What's all the fuss about VoIP?

Introduction

‍VoIP has been around for quite some time now, but it's only in recent years that it has become a popular communication solution for businesses. It has gained immense popularity as a communication solution for companies, and now, the technology has evolved. Businesses that have switched to VoIP are experiencing significant benefits of VoIP and the need to switch from ISDN to a cloud-based solution. From reduced costs to increased productivity and flexibility, VoIP is changing how businesses communicate.

So now you may be wondering how this technology could affect your business. Do you need to start thinking about using VoIP? Is it something you really need? Don't worry; we're here to help answer those questions for you. Keep reading to find out more.

What's all the fuss about VoIP? Blog by T2k the communication experts

What is VoIP?

If you're unfamiliar with VoIP, it's basically a technology that lets you make phone calls over the internet. It's like having a regular phone conversation, except instead of using a traditional phone line, the sound of your voice is turned into a digital signal that gets sent over the internet. This signal is then turned back into sound at the other end, so you can hear the other person's voice and have a conversation just like you would with a regular phone.

So why use VoIP instead of a traditional phone line and why is its popularity on the rise? One reason is that it can be cheaper since you don't need to pay for a separate phone line. Plus, it's very flexible because you can use it from anywhere with an internet connection, whether at home, in the office, or on the go. And because it's all digital, you can also use features such as video calling and instant messaging, which you might not have with a regular phone line.

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Do I really need VoIP?

If your business relies heavily on communication, then the answer is yes. VoIP is rising in popularity as it offers many advantages over traditional phone lines, including reduced costs, increased flexibility, and improved productivity. VoIP can also be scaled up or down depending on your business needs, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.

We also shouldn't forget about the impending switch-off happening in 2025 with BT's "The Big Switch off", which we will explain later in this article.

5 business benefits of VoIP

Here we've highlighted some of the top business benefits of VoIP and explained why now is the time to get it in place in your organisation. VoIP can provide an efficient, streamlined communication solution that meets your needs, whether you are a small business owner or a large corporation.

Easy setup: You only need a calling device, internet connection, and VoIP system to get started. It's a straightforward process and so long as you work with an experienced provider, any disruption will be minimal.
Advanced features: VoIP offers more than just voice calls. You can also use features like video conferencing and instant messaging to collaborate with your team and clients.
Mobility: You can use your mobile phone as an extension of your office phone, no matter where you are. This is especially useful for companies with employees who work remotely or for those who operate in multiple locations.
Cost-effective: VoIP calls are cheaper than traditional landline services. The installation and maintenance costs are also lower, providing substantial savings for small to medium-sized business owners.
Scalability: VoIP systems can accommodate unlimited lines, so you can quickly expand your communication capabilities.

Is it the end for ISDN and PSTN?

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is a traditional phone line technology that has been in use for many years by businesses. However, it is now being phased out in favour of VoIP. BT has decided to discontinue this outdated technology as it cannot keep up with modern advancements. ISDN and PSTN were first introduced over 30 years ago, in 1986. However, with the emergence of more cost-effective and more sophisticated alternatives, investing in improving the ISDN network no longer makes financial sense.

BT recognises that ISDN and PSTN are inflexible and not keeping pace with modern demands. Therefore, it is evident that IP technology is a more suitable choice to address future demands and facilitate business growth.

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What does the big switch-off mean for your business?

If your business still uses ISDN, switching to VoIP is inevitable, which may seem daunting. However, it's important to remember that the switch-off is happening for a reason. VoIP offers many advantages over ISDN, including reduced costs, increased flexibility, and improved call quality. Making the switch to VoIP now will future-proof your business and ensure you stay caught up when the switch-off happens.

The VoIP phone system has saved us serious expenditure and has changed the way we work for the better.

Steve Knell - Altogether Care

5.0

on Google

Compare Phone Systems

Switching to VoIP doesn't have to be intimidating. T2k is here to help.

Switching is a straightforward process that we can help you with. T2k can help you make the switch by providing you with the hardware and software you need, as well as offering support and training to ensure that you get the most out of your new communication solution.

Our team of experts will work with you to assess your business needs and provide you with a bespoke solution that meets your requirements. We will ensure a seamless transition to VoIP, so you can start enjoying the benefits of this technology without any disruption to your business operations.

If you want to make the switch or find out more about VoIP from one of our experts, get in contact with T2k today.

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Lee Clarke

Sales Director

Having worked for T2k for nearly 25 years, it's fair to say that Lee is an expert when it comes to all things telephony and business communications. Overseeing the commercial side of the business, he has helped the company evolve and grow through the decades. In recent years, and with the advent of VoIP and hosted telephony, Lee has made sure that T2k is at the forefront of technological developments. With a firm interest in helping businesses navigate the world of telecoms, Lee is responsible for the majority of the content on this website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to switch to VoIP, and will it cause disruptions to business operations?

Your new VoIP system may require some initial setup and configuration, but when working with us, we will help you with this. When switching to VoIP, you must ensure your internet connection is reliable and has enough bandwidth to handle VoIP traffic. You may also need to purchase new hardware or software, such as IP phones.

VoIP providers, such as us at T2k, offer support and guidance to help you make the switch, which can make the process much easier. We're here to ensure that the transition runs smoothly and effectively with minimal disruption.

How can T2k help businesses transition to VoIP smoothly and efficiently?

T2k is a leading provider of VoIP systems for businesses of all sizes. We only partner with and offer the best, most reliable phone systems available in the UK. We understand that switching to a new phone system can be nerve-wracking, which is why we offer a range of services to help companies to transition to VoIP smoothly and efficiently.

Some of the ways T2k can help businesses transition to VoIP include:

Consultation: We provide consultation services to help businesses determine their VoIP needs and select the right VoIP solution that best suits their specific requirements.
Installation: Our team of experts can install the VoIP system, ensuring that it is set up correctly and works seamlessly with the existing infrastructure.
Training: We provide training for staff members, teaching them how to use the new system and providing ongoing support to ensure that they are comfortable using it.
Maintenance and support: T2k provides ongoing maintenance and support for the VoIP system, ensuring that it is always up-to-date, secure, and functioning correctly.

Overall, T2k takes a comprehensive approach to help businesses transition to VoIP, ensuring that the process is smooth, efficient, and hassle-free. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you.

What do I need to get started with VoIP?

To get started with VoIP, you will need a reliable internet connection, a compatible device such as a computer, smartphone, or VoIP-enabled desk phone and a VoIP service provider. Additionally, you may need to install VoIP software or apps on your devices and configure your network settings to ensure optimal call quality. Once you have these basic requirements in place, you can start making and receiving VoIP calls and taking advantage of the many features and benefits that VoIP has to offer.

How does VoIP integrate with existing phone systems?

VoIP can integrate with existing phone systems in several ways. One common approach is to use an adapter that connects to the existing phone system and converts analogue signals to digital ones that can be transmitted over the internet. This adapter can be connected to the network, allowing the VoIP system to use the existing phone lines and handsets.

Another option is to replace the current phone system with a VoIP system with its own handsets and infrastructure. In either case, VoIP can work seamlessly with existing phone systems, providing a range of additional features and benefits without disrupting existing operations.