By Emma Lewis, bOnline
With landlines being switched off permanently in the UK from next year, more and more of us are turning to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) as a popular alternative.
VoIP allows users to make calls using the internet instead of using traditional telephone lines or a mobile phone. But what happens if there’s no internet available and you want to use VoIP? The short answer is you will struggle.
Understanding How VoIP Works
Before diving into whether VoIP can function without an internet connection, it’s important to understand how VoIP operates. VoIP converts analogue voice signals into digital data packets, transmitting them over the internet to reach their destination.
This technology means you can make voice calls, hold video conferences and send multimedia messages using internet-enabled devices such as smartphones, tablets, PCs or dedicated VoIP phones.
Stable, fast internet is key (we recommend fibre broadband of at least around 100 kbps per second).
This is because unlike traditional telephone systems that rely on copper wires or cellular networks, VoIP relies on broadband internet connections to transmit voice data. If you don’t have a strong, stable internet connection with plenty of bandwidth, VoIP services won’t work because they can’t then transmit data packets between users.
Is There Any Way To Use VoIP Without An Internet Connection?
Not really, unfortunately. Because VoIP relies so heavily on internet connectivity, attempting to use it without an internet connection presents several challenges.
Lack of Infrastructure – VoIP service providers operate servers and networks that are designed specifically for internet-based communication. Without access to these infrastructures, you won’t be able to establish a VoIP connection.
Data Transmission – VoIP relies on high-speed internet connections to transmit data packets in real-time. Without internet access, data transmission can’t happen so VoIP calls won’t work.
Quality of Service – VoIP quality is heavily influenced by internet speed and stability. Without a reliable internet connection, you’re very likely to experience poor audio quality, dropped calls and latency problems.
Dependency on VoIP Providers – VoIP services are typically provided by third-party companies that maintain the necessary infrastructure and software for communication. Without internet access, users can’t access these services, as they need an active internet connection to work.
Are There Any Alternatives?
Whilst it’s a fact that VoIP needs an internet connection to work, if you find yourself with limited internet access all is not lost. There are a few other things you can try until you’re back online:
Cellular Networks
As long as 4G or 5G is available, your VoIP system should work via your cellular data network to transmit voice data. Just bear in mind that your data usage could end up being rather high, adding potential extra costs to your phone bill.
Satellite Internet
If you’re in a particularly remote area where traditional internet infrastructure isn’t available, satellite internet services may provide internet access. It’s not ideal though as you may find you end up with higher latency and lower speeds compared to normal broadband.
Offline Messaging
Some VoIP solutions come with offline messaging features, meaning you can send messages that are queued for delivery once you’re back within internet range. While this doesn’t enable real-time communication, it could be a temporary work around if needed.
Don’t Let Your Small Business Get Left Behind
As we mentioned earlier, landlines are being switched off permanently from the end of 2025. If you’re running a small business, this could have an even more profound impact as it’s not only your landline phone you’ll lose but also potentially other systems like security or payment systems.
VoIP is coming out on top as the main alternative to a landline connection, not least because these systems also come packed with a variety of business-friendly features. However, trying to use VoIP without an internet connection won’t work for real-time communication. While alternative solutions exist, such as mobile networks and satellite internet, they may not fully offer the seamless experience you need.
Therefore, for the best performance and reliability, a reliable internet connection, preferably fibre remains essential for VoIP communication in today’s digital age.
