By Emma Lewis, bOnline
The landline switch-off is coming! From 2025 UK landlines will stop working, paving the way for newer digital communications technology.
Businesses and households up and down the country are now looking at VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone systems as the number 1 alternative. Packed with business-friendly, money-saving features like call divert, video calling, call analytics data, hold music and more, there’s never been a better time to switch.
Traditional copper landlines are difficult and expensive to maintain. They’re also no longer fit for purpose in the modern age. When you make or receive a phone call using a VoIP digital phone system, the sound is sent across the internet in ‘packets’ rather than through copper wires. It’s done digitally, so all you need is a stable, fast internet connection. You can access your VoIP system through any internet-connected device too, including your smartphone or tablet. This makes it ideal for working from home or on the go.
So what is the best business broadband for VoIP? Here we take a look at things to consider.
Internet Speed
To work properly VoIP needs a decent amount of bandwidth, especially for video calling. For a basic VoIP call, you will really need a minimum of around 100 kbps (kilobits per second) for both download and upload. However, this is pretty basic – if you want calls to be higher quality or involve video you’ll need a faster speed. This is also the case if you need to handle multiple calls or other internet activities at the same time. Fibre broadband is therefore strongly recommended.
Call Quality
Fibre broadband provides more consistent speeds and improved reliability than standard broadband. That’s because fibre connections can offer low latency and high bandwidth, making calls clearer and less likely to drop out halfway through. There’s also no interference.
Bandwidth Sharing
If you have a team of people who all need to access your VoIP digital phone system, you’ll again need decent bandwidth. Fibre is therefore the best so you get the highest quality sound and video for multiple users at once.
Scalability
Small businesses grow over time and you’ll probably look to take on extra staff – which means more people using your VoIP phone system. Fibre broadband can much better handle increased data traffic and call volumes, making it easier to scale your business effectively.
Is Fibre Broadband Essential For VoIP?
Not necessarily – it’s speed and stability that really count here. As long as you have sufficient bandwidth, VoIP can work on various internet connections, including cable and DSL. But the fact remains that fibre is strongly recommended for businesses who need high quality, scalable VoIP they can rely on long term.
What To Look Out For
Before you get set up with a new VoIP digital phone system, it’s well worth checking what plans your internet service provider offers. Are your upload and download speeds quick enough for what you need? Do you need to upgrade at all and what will that cost?
Furthermore, if you’re about to come out of a broadband contract, it’s always a good idea to shop around for the latest deals. Many VoIP providers, like bOnline, offer fibre broadband and VoIP packages together to help you save money and keep things simple. You can even sign up for a free VoIP trial too, allowing you to test out all the time and money-saving features on offer without the commitment.
Although the landline switch-off isn’t due to complete until late 2025, it’s not something that can be left until the last minute. By switching now, you’re likely to secure the best deals and miss the inevitable last-minute rush, not just for VoIP products but fibre broadband too.
