Business VoIP & Phone Systems 

VoIP takes your audio and turns it into digital signals using your broadband connection to send the data. The data is then transferred back to audio for the person on the other end of the phone. The process is as quick and seamless as using traditional telephone systems but with added features.

Business VoIP phone systems are suitable for small, medium, and large businesses. These systems are not constrained by the same rules as traditional analogue systems that require copper wiring.

In fact, cloud-based phone systems can scale up or down with ease. Business owners can add new phones (or other communication devices) to their contracts as they gain new clients and customers. Business VoIP phone contracts charge customers on each new line. 

You may want to purchase VoIP phones for your office. However, it is not essential to purchase any specialist VoIP phones as you can link your computer or mobile device to the system. Your current office phone may also be compatible.

Yes, you can keep your original telephone number when switching to a VoIP phone system. In the majority of cases, it is easy to port your phone number to your VoIP provider when you make the switch.

A hosted VoIP system offers communications solutions using hardware located outside of your premises.

This means that a third party will cover the costs and management of building servers, hardware and software required to manage your connection. All your business needs is VoIP-enabled phones and a licence to get connected.

With non-hosted VoIP, your business would invest in servers and hardware located at your premises. You would be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep needed to keep your business connected.

This is an option that could suit large businesses with the space and budget to cover the costs of the investment.

Known as Integrated Services Digital Networks, ISDN lines are known for reliable and crystal-clear calls. With digital capabilities, these lines allow your team to perform multiple tasks at the same time with easy scalability and flexibility. 

ISDN lines offer unlimited internal calls and a more reliable connection during external calls. It’s also much easier to install new lines as a business grows.

SIP solutions offer a bridge between traditional phone systems and a fully hosted solution. This is very much an introduction to operating in the cloud. SIP is a low-cost alternative to ISDN.

Your business can still experience the benefits offered by an ISDN line without removing your old telephone equipment.

If your business operates worldwide, a cloud-hosted phone system can be the best solution to keep your employees connected, they can still connect and make contact through the hosted PBX system. This is a great solution for remote workers or employees who travel a lot with work.

One of the reasons hosted PBX are popular is because if you run a business with multiple locations, even overseas, they allow call routing internally for free. It offers a much better customer experience if you have an integrated phone system if you have different teams in multiple locations.

Additionally, because the system is internet-based, employees can access a hosted PBX remotely, provided they have internet access. This is great in a world where working remotely is the new normal without employees disconnecting from the company telephone system.

As many business premises are leased, the easiest way to find out is to ask your landlord or estate agent. If you’re not in charge of the building's business broadband or phone lines, it might be worth trying to renegotiate the terms of your tenancy. Switching business broadband and phone packages could save you some money off your rent and provide you with the capability to customise your package.

Here are some other ways to find out your phone line provider: 

• Call 150: If you would like to know immediately, you will often find phone plug sockets with a logo printed on them. This is not a guarantee, however. It is worth checking if this is still the company responsible for your business phone line. If you plug a phone into the socket and call 150, you should reach the customer services team of the phone line supplier. This way you can find out who supplies your line.

  If you are with BT – most lines still are – you can call 17070. This reaches the line test facility, where you can hear your number read back to you.

• Dead phone line: This applies mainly if you’re moving into a new building. I think you would notice if your business is not connected to a phone line!

  If you have plugged your phone in and tried to make a call, but don’t hear a dial tone, you might be disconnected. If you hear a tone, but you can’t make or receive calls, you might have a block on your line. You will need to explore your options and pick a package suitable for your business.