why Choose a VoIP Number?
Here are three benefits of making the switch to IP telephony over traditional phone services:
1. Mobility
These numbers are not tied to a specific office, device or location which makes them so popular with WFH and hybrid arrangements. As long as you have access to the internet and any device with a preinstalled to support the remote working app from your laptop or mobile phone – you are set to go.
2. Scalability
While a small startup may only need a few telephone lines, more lines might need to be added to support a growing team over time. That’s why you’ll need a phone system that can grow with you. Even though this is also an option with traditional telephony, with VoIP you won’t need to invest in new equipment, installation and maintenance costs to make it possible.
3. Lower Costs
Aside from saving on equipment, IP calls are cheaper than calls over traditional PSTN lines, and you can instantly start saving money on your monthly bills by making the switch. Firstly, it gives you the option for unlimited calling, as the VoIP packages are based on per user per month pricing instead of the total talk time.
In addition, unlike traditional landline phones, there’s no need for additional charges for long distance calls, specialized equipment, or outbound calls. Plus, many providers also offer free plans and combine other features such as one-click conference calls and caller ID blocking to maximize your savings.
4. Toll-Free Calls
Regardless of whether you are small or a large business – you will always have the option to create a toll-free number for your VoIP calls. This will further help minimize the barrier between you and your clients, who will no longer be concerned if their issue is worth the price. Plus, the research has shown that toll-free numbers often help businesses appear more legitimate.
Is There More to VoIP?
A VoIP number is a great way to stay connected with family and grow your business. By using one, you can choose your area code, share the same set of digits across multiple devices, and enjoy increased mobility and flexibility. But that’s not all.
By converting to VoIP, you will also have access to additional features to impress your customers. Besides normal calls, you’ll even be able to make the most out of:
- Messaging
- Social media integrations, including WhatsApp, business SMS, FB
- Voicemail transcription
- Call queues
- Video conferencing
- Auto attendant
These advanced features will make sure that all startups, medium-sized businesses and even global enterprises can get the most out of their communications solution and fit the needs of their end clients.
Final Words
Exceptional customer service requires an innovative and modern approach to business communication as a whole. With VoIP telephone numbers, you can always enjoy carefree unlimited calls worldwide.
If you’re looking for a reliable VoIP phone service provider, be sure to check out other resources on the VoIP-Info.org blog for a more detailed explanation.
April 7, 2023
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