Have you ever seen “VOIP Caller” displayed on your caller ID device and wondered what it means? Maybe, you even got a little worried? Here’s what you should know.
But First, What is a VOIP Phone System?
Landlines transmit audio data through wires and fiber optic cables. Cell phones transmit sound through radio waves. VOIP, which stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol, uses Internet technology to deliver calls.
We usually think of the Internet in visual terms. Anytime we log on, we expect to see something on our screen. But, rarely do we think of it in terms of sound.
If you’ve ever used Skype or Facebook Messenger to make a call, you have used VOIP technology. These applications use the Internet’s resources to transmit calls over the Internet. Likewise, anytime you watch a Youtube video, the sound you hear is being transmitted through an Internet connection.
Should You Be Concerned if it’s a VOIP Caller?
If you see “VOIP Caller,” it merely means that it’s a person or business using an Internet-based phone service to make the call. Whether you should be worried or concerned?
Fraudulent activity can occur over VOIP calls, but it can also happen with cell phones and landlines. Just like calls made through other types of technology, VOIP is no different. You always have to use your own judgment.
Who is Using VOIP Technology?
VOIP phone services are becoming increasingly popular. It’s mostly businesses that are using VOIP service, but there are also residential VOIP services that are quickly replacing traditional landlines.
Both large and small businesses are using VOIP. It saves them a ton of money and allows them to streamline their phone communication so that they can deliver better customer service.
The Difference Between VOIP and Regular Phones
Remember the old days when the phone company would come to your home and drill holes in the wall? You can forget about those ugly phone jacks. VOIP requires less hardware than other phone systems. If you already have a reliable Internet connection, you are pretty much ready to go.
Unlike regular phones, VOIP also lets you use different devices, not just ‘actual phones.’ This means you can use your laptop, desktop, tablet, and smartphone to make calls. You can also use a landline if you’re feeling nostalgic.
VOIP Phone Numbers
VOIP telephone numbers are similar to regular phone numbers. There is nothing you need to do differently, and you don’t have to worry about being stuck with some odd number. You still have an assigned seven-digit phone number with area code.
A significant difference and advantage over a regular number are that VOIP numbers are not tied to a single location. This means anyone, including a business owner, can have their pickings when it comes to choosing a number and area code.
Landlines and cell phones are localized, which is why you’re stuck with a specific area code and number. This may not be a big deal to you, but if you’re a business with multiple locations or provide services in different areas from where you are physically located, you may want to use local numbers. Also, some companies may have staff working from home or other remote locations.
If your business is in California, but you have customers in say, Florida, you will probably look more trustworthy if your call is coming from the same area code where your customers live.
If you think about it, how many times have you ignored a phone call just because it was coming from an area code you didn’t recognize? On the other hand, if you see a call from the same area where you live, you’re more likely to answer.
Using VOIP Phones Internally Within a Business
PBX Systems
Companies that require multiple on-site phone lines traditionally rely on PBX systems, also known as Private Branch Exchange networks. PBX systems allow business personnel to handle internal communications. PBX is how you dial your coworker across the office to ask, “what are you doing for lunch?”
PBX networks require internal hardware and wiring to connect offices and work stations throughout a building. Once installed, PBX systems allow companies to handle internal and external communication seamlessly.
Internal calls are free, but outside calls are subject to the same conditions as regular landlines. Long-distance and international charges still apply. Also, there may be additional charges for extra features. Thus, PBX pricing can get complicated and expensive.
VOIP
For business VOIP, you can choose between fixed VOIP or non-fixed VOIP. A fixed system is similar to PBX, and it’s “fixed” to a physical location, just like a regular phone line.
Although it does require internal wiring, installation is not as complicated. Non-fixed VOIP is the least expensive option of the two and requires very little in terms of set up.
Since VOIP is a cloud-based platform, you can eliminate many international and long-distance charges. Businesses using VOIP can also use any of their office devices for making and receiving calls.
Does VOIP Provide the Same Features as Traditional Phones?
Yes, and much more, actually. VOIP gives you a lot of the same features that other phones provide.
At Yoji, our VOIP services provide features such as:
- Caller ID and call screening
- Call monitoring and recording
- Conference calling
- Call routing
- Voicemail
- Email alerts
- Functional call reporting
- And much more
In addition to these features, our services also include HD sound quality for our phone systems.
As you’ve learned by now, VOIP callers are just using a different type of phone technology. We expect that you will see more incoming “VOIP Callers” as more businesses begin to figure out how much money they can save. Maybe that business owner is you, and you would like to find out how business VOIP can reduce your monthly costs and improve your efficiency.
Contact Us Today
