VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) has been on a steady rise in recent years, in fact, there’s been around a 75% increase in businesses opting to use of the cost-friendly telephone systems since 2010.

VoIP works by using a broadband line to make calls. Data is sent and received via the internet connection, just like emails, and the result is a cost-effecting phone system. It can also be used anywhere that has a Wi-Fi system, you can even add to mobile phones and turn them into VoIP compatible handsets. It can be an ideal system for business with staff on the road, and those looking to make big savings on their telephone bills.

However, as the popularity and awareness of VoIP increases, so do the myths. There are plenty of rumours floating around about VoIP, so we’re going to bust a few of them and reveal the truth behind the increasingly popular approach to telephony.

Calls get hacked
Hacking has become an increasing problem for businesses around the world, and it is likely you’ll have heard about some high-profile attacks in the news. The truth is this, anything online can be hacked. Your emails, your website, your VoIP. However, they don’t all get hacked, it all comes down to your level of security software.

As long as you’re aware of what’s going on with your system, and have the right security software, there is no reason you would fall victim to a hacker attack.

There’s poor sound quality
Once upon a time, we dealt with dial up connections and unreliable internet, now, our connections are often super-fast and highly reliable, making VoIP calls seamless and clear. There’s a common misconception that all VoIP calls are poor quality, with broken voices and crackly noises in your ear, but that just isn’t true. Internet connections are now good enough for us to be able to provide you with crystal-clear, high definition calls.

VoIP is unreliable
Every day, millions of people rely on the internet. From browsing social media, to sending emails, a lot gets done and the connection copes with it very well. Ask yourself this, how often does your internet cut out each day? It probably doesn’t, particularly if you have super-fast broadband. Internet connections are often just as reliable as a standard phone line, meaning that your VoIP phone is as likely to cut out as your traditional landline phone.

It is expensive
One of the reasons that VoIP is so popular is because it is so cheap! Many businesses have reduced the cost of local calls by 40%, and international calls by 90%, so in the long run you will save a lot of money. In terms of installation cost, it is also cheap. You pay for as many handsets as you need, plug in, and go. That’s it! Traditional telephony systems require complex infrastructure, but VoIP doesn’t need any of that; just an internet connection.

Internet usage rapidly increases
Whilst it is true that VoIP uses the internet, it won’t necessarily create drastic increases in your bandwidth usage. It all depends on the speed of your internet, and how many simultaneous calls you require. A small business with super-fast broadband requiring a few lines will is unlikely to have a problem, but a business with a slower internet connection and a need for a lot lines may have to install a connection that suits their needs. If you’re unsure whether conventional or IP telephony is right for you please, get in touch.