Thanks to the pandemic, business leaders have had many conversations about processes, services, and tools that would not only benefit their customers but also serve their employees. Seamless communication has been especially critical in the past few years, and VoIP technology has been a key enabler here. Even though VoIP has a long history, it’s still often misunderstood.
VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is an internet-based replacement system for a conventional phone system using an analog delivery method. It has many advantages, including significant cost savings, enhanced feature-functionality, greater convenience, and increased productivity. In the wake of a challenging economy, switching to VoIP is one of the most beneficial and most intelligent decisions a company can make, especially for small businesses. The pandemic has made running and maintaining business operations increasingly difficult. It requires team members to work so much harder and often on an even tighter budget to compete with other, larger companies.
Despite ongoing challenging circumstances, the attention VoIP began receiving at the start of the pandemic has yet to die down. However, there is a lot of false information that could prevent you from adopting VoIP technology within your business. Some businesses that have yet to make the switch may be confused, misinformed, or maybe even intimidated by undertaking such a seemingly large technology adoption.
Below, we will debunk common VoIP myths that may keep some users stuck with their traditional phone system. Let's begin!
Myth #1. It's Not That Cost-Effective
Switching from a traditional phone system to a VoIP system can save small businesses up to 45% each month. These saved costs can go a long way in reducing costs for your team members to conduct long-distance calls, eliminating maintenance fees, moving costs, adding or changing employee phone lines, and much more. You can invest the money saved in something much more beneficial to your business and your customers.
Myth #2. It's a Hassle to Setup and Manage.
There are various VoIP options available, and depending on your business's size and phone setup, you may not even need all of them; add the options that will help your business! With hosted systems, there is no PBX hardware on-site; this means that there is nothing for your business to manage or oversee. Plus, the VoIP provider will handle the upfront setup of your system and then the ongoing software maintenance. Hosted systems are best for companies nearing the end of life on equipment or leases, looking for a cost-friendly solution to connecting multiple locations and giving remote team members easy access to the company's communication system.
For companies currently locked into equipment leases, integrated VoIP services enable businesses to plug into an existing system. Both solutions allow small businesses to access all features typically found in a more expensive, larger business-friendly system, like auto-attendant, call routing, and more.
Myth #3. You Can't Keep Your Existing Number
Your business has probably had the same phone number since day one, and you most likely don't want to give it up and start from scratch. Many customers are familiar with your original and current phone number. But giving up your phone number is not a concern with VoIP.
Based on Federal Communications Commission regulations, VoIP allows you to keep your existing phone number or get new phone numbers. It's entirely up to you and your team. You can use your phone number anywhere and access your account(s) no matter where you are or the device you are using. Once you have logged into the company's system, you or your team member will be able to make and receive calls from personal phones, company phones, company laptops, desktops, cell phones, or any other VoIP compatible device.
Myth #4. VoIP Has Low Call Quality.
Many people still using conventional telephone systems believe that landline phone calls are much higher quality than VoIP calls. However, with about 100 kilobits a second of bandwidth, VoIP calls can sound so much better than traditional phone calls. Many VoIP handsets are enabled with noise-canceling technology that automatically improves the sound quality of calls made and received. With higher bandwidth options than ever before, VoIP calls are crystal clear. Many team members often prefer VoIP calls and like the messaging capabilities, VoIP offers. It enables better communication between business and customer.
Myth #5. VoIP is Better for Large Businesses and Contact Centers.
A common misconception of VoIP telephony is that it is only used for large businesses and customer service call centers with many telephones connected to the same number.
Small businesses can reap just as many benefits of VoIP as larger businesses. VoIP is one of the most inexpensive phone communication methods and can significantly reduce a small to medium business's monthly phone bill. In addition, long-distance or international calls are free or cheaper than ever before.
With so many modern features, VoIP allows you to stay connected with your customers over multiple channels, enable remote work for your team, and have flexibility as to which features you want to utilize.
Myth #6. VoIP is Not Reliable.
While we agree that at the beginning of the adoption process, new terms and technology can be a lot to learn and manage quickly, VoIP is incredibly beneficial and reliable. It works to help your business run smoothly.
There is rarely any business that switches to VoIP and prefers traditional phone service. Landlines are prone to outages due to natural disasters, power outages, maintenance or hardware issues, and more. Often, the problem isn't resolved as quickly as we would like. It's common for the phone company not to restore service quickly.
In contrast, VoIP technology can be used as long as you have a stable internet connection. Even if your internet service goes down, you can forward calls over to your laptop or mobile device connected to any wifi until your regular internet connection is established once again. Another option is to add Wireless Back-up to allow your phone system to operate even without the main internet connection.
The flexibility of VoIP connectivity is such a perk!
Myth #7. VoIP is Not Safe
CPO Magazine reports that the United States suffers the most expensive data breaches annually at over 9 million dollars. This is why it is critical to worry about your call security and prevent thieves from eavesdropping on private business calls.
VoIP is enabled with encryption technology and is far more secure than traditional landline phone systems. This is because VoIP works by transporting data digitally via the internet. In addition, VoIP telephony operates over an internal system, which means it is not easy for hackers to intercept calls.
Some businesses enable a PIN as an added layer of security. Some providers often offer two-factor authentication, advanced monitoring, call encryption, and detailed logs to help you feel more secure in your business operations.
Key Takeaways
There are so many common misconceptions about VoIP, what it is, how it works, and much more. The myths we debunked above speak for themselves. It is now time for you to make an informed decision regarding your service.
When researching potential VoIP providers, it is essential to ask the right questions and ensure you are getting the necessary features and functionality, and customer support to run and support your business. If you're not sure where to start or exactly what questions to ask, we have got you covered. Download this free VoIP checklist here.
VoIP offers so many benefits, so it is not surprising that the widespread adoption of VoIP is only continuing to grow. As time goes on, global communication may become much more unified and linked thanks to technologies like VoIP.
Thanks to VoIP, we're surely inching closer to a more united collaborative environment. 
