With so many businesses taking their network to the cloud, moving your phone services online is a logical next step. You may have heard the term, but in case you aren’t completely familiar, VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. In this scenario, all your calls and communications are initiated and routed over the internet rather than over traditional phone lines.
It’s an especially attractive option with remote workplaces becoming so popular, creating a growing need for agile communication across locations. VoIP allows you to stay connected like never before, including options for centralized routing so that calls to your main office line are instantly directed to remote team members. Plus, you can layer in useful functionality for collaboration, messaging, video calls, and more.
How much do VoIP phone systems cost?
We can break this down into two major categories: pre-installation cost, and post-installation.
VoIP pre-installation cost
The most important, baseline factor here is your internet connection. Is it fast enough to support VoIP, ensuring a smooth experience, and is it reliable?
The chances are good that if you’re sitting at work right now reading this article, you have the basic infrastructure you need. The beauty of VoIP is that you can avoid major costs, unless you need to upgrade your cabling and/or internet service.
There are also digital VoIP options that allow you to use your cellphone through an app, or even through your computer. In most cases, however, it makes sense to use a VoIP-compatible, physical phone for general office use. The big takeaway is that you have options that can be adapted to your specific needs and budget as long as the foundational internet connection has the performance requirements you need.
This is yet another reason why VoIP is such an attractive option compared to investing in new, premise-based business phones that are limited to your local network and landlines. As we touched on above, if you really want to keep a more traditional phone system but have VoIP capabilities, that’s possible as well with the right phone. Here at Teltek, we offer cloud-based phone systems that provide all the features and scalability of an online system, offering a nice blend of new tech and core functionality.
Quick Tip!
It’s important to have an internet redundancy in place should you lose internet connection for any reason. In other words, it’s a fallback system that will keep your phones and critical devices connected and online. At Teltek, we offer a 4G LTE redundancy plan. By installing a business-class modem, hardwired into your existing network, you’ll have a backup internet source in the case of an outage. Think of it as an internet generator that immediately kicks on when you need it.
VoIP post-installation cost
Minimal pre-installation costs might sound pretty good, especially if you already have a solid internet connection and there’s no real need to invest heavily in additional hardware. But how about the ongoing costs?
The next decision you’ll have to make is which provider and system best fits your needs. Be sure to partner with an established IT and phone systems professional; one that doesn’t shoehorn your business into a plan that’s not quite the right fit.
At Teltek, for example, we offer a service called Nebulosity: a cloud-based phone system with a few key benefits.
- You can onboard your existing phone devices – most SIP-based desk phones are compatible. Plus, your team can use their other devices as well, like mobile phones, laptops, tablets, etc.
- You can access your business phones from anywhere, at any time, without more physical hardware, cabling, or traditional landlines. It’s all online.
- There are training videos available to soften any learning curve and get your team up to speed quickly.
Additionally, Nebulosity supports live audio and video conference calls, call and chat logs, and an integrated directory for all your contacts. Voicemail is a standard feature as well, of course, but a lot of businesses also enjoy the text message capabilities, both to and from your business phones. We’re all about supporting easy communication and connectivity.
As you explore your options and start shopping for VoIP services and providers, be sure to ask about these potential expenses.
1. Cost of the VoIP service itself
Just remember that you get what you pay for, making it important to look past special offers or incentives and be certain that you’re partnering with a reputable, trustworthy provider.
2. Cost per VoIP user
Monthly cost can vary quite a bit, but in general you will pay a flat rate for each user within your plan. The beauty of VoIP is found in its agility, and how you can modify your number of users to scale with your business needs.
3. Choose your VoIP services
Talk to your VoIP plan provider, and work through your must-have features. These might include:
- VoIP calls from any device
- Access to an online portal for easy user management
- Customer service and support plans
- Conferencing
- Recording, or voicemail to text
4. Hosted or premise-based VoIP services
Premise-based VoIP services mean that the infrastructure of your VoIP system is installed at your actual property. “Hosted” means that it’s off-site and managed by your provider. The good news is that the hosted option is a win from every angle, lowering your start-up costs and giving you easier access to support.
5. Call costs for your VoIP services
If you make frequent long-distance or international calls, be sure to look carefully into your VoIP provider’s call plan and associated charges. A price tier that looks ideal on the surface might not actually offer the reach you need without incurring charges.
What’s the takeaway?
There’s less hardware to purchase (with hosted options), lower maintenance costs, and less need for repairs and site visits. It is crucial, however, that you find an IT and business phone systems provider that will work with you every step of the way, providing options to consider, support, and a smooth transition.
VoIP FAQ
Q. Can VoIP save me money?
With the right provider in your corner, yes! It’s a cost-saving alternative for most businesses.
Q. Can I use my desk phone with VoIP?
Yes! There may be limitations as far as the advanced services, depending on your phone, but you can use existing desk phones for VoIP phone calls.
Q. Will I pay for inactive users with VoIP?
No, you can manage numbers in real time using your Dialpad dashboard. That contributes to the scalability of your VoIP system: add or subtract as needed.
Q. Can I make calls with VoIP if I lose power or the internet?
As we touched on above, it is important to have internet redundancy in place so that you have a safety net.
Q. How much does a VoIP phone cost?
It depends! You can use your existing desk phone (with a VoIP adapter), or you can upgrade to a phone that lets you take full advantage of VoIP’s advanced features. It all depends on your service plan and budget.
Have more questions about VoIP phone services?
Contact the Teltek team! We’d love to help navigate your options and make the best choice for your business needs.