Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that allows voice conversations to be sent over the internet. It has gained popularity among organizations and people seeking a flexible and cost-effective alternative to legacy phone services.
Introduction to VoIP
VoIP offers excellent benefits, including cheaper prices, better resilience, and the option to add other functions. VoIP can give a variety of firms with efficiency on long-distance calls and the option to grow and add phone lines as needed. VoIP can provide an economical alternative to legacy phone service for entrepreneurs, with the added convenience of answering the phone from any internet-connected device.
The Best VoIP Service Providers
There are lots of them you can find on the market nowadays, each with different offers and pricing plans. Let’s take a look on some of them below.
Telnum
Telnum is a cloud-based VoIP service provider offering various features for trades and individuals. Some of them provided by Telnum include local numbers, call forwarding, voicemail, call blocking, and the ability to set up virtual extensions.
One of the main benefits of Telnum is its scalable pricing plans, which allow businesses to choose the plan that best fits their needs. Telnum also offers a free trial, allowing potential customers to try the service before committing to a plan.
RingCentral
RingCentral provides a variety of corporate capabilities and the opportunity to configure virtual extensions. RingCentral’s connectivity with major productivity applications is one of its primary advantages.
RingCentral offers several pricing plans, including a free plan for individuals and small teams. It also gives a free trial, allowing potential consumers to try them before committing to a plan.
8×8
8×8 is a cloud-based VoIP service provider which gives different options capable to its consumers. These include the selection to set up virtual extensions, call forwarding, and voicemail. Integration with prominent CRM platforms like as Salesforce and Zendesk is one of the primary advantages offered by 8×8.
8×8 offers several pricing plans, including a free plan for individuals and small teams. The company also offers a free trial, allowing potential customers to try the service before committing to a plan.
Vonage
Vonage has the ability to set up virtual extensions. One of the main benefits of Vonage is its consolidation with popular productivity tools like Slack and Trello.
Vonage offers several pricing plans, which include a free plan for individuals and small teams. The company also offers a free trial, allowing potential customers to try the service before committing to a plan.
Factors you should take into consideration when choosing the right one
Making a call internationally using a VoIP service is a cost-effective and convenient way to communicate with friends, family, or colleagues abroad. Let’s look into the steps involved in making an international call using a VoIP service.
Step 1: The selection process
The first step in using a VoIP service is to find a
provider that offers the necessary features and coverage. Some VoIP service
providers specialize in international calling, while others may offer more limited coverage. It is essential to do your research and choose a provider that meets your needs.
Step 2: Sign up for an account
Once you have chosen the right one for your trade, the next step is to sign up for an
account. It typically involves creating a username and password and providing some personal information. Some may require a payment method, such as a credit card, to set up an account.
Step 3: Download and install the required software
Most of them require specialized software, such as an app or a program, to make and receive calls. Once you have set up an account, it may require you to download and install this software on your device.
Step 4: Purchase credit or a calling plan
Most VoIP companies require purchasing credit or a calling plan to make calls. It may be done through the provider’s website or app. It can typically be paid using a credit card or other payment method. It is essential to carefully review the terms of any calling plan or credit purchase to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Step 5: Dial the international number
Once you have set up an account, downloaded the required software, and purchased credit or a calling plan, you are ready to make your international call. To do so, open the VoIP software and dial the international number as you would with a traditional phone. The software will handle the rest, connecting you to the desired number via the internet.
Step 6: Consider add-ons
Many offers value-added features to enhance your international calling experience. For example, some providers offer call forwarding, voicemail, and the ability to set up virtual extensions. These can be helpful for business calls or staying in touch with friends and family abroad.
Below is a list of the benefits an SME can get from using a VoIP phone system
1. Cost Savings: VoIP phone systems can significantly reduce monthly phone bills for businesses, as calls are made over the internet rather than through traditional phone lines.
2. Scalability: VoIP systems can easily be scaled up or down to meet the changing needs of a business. It is beneficial for companies that experience fluctuating call volume.
3. Mobility: VoIP allows employees to make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection, increasing the flexibility and productivity of a remote workforce.
4. Advanced Features: VoIP systems often have various advanced features, such as call forwarding, call waiting, voicemail, and conference calls. These features can improve communication and collaboration within a business.
5. Integration: VoIP systems can easily be integrated with other business tools and software, such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems and project management platforms.
6. Reliability: Modern VoIP systems are reliable and have high uptime, making them a reliable choice for firms that rely on phone communication.
7. Easy Setup: VoIP systems are easy to set up and don’t need special hardware or wiring, making them a convenient choice for businesses of all sizes.
8. Customization: VoIP systems can be customized to meet a business’s specific needs and preferences, allowing for a tailored communication solution.
9. Disaster Recovery: VoIP systems allow for easy disaster recovery, as calls can be routed to other locations or devices during an outage or disaster.
10. Environmental Benefits: VoIP systems can help reduce a business’s carbon footprint, as they do not require the infrastructure and resources needed for traditional phone systems.
11. Improved CX Experience: VoIP systems can enhance the consumer experience by providing advanced call handling capabilities, such as call routing, to the most appropriate agent or department.
12. Increased Productivity: VoIP systems can increase the productivity of a business by allowing employees to communicate more efficiently and effectively.
13. Easy Management: VoIP systems are easy to manage, with features such as centralized control and easy updates.
14. Improved Communication: VoIP systems can improve communication within a business by providing various tools and features, such as instant messaging, presence indicators, and audio and video conferencing.
15. Advanced Call Handling: VoIP systems often come with these capabilities, such as call routing, call forwarding, and voicemail, which can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of a business’s phone communication.
16. Flexibility: VoIP systems gives you the freedom for flexibility regarding where and how staff communicate, which can be particularly useful for businesses with a distributed workforce.
17. Consolidation: VoIP systems can help businesses consolidate their communication systems, reducing the complexity and cost of maintaining multiple systems.
18. Customized Greetings: VoIP systems allow for customized greetings and messaging, which can help improve a business’s customer experience and brand image.
19. Easy Upgrades: VoIP systems are easy to upgrade and expand, allowing businesses to take advantage of new features and capabilities as they become accessible.
Why choose Telnum?
In conclusion, VoIP phone systems offer a range of benefits for businesses of all sizes. They can help reduce costs and increase productivity. Suppose you’re considering switching to a VoIP system. In that case, Telnum is a top choice for a reliable and feature-rich service provider. With over ten years of experience in the industry, Telnum has a proven track record of delivering high-quality VoIP solutions to businesses across various industries.
Their team of dedicated support professionals is available around the clock to assist with any issues or questions you may have.
Telnum’s flexible pricing plans make it easy to choose the right solution for your business, with options ranging from pay-as-you-go to unlimited calling packages. They also offer a risk-free trial period, allowing you to test their service before committing to a long-term contract.
Overall, Telnum is a top-notch VoIP service provider that can bring your business to the next level. Don’t hesitate to give them a try and see the difference they can make for your company.
