Use an internet phone service to elevate business communications
Every business needs a phone service, but more and more businesses are switching from traditional landlines to internet phone services. Such services mean you can make and receive phone calls over the internet and access an exciting range of features that can help your business streamline communications and grow.
If you’re interested in internet phone systems but haven’t committed to making the switch, this guide will tell you everything you need to know—from how internet phones work to how they can benefit your business.
Put simply, an internet phone service is a phone system that uses an internet connection to make and receive calls.
Sometimes known as a cloud phone system or a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service, an internet phone system differs from traditional phone systems that use landlines and private branch exchange (PBX) setups.
An internet phone call is a call that uses VoIP technology to administer calls. There are different types of VoIP calls you could make with an internet phone service. These include:
When you speak into an IP phone, your voice signals are converted into data packets. These data packets are sent securely over the internet to the receiver. VoIP phone systems encrypt the data at both ends of the call and then convert the data packets back into voice signals at the receiving end.
| IP phone system | Landline phones |
|---|---|
| Phone infrastructure is installed and maintained remotely by your provider. | Requires the installation and maintenance of on-premises hardware |
| Mobile and remote workers can make and receive calls using their laptop and/or mobile phone | Workers are tied to physical on-premises phones |
| Call quality is reliant on a high-speed internet connection, but HD voice calls are possible for a clearer sound | Consistent call quality |
| Advanced phone features and functionality. | Features depend on phones being used and few advanced features |
| Unlimited calls | Pay per call or per minute |
| Low-cost, sometimes free, long distance and international rates | Higher costs for long distance and international calls |
| VoIP service providers guarantee 99% uptime and offer mobile phone and tablet apps so you’re never cut off from your communications | Power outages could cost your business if you rely on landline telephone services |
| 24/7 customer support, often with free, easy-to-understand self-service | Internal or external technical support needed |
Internet phone systems only require a broadband internet connection and are a low-cost communications solution that many businesses are adopting.
If you’re still not convinced you need to switch from a traditional landline telephone service to VoIP phones, here are six benefits of internet phone systems.
One of the biggest benefits of an internet phone service is that it’s more cost-effective than traditional landline services. To start, there’s no need to fork out money on installation costs and upgrades. Most VoIP service providers let you call via your web browser or an app immediately.
In addition to this, the cost per call is considerably lower with internet phone systems. Rather than paying per call or per minute, many VoIP services grant unlimited calling—all you need is wi-fi.
As your calls are being made over the internet, you also won’t need to pay extra for long distance or international calling. This is great for businesses who want a national or international workforce or customer base.
With a VoIP phone system, you can access a wide range of advanced features—many of which may not be available on traditional landline phones. Features typically included with VoIP systems include:
These are just some of the calling features you can expect with an internet phone system. With advanced features like these, you can ensure your telephone communications are streamlined and professional.
In addition to calling features, many VoIP phone providers are a one-stop shop for all your business communications needs. By opting for a unified communications platform, you can gain access to additional features such as video conferences and a real-time messaging platform.
In the past, when businesses grew, they needed to pay for more phones and even the installation of additional phone lines. VoIP services remove this problem so that business owners are only ever a few clicks away from expanding their phone system.
Plus, because many VoIP systems allow users to access their internet phone system using their mobile device, businesses can implement BYOD (bring your own device) policies and avoid paying for physical phones completely.
Another advantage of internet phone services is that they allow you and your staff to be fully mobile. Remote or mobile workers can make and receive phone calls from their cell phone or laptop.
Business VoIP services also allow workers to retain their professional business phone number, even if making calls from their personal mobile phone.
If something goes wrong with your landline phone system, you’ll have to call in specialist tech support to fix the issue—and pay for it, too.
With internet phone systems, you can expect your VoIP provider to offer 24/7 technical and customer support at no extra charge. Issues can quickly be resolved and no money needs to be spent on expensive repairs.
The best VoIP phone systems offer end-to-end call encryption. That means if call data is intercepted by hackers, it will be secured and encrypted.
8x8 is also fully up to date with essential security compliances and certifications, including HIPAA, FISMA, ISO 27001, and GDPR.
VoIP service providers like 8x8 offer a range of phone plans and pricing so that businesses can get a low-cost communications solution for their business that can be scaled with ease.
A small business phone system can start at $15 per user per month. More advanced phone plans that include voice, video, and chat for teams, as well as advanced features such as call analytics, can be priced starting at $40 per user per month.
VoIP phones and systems are often far more intuitive and easy to use than traditional desk phones. Many VoIP systems use an app or dashboard that employees can be trained on using quickly and easily.
8x8 has a web browser extension and an iOS and Android app. That means you can access VoIP services on your laptop, your tablet, and your mobile phone.
8x8 can also be integrated with other communications services and systems, including Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, Google Workspace, and Slack. Whatever apps and software you’re already using for your business, 8x8 can be integrated with ease.
If you want to access your work phone from home, a VoIP home phone system is ideal for you as you can make and receive business phone calls with your personal mobile device.
In addition to this, you can also get residential VoIP from your cable provider. If you have a high-speed internet connection at home, you can save money by switching to residential VoIP.
By switching your business phone service to an internet phone system, you can save money, streamline and unify your communications, and scale your phone system with ease.
If you want to upgrade your business communications, save money, and grow your business, 8x8 offers unified communications and VoIP solutions for businesses of any size.