Most businesses might have heard about what VoIP is and know that it is a technology used for communication. But many have missed out to discover its full potential such as its ability to help big and small businesses communicate effectively within and outside the company. More importantly, the difference between fixed VoIP and non-fixed VoIP.
Learn more by reading until the end.
VoIP vs. Traditional Phone Systems
VoIP phone system and landlines both offer unique benefits. To identify which is the best option, you should know what your business needs. Your choice matters since it’s a make-or-break decision for your company.
Let us talk about what’s the perfect phone system for your business.
In a traditional setup, we need bulky, wired telephony to make and receive voice calls. On the other hand, VoIP makes it possible to transmit messages through an internet connection, either using a traditional phone, desk computer, or smartphone.
VoIP Features:
- Voicemail to email is a VoIP feature that allows you to transcribe your voicemails into emails that you can check anytime and anywhere. VoIP creates an audio file then it will be sent to your email.
- Automatic call forwarding is one of the most useful features of VoIP. It enables you to automatically take all incoming calls in any of your VoIP line then redirect them to your desired line number. You can maximize this feature especially if one of your team members is on leave or out in the field. This feature ensures that you won’t miss any important business call.
- VoIP increases mobility with its bring-your-own-device feature. VoIP lines can operate in smartphones that can be taken with you wherever you go and access it in places with internet connection.
- Track performance lets you track the performance of a particular line and it can generate reports that you can use for improvements, preparedness, and marketing initiatives.
- Call recording helps you to monitor all voice calls to check the quality of each call you make and receive. This might help you improve your customer satisfaction rate.
Traditional Landline Features:
- Uses existing traditional phone lines which are extremely reliable. it uses copper wires and doesn’t need internet connection
- Landline phones provide consistent quality sound with no dropped calls.
While both options offer great benefits, it is crucial for you to analyze which system works best for your business. Investing in VoIP allows you to keep up with the fast-paced technology and boost your initiatives to achieve your business goal.
What Is a Fixed Voip Phone Number?
You may have learned that VoIP provides virtual numbers that transmit voice calls through the internet, but this time, let’s focus on a fixed VoIP phone number. What does it mean?
Having a fixed VoIP phone number requires an account owner and physical address much like a landline phone does. But do not be misguided as it doesn’t need a hardwired cable since Fixed VoIP numbers are still internet-based.
Your physical address could be your residential or your company’s office address. Your local phone number will be based on your country code. And, if there is an instance that you need to relocate, you don’t need to worry since these fixed VoIP phone numbers can be ported in and out. You can take your fixed VoIP number with you.
Most businesses that use a VoIP telephone system prefer to use a fixed VoIP number as it offers competitive benefits. Your reputation and authenticity as a company increases because your customer would know where the call came from as they see your local phone number. Customers feel more inclined to answer a phone call from you. Fixed VoIP phone numbers help you to avoid fraudsters and scammers that mask your identity.
Most importantly, fixed VoIP numbers are trackable since they send your location to public safety answering points (PSAPs). So, if there is an emergency and someone would dial 911, they will be able to know your exact location and take immediate action.
What is a Non-Fixed VoIP Phone Number?
A non-fixed VoIP phone number, also known as a virtual phone number, does not require a physical address. Since it doesn’t need a fixed address unlike fixed VoIP, it is easier to obtain and can be linked to any geographical location.
You can assign any area code to your non-fixed VoIP number. So, if you desire to choose an area code in New York City even though you are based in San Francisco, non-fixed VoIP is the best option.
Using a non-fixed VoIP seems to be like you are just calling online – like Skype. You have to be careful since it does not go through thorough security protocols, making it the top choice of fraudsters.
Aside from that, non-fixed VoIP are often issued for free or at a low-cost which is a good solution for companies that have several branches in different countries.
However, non-fixed VoIP numbers are not highly recommended for companies aiming for higher company initiatives since callers will most likely decline the call because it triggers spam filters.
Take note that non-fixed VoIP numbers are also the last resort to use whenever there is an emergency. Your calls to 911 are not easily traceable since you’re not associated with any physical address.
Comparison of Fixed VoIP and Non-Fixed VoIP
Let us enumerate what fixed VoIP and non-fixed VoIP have in common:
- They are both internet-based phone lines.
- They use the same VoIP phone lines and devices.
- They both get the VoIP benefits such as low cost price and simplicity.
- They are both configured and are able to send and receive text messages.
Fixed VoIP specifics
Fixed VoIP requires your real physical address. It is favorable if your company is well established in your area. This makes your company more reputable and makes your presence more authentic since some customers don’t usually trust someone that cannot provide their address.
However, if you make phone calls globally the cost will increase especially for international and long-distance calls. These are considered disadvantages of choosing fixed VoIP numbers and there is no other way around.
Non-fixed VoIP specifics
Non-fixed VoIP is ideal if you need an immediate local number but you don’t have a physical address. You can make phone calls from one country to another easily at a very low cost.
You need not worry about multiple physical phone lines especially if you have distributed work labor. Non-fixed VoIP allows all your team members to have their own phone numbers individually, and that each one will be provided a direct number that matches your company’s phone number format.
However, non-fixed VoIP phone numbers are a captivating solution for scammers and fraudsters since they only display your company information.
But these days, people have maximized the use of the internet and practiced getting business information online before taking in calls. This action strengthened non-fixed VoIP’s reputation and opened more doors for opportunities.
Fixed VoIP and Non-Fixed VoIP: Which is better for a VoIP user?
Both fixed and non-fixed VoIP offer unique benefits but you need to consider the best security protocol that you will use for your business.
The use of a fixed VoIP number helps you to maintain a good reputation and avoid any malicious attacks. Using a non-fixed VoIP number can attract scammers and encourage fraud activities in your business.
Non-fixed VoIP won’t be a good choice if you want to provide the best security to your clients. When you use a fixed VoIP number, your team members are less likely to engage in fraud. Yet, it offers a more convenient process of obtaining local phone numbers.
Why are you going to settle for less if a fixed VoIP number can help your business grow and maintain a good reputation? A little amount spent on fixed VoIP won’t matter if it gives you peace of mind and stability.
Conclusion
To choose between fixed VoIP and non-fixed VoIP you must first identify what is essential to your business.
If you have multiple branches, non-fixed VoIP numbers would be highly suggested because you can cut the cost and they are more accessible. But if you only have one and your top priority is security, fixed VoIP is more advantageous. It may cost you more, but the features have a lot to offer that can help you establish a good reputation.
Worry not about the cost, but focus more on the long-term success of your business.
