Research indicates that the VoIP Global Market will expand to almost $102.5 billion by 2026. This shows the sheer popularity of this product.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systems allow users to make and receive calls online instead of using the conventional landline method.
They work with an internet connection and use either broadband or a digital subscriber line connection to provide this service. Here’s a detailed guide to the pros and cons of using VoIP phone systems.
What Is A VoIP Phone System?
A VoIP phone system is a complete communication solution that uses the internet to connect your business with customers and employees.
Consider a VoIP phone system if you’re looking for an affordable way to improve your company’s inter-communications.
VoIP Phone Systems Pros and Cons
The following will provide you with a 360 view of VoIP phone systems. This will enable you to determine if this is a suitable option for your business.
Pros Of VoIP Phone Systems
VoIP phone systems have a number of benefits over traditional phone systems. Here are some major advantages of VoIP phone systems.
Lower Costs
Cost is one of the most significant advantages. When factoring in costs associated with traditional phone systems, VoIP phone systems are less expensive.
VoIP phones do not need expensive hardware like PBXs and key systems because they are cloud-based. Additionally, with VoIP, you don’t have to pay for phone lines. And the subscription fees are usually much less than those for conventional landline services.
Mobility
Mobility is essential for travel or for remote employees. This is because there is no need to purchase additional hardware and pay for extra data plans.
This may also help reduce costs by allowing employees to use their mobile devices while away from the office.
The mobility offered by VoIP systems makes it possible for businesses to expand their workforce without adding new locations or office space, which can save on costs.
Flexibility
The flexibility of VoIP phone systems allows businesses to scale quickly as their needs change over time. You can add more phones to your system and keep using the same infrastructure without installing additional hardware.
You can also configure your phone system so that employees can work remotely if necessary, regardless of where they are or what device they are using.
Great Ease Of Use
VoIP phones are easy to use. There are no wires and complicated hook-ups required when setting up the system.
All you need to do is connect your computer or laptop to a broadband connection, launch an application on your PC or laptop, and you’re ready to go. It’s that simple.
They also come with easy-to-follow instructions, and most models have intuitive user interfaces that don’t require training.
This makes it ideal for small businesses with limited technical resources who don’t have time or money to invest in training sessions or hire an IT specialist.
Better Features And Functionality
With VoIP phones, you have the functionality to call or text anyone anywhere at any time. You can even call someone in another country if they also have a VoIP setup.
VoIP systems offer additional features such as software integration, call forwarding, and voicemail messages, increasing their usability.
Better Quality Sound
VoIP technology compresses and encrypts your voice for transmission through the internet. The quality of your calls will be much better than it would be with a traditional landline phone system.
You’ll also get clearer reception than a normal telephone line because VoIP systems use compression algorithms that remove noise from the transmission process.
Supports Multitasking
With a traditional landline, you can only use one phone line at a time. You must disconnect the landline if you want to use your cell phone or tablet.
With VoIP phones, however, this is not an issue because they use internet connections instead of landlines. This means that you can make calls on your mobile device and use other devices on the network simultaneously. These can include making calls on your computer or smartphone.
Cons Of VOIP Phone Systems
Here are some of the cons of using a VoIP phone system.
Full Reliance On The Internet
VoIP phone systems are not as reliable as traditional systems. This is in the case of if your internet connection goes down, then you cannot make or receive calls.
This may be an inconvenience for businesses that rely solely on it as part of their daily operations.
Low Call Quality
There may be inconsistency with the quality of sound when using a VoIP system.
VoIP quality of service depends on hardware, broadband connection, service provider, and destination. Thus, if one of these factors doesn’t function, you may experience a low-quality call.
Security Issues
VoIP phones use internet protocol networks for communication. This means that there are no physical limits as to how far apart two phones can be from each other or their servers.
This may provide hackers with an opportunity to gain access to your network, or steal information from your database.
Also, they may not work well in remote locations such as rural areas or islands.
Downtimes Due To Power Failure
If you have an electrical outage, this will affect your VoIP system. The same goes if your internet connection goes down or if there are any technical problems with your computer or router.
While this isn’t a big deal if it happens once in a while, it could become a problem if there are frequent outages in your area.
Not Suitable During Emergencies
VoIP phone systems lack emergency services that are available with traditional landline phones. Since VoIP phones do not rely on cables, they don’t connect to emergency services.
Conclusion
In this digital world, it is only fitting to use a system that gives the functionality to make and receive calls online instead of using the conventional landline method.
These systems provide many key benefits that are pivotal to your business operations. They are easy to use, inexpensive, and give you access to an array of useful features and functions.
The main concern when using a VoIP system is the lack of access when there is a power outage due to the reliance on an internet connection.
Given the vast popularity of these systems, it is no wonder that more and more companies are transitioning to this reliable product.
