New technology can sometimes seem too difficult to learn. You should also keep in mind how much you already know and if it fits your current hardware and software. All these problems make companies less eager to stay up to date with new technology.
Switching from a landline to digital services does not have to be something that overwhelms you. In addition, using VoIP helps you save your money and time, and you can switch over with just a few simple actions. This detailed blog will help you to learn how to switch from landline to VoIP in the UK.
What is VoIP and Its Working in Uk
The word VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. You can use VoIP to talk over the phone, thanks to the Internet and not a dedicated phone line. VoIP changes your voice into digital data and sends it over the internet, so you can enjoy a good and steady connection
VoIP makes it possible to use your current landline number on the internet. You will be able to keep the same landline phone number when you switch to another provider in the UK. VoIP technology enables you to switch to using the internet for calls and keep using the phone number you have always had.
Procedure to Switch from Landline to VoIP
You’re aware of the benefits and prepared to join a different bank. But how can we make this happen in the best way? Let’s walk you through a list of things to review before deciding to use VoIP instead of your landline.
1. Make a Plan
It’s important to first develop a detailed plan before starting anything. It gives you the chance to see you have everything you need so you don’t miss any steps.
You can figure out each phase of your switch, since all cases are different, though you may plan in advance for the usual phases.
- Making sure your internet is fast and reliable enough for VoIP.
- Thinking about what tasks you want your VoIP system to handle.
- Selecting the best VoIP provider for your business.
- Checking which hardware or devices you’ll need to use your VoIP system.
- Transferring your existing landline number to a VoIP service.
- Teaching your team the basics of using your new system.
- Setting up your new system
- Giving it a trial before fully implementing it.
2. Check your Existing System and Internet Connection.
Since VoIP phones connect to the internet rather than landlines, you’ll need to check that your existing internet setup can manage the new service. You can check your speed using a broadband speed test. Lots of internet service providers include tests on their websites so you can check your current download and upload speeds.
Reach out to your internet service provider if you need help making any decisions or confronting any challenges.
Ensure that you know how much bandwidth your VoIP system requires so you can be prepared to transition. Examine how many calls you usually have on a typical day. Your provider will be able to help you adjust your network capacity to suit your expected call usage.
3. Pick a Provider
You should now research VoIP systems to see what’s available. Some companies focus on supplying advanced features while others give businesses with a variety of needs the flexibility they require. Make sure you know exactly how your organisation will depend on your VoIP service and pick your provider accordingly.
A. Cost
When it comes to making decisions about business phone systems, budget often plays a bigger role in determining the choices of small to mid-sized companies than those of large organisations. A lot of providers charge per user each month, yet you’ll probably need to consider what else you’ll be using in addition to your basic services, too.
B. Support
Make sure that if you’re new to VoIP, the support you get from your provider is both prompt and of a high quality. You should pay attention to the hours support is provided so you don’t have any interruptions to your service. Having around-the-clock assistance can be especially useful in emergency situations.
C. Reputation
Make sure the company can fulfill its promises. Review what their customers are saying about them by reading customer reviews and ratings.Evaluate the potential drawbacks and limitations of each VoIP provider in the UK before agreeing to a long-term contract with one.
D. Security
Be certain to evaluate any VoIP provider’s Security features before selecting one. Has the provider had any major data security incidents in recent years? Are there frequent periods of disruption to their service? By researching these points, you may find the most reliable VoIP service for your business.
4. Pick VoIP Devices That Fit Your Needs
Evaluate how your business will make use of a VoIP system. Consider purchasing VoIP desktop phones and noise-cancelling headsets if your organization has a call centre to help reduce any distracting background sounds during calls with customers.
Smaller businesses may choose to get a desktop VoIP phone for their office but allow staff to use mobile VoIP apps when working outside the office.
Consider your current infrastructure, too. Does your existing equipment work well with VoIP? In this way, you might be able to avoid purchasing further equipment. Make sure your current routers are compatible with your VoIP hardware.
5. Moving Your Current Business Number
Check if the VoIP provider you choose provides the service of transferring your business number from its existing provider to your new VoIP system. It permits you to retain your existing business number during the switch to VoIP.
You can bypass the need to tell customers about any changes by using this feature. This ensures that your customers who are less familiar with technology can easily contact you.
6. Installing and Running Your Newly Set Up VoIP Service.
Working with the Service Provider helps complete setting up. You should receive the necessary equipment and equipment from your provider. Get an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) to connect your landline phone to your VoIP system.
With your equipment set up, you can then tailor your system according to your business needs. You should configure functions such as voicemail and call routing to make things as simple as possible for your customers.
Your VoIP setup must be prepared to manage emergency calls. You should configure your VoIP system, so that employees know what to do to contact emergency services in times of crisis. Make sure all of your employees have the right information to provide in an emergency situation.
After testing all of the important features of your system, you’re just about set to launch it!
7. Conduct Training Sessions
Make sure to train your team on your VoIP system before you start using it. Someone encountering a VoIP system for the first time may still find the technology somewhat complex.
The ideal starting point for developing your training program is explaining the most important characteristics of your VoIP system. They can now put their newly-acquired knowledge to practice by using the VoIP in everyday activities.
What Are the Benefits of Changing to VoIP?
Sure, going digital for the Switch-off deserves attention, but there are also many extra benefits for businesses from using VoIP, including improved call quality and additional security features.
i. Superior Call Quality
Landlines are fine for regular calls, but VoIP delivers better crystal clear audio and visuals for better employee and customer communication.
Even though landline calls may fail due to weather or electrical problems, using QoS settings, network division and jitter buffers in VoIP makes it less likely for business calls to experience issues related to lag or static.
ii. Robust Security Features
Many VoIP systems are designed with security in mind and feature tools for preventing data threats. Encryption prevents other people from accessing the details sent through your VoIP service. Such businesses can use it to transfer data safely, since they often exchange it over computers outside the office.
For employees working inside your company, MFA increases the security of your data by making it more difficult for hackers.
iii. Impressive Scalability
Landline connections are fairly static. If a company is considering hiring more personnel, it may have to add more phone connections to its PBX or enhance its exchange to handle the new employees. This method can be quite expensive, and may make you feel frustrated because your staff doesn’t stay the same.
Most VoIP providers make it simple, as you can increase or reduce your capacity through an online system. Additionally, you can boost your network’s bandwidth easily when more calls come in.
iv. Hassle-Free Functionality
We have mentioned that scaling your VoIP system is not a challenge when your business grows. Setting up and maintaining your VoIP is not difficult, since nearly all platforms provide a web portal for adjusting your settings.
Training your employees to run your VoIP system can be very straightforward. Everything in VoIP, from user interfaces on landlines to handy mobile apps for employees, is well-designed and makes communicating with your business much simpler.
V. Cost-Effective Communication
One of the biggest reasons VoIP is popular is the way it cuts expenses for your company. With landlines handled by under-the-ground cables, VoIP uses internet connections to connect calls. This lowers the amount of maintenance needed, leading to savings on VoIP communication costs, even when making calls across the globe.
And having a landline, which you might have to repair or pay to install, can turn out to be more expensive. Most of the time, VoIP systems are set up remotely, and all you need to buy are the devices involved.
Vi. A Flexible Alternative
You can only place and get calls on a landline from the place where the line is set up. As a result, businesses are unable to move freely because they are tied to their location.
Employees can use VoIP to log in to your network as long as they can get on the internet using a broadband connection. For employees working at home or on the road, accessing telephone service and data becomes very important.
Final Words- Switch from Landline to VoIP in the UK
Adopting a VoIP phone system will boost communication with your clients and employees. Migrating to VoIP gives businesses better efficiency and additional tools for enhancing productivity and communications. When the PSTN era ends, you will need to evaluate your system, identify an appropriate provider in the UK and start switching over.
VoIP is more flexible, saves money and includes advanced features that regular landlines lack. Transitioning either for your house or workplace is easier than you might imagine.
FaQ's - Switch from Landline to VoIP in the UK
It is very simple to switch over to VoIP. Simply look for a good VoIP service, confirm your internet strength is strong and connect the VoIP phone or adapter to the router. Transferring your landline number to your VoIP service allows you to use it on VoIP.
Once you switch VoIP providers in the UK, you are able to keep the same landline number.
When you switch to VoIP, you can bring your landline number, if you get the right provider, the needed equipment and follow their instructions for porting the phone number.
Absolutely. With VoIP, you can use an internet connection to have your landline number with a different company.
If you choose VoIP, you will spend less, have extra flexibility and can try out new features such as advanced call forwarding and voicemail forwarding.
