Many businesses still rely on outdated traditional phone systems, despite there being better options available. Considering how the internet has changed the ways we do business, it’s very surprising that VoIP technology hasn’t had the same type of mass appeal.
If you’re still stuck with traditional phone service, you may be reluctant to switch your phone service to something more modern. However, VoIP can take your business to the next level, saving you plenty of money in the process. Still not convinced, or prefer using your cell phone for voice calls? Let’s bust some of the common VoIP myths that are holding you back.
Solving The Mystery Of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
While it sounds extremely complicated, VoIP isn’t a new technology. Most small businesses see the name and go back to their old phone system. The main difference between Voice Over Internet Protocol and traditional landlines is that it sends sound over your internet connection rather than traditional lines.
Many small and mid-sized businesses get put off VoIP networks when they hear about the complicated features that seem difficult to use. However, while you can take advantage of these business features, the key is that you don’t have to if you don’t want to. Instead, you can use your VoIP service exactly like your existing phone lines.
The Most Common VoIP Myths
A VoIP phone system isn’t secure
Many people assume that since the wireless connections aren’t secure, their voice traffic will be insecure. In truth, your calls are much more secure over VoIP, as most providers use advanced security features like call encryption and two-factor authentication to keep your information safe.
I can’t keep my old number
Companies don’t want to change their phone numbers since it can lead to lost clients and less revenue. Luckily, any good VoIP service provider will offer number porting, which allows you to keep your current number for no additional fee.
I’ll need to buy new phones
Nope. If your phones work on copper lines, they’ll work the same on a VoIP service.
As one of the most common VoIP myths, we can trace this back to early VoIP providers who wanted to promote the service as a great business technology. While there are dedicated VoIP phones with plenty of useful features that are great for large and small businesses, they’re unnecessary if all you want to do is make and receive calls.
VoIP has terrible voice quality
VoIP calls rely on your internet connection to transmit sound. This myth stems from the fact that older connections using 56k dial-up could result in stutters and delays. These connections were out of date 20 years ago, and compression technology has also advanced dramatically.
Not only do VoIP phones adapt to your bandwidth to maximize sound quality, but they also offer noise-canceling features to make your calls even better. If you can watch a YouTube video on your connection, you have more than enough available bandwidth to get amazing call quality.
My network can’t support VoIP
If you’re a small business, you may not have the ability to connect to a blazing fast network. However, the recommended bandwidth to use VoIP is 100 Kbps. Even the most affordable residential internet product today starts at 25 Mbps, 250 times faster than what you need.
I need a tech degree to understand VoIP
Nope. If you can use a normal phone, you can use VoIP. There are mode advanced services that can improve customer experience and maximize your business potential, but these aren’t essential. You can start with just normal phone services and move up to these more advanced features in the future.
A VoIP system is expensive and difficult to install
Most VoIP companies can help you set up your VoIP network, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is. And these providers will also have 24/7 service desks in the unlikely event that you hit a snag.
Many businesses that make the switch are amazed at how cost-effective VoIP actually is. Your company can reduce its communication costs by 65%, especially if you use features like business voicemail and conference calls. Many traditional companies will charge massive fees for these features that are included a standard VoIP package.
Nobody uses VoIP
There’s a misconception that only large businesses rely on VoIP. However, if you’ve made a call using WhatsApp, Skype, Teams, or any other remote calling software, then you’ve used VoIP. In fact, as more people start working from home, VoIP becomes increasingly valuable to bring people together across multiple locations.
You can’t send faxes over VoIP
If you still rely on faxes to run your business operations, then you’ll be relieved to know that you can still do so with your new connection. However, instead of using your clunky old fax machine, you can use your connected smartphone instead. It’s much easier and allows you to receive faxes no matter where you are.
Last on our list of VoIP myths, it’s unreliable
Copper lines aren’t as reliable as you may think. In many instances, your network connection is more stable and more reliable. Every voice-over IP company has a certain uptime as part of their contract, meaning that as long as you have access to the internet, you’ll have access to your VoIP.
We Are Here For You
If you’re considering taking the leap to more modern communication technology, get in touch with Network Elites. We can guide you through every step of the process and help you get the best product possible.
