So, what is VoIP, and why does your business need it?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is proving to be the standard for modern business communications across the globe. You may have even seen telcos offer VoIP subscriptions for home and mobile use, proving the technology’s place in today’s interconnected world.

Now, you might be asking yourself things like, “What exactly is this VoIP stuff?” or “Doesn’t it just do the same exact thing as the traditional phones in my business?” Well, we’re going to find the answers to those questions and more in this blog, so read on to learn exactly how VoIP technology can help your business.

How did VoIP come about?

The Voice over IP standard was first introduced in 1995 as an alternative to traditional landline telephony. It was created as a way to save money when placing long-distance and international phone calls by making use of an internet connection to transmit voice communications. Businesses have gotten the most out of this, as a VoIP network makes call management more cost effective, helping them avoid the costs of routing through the complicated global web of dedicated phone switch hubs and maintaining physical Private Branch Exchange (PBX) hardware.

How does VoIP work?

As the acronym suggests, VoIP systems work by routing phone calls over your internet network, instead of the usual copper phone lines. This means that while VoIP phones functionally do the same things as your analogue phone does, it can take advantage of certain advanced features accessible through the cloud, such as video and file sharing.

In a more technical sense, while traditional phones send voice signals directly through the Public Switched Telephone Network (PTSN) on dedicated hardware, VoIP converts your voice into data, and transmits it through the internet, where bandwidth is shared across different use cases and the need for exclusive hardware is eliminated.

What does VoIP have to offer my business?

Since VoIP replaces physical telephony hardware with cloud-based call management software, telephone costs for businesses are dramatically lowered. The cloud-based nature of a VoIP service also introduces added feature of supporting various call endpoint devices like desktop IP phones, computers, smartphones, or laptops. Important call data for a business’ marketing needs is also much more accessible with VoIP, especially when paired with call tracking software and other analytics tools. Finally, the need for expensive, separate copper wiring is eliminated with VoIP if your business is already set up for an internet connection.

How will I use VoIP in my day-to-day operations?

Essentially, all you’ll need is a service provider, a compatible phone, and an ethernet jack to plug It into. Otherwise, you can use a VoIP phone like you would a normal landline phone. There are, however, some crucial features you want to take advantage of, and upgrade your business communications experience. Here are just a few of them:

• Call Forwarding & Transferring
• Call forwarding helps you manually or automatically redirect inbound calls to another number, device, or operator.
• Call Recording & Caller ID Tagging
• VoIP phone systems allow you to automatically record phone conversations to help with call quality assurance.
• Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Menus
• You can also set up a “virtual concierge” that callers can interact with using keypad or voice input.
• Queuing & Music on Hold
• Nobody likes waiting, but with a queuing and hold music feature, you can fill out the wait time and the silence with pleasing music or helpful messages.
• Unified Communications
• Because VoIP works using the internet, with a Unified Communications (UC) system, you can consolidate all your business’ communication channels into one cross-device platform. You can learn more about UC here.

Where can I get VoIP services?

Alltel offers enterprise-grade VoIP solutions that are perfect for businesses at any size. Our cloud-based business phone plans are flexible and fully customisable, ensuring that the service you get is exactly what you need.

If you’d like to learn more about how Alltel can power your business with a VoIP connection, you may call us at
1300 255 835 or browse our website at www.alltel.com.au.