With tons of businesses moving to the cloud, the shutdown of the ISDN in Europe, and the demand for better user experience from customers, it’s essential to know the ins and outs of VoIP.
Rather than focusing on physical telephony systems, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) is all the rage. Internet-based emergency and voice calling is something that any business should consider as it grows toward success in the future.
This article will give you all the information you could want about VoIP. We’ll go into what VoIP is, how it works, the difference between fixed and non-fixed VoIP, and which options might be best for your business.
What Is VoIP?
VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) is a technology that turns voice communication into packets of data over the Internet instead of through traditional landline phones.
Instead of having a physical desk phone on the desk connected to a copper line, analog terminal adapters, softphones, and VoIP phones can be used.
How Does VoIP Work?
When you use VoIP technology to make mass calls, the audio is turned into a data packet. It morphs into audio when it reaches the person you are talking to. There are only three easy steps associated with making a call using VoIP.
- First, a voice signal is compressed and turned into a data packet.
- Second, the data packets are sent over a network (such as private or public Internet).
- Lastly, the packets go to the network’s other side and are turned back to voice signals.
The CNAM (Caller Name) tag has information about the caller, such as the phone number and the caller name associated with the VoIP number. The person taking the call will also get your CNAM information as part of the caller ID.
Now that you know what VoIP is and how it works, we’ll look at fixed and non-fixed VoIP numbers and which might be best for your company.
What Is a Non-Fixed VoIP?
When we talk about a non-fixed VoIP, this is a number assigned to any person in any location rather than being fixed to a device or physical address. This creates a local presence in as many areas as you like. Also known as Virtual Phone Numbers, they can be accessed for different areas, even if your business isn’t there.
Many communication apps (such as Microsoft Teams) and smartphones use non-fixed VoIP numbers. There’s a good reason for that. Employees are often on the move, so there are better solutions than having their connectivity in one location or device.
Those with global or hybrid workforces will find that non-fixed VoIP numbers let you format every worker’s number to the specific number format used by your company. This gives each employee a Direct Inward Dialing (DID) number that matches their locations without using physical phone lines.
The Main Benefits and Disadvantages of a Non-Fixed VoIP Number
Many people use a non-fixed VoIP number due to the simple provisioning requirements and impressive flexibility. Many large corporations choose non-fixed VoIP for the reasons below.
- Simple management. Since non-fixed VoIP numbers are easy to manage and provision, many companies choose them for convenience. The numbers can be used for new workers or new contact centers. You’ll also find most phone numbers through popular services are non-fixed VoIP. If numbers need to be moved or someone leaves the company, reassigning the numbers takes only minutes.
- Local presence on a global level. Since you can use any country format and area code, different offices and employees can reach out to prospects and customers using familiar area codes, even if the employee is in a different spot.
- Great for scaling. When you choose non-fixed VoIP numbers, the business can quickly and easily add new numbers when teams contract, expand, or transition to working from home or another location.
- Lower costs. Since there’s no need to have a local office to use local numbers, this can cut overhead costs. In addition, international calling costs are less expensive when using VoIP numbers in the same country.
Of course, where there are pros, there are also cons. Below are the drawbacks to choosing non-fixed VoIP.
- Additional fraud. Non-fixed VoIP spam is standard, as are frauds. Doing a non-fixed VoIP trace is more complex, and numbers are easy to get, so some use them in less than savory ways. While steps have been taken to cut down on these things, they often generate from non-fixed VoIP.
- More compliance requirements. Using a VoIP device allows you to make emergency calls. However, extra steps for a non-fixed VoIP number often need to be taken to find someone’s address. Without that information, no accurate location is given during emergencies.
Why Do Companies Choose a Fixed VoIP Number?
Fixed VoIP numbers are tied to a particular location. The numbers are often assigned to hotels, offices, and campuses devices and use multi-line telephone systems (MLTS).
There are a few benefits to selecting a fixed VoIP, including the following:
- Caller ID availability. Fixed VoIP numbers are more challenging to get, which makes them more reputable. Since you can identify them with caller ID, it’s less likely customers will think you’re sending spam.
- When dialing emergency service from a fixed VoIP, it’s immediately clear where the call came from. That means the call can be routed, so services are more likely to get to you quickly—more location information.
On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to selecting a fixed VoIP, which you can read more about below:
- Costs for international calling. When you have a fixed VoIP number in a local area, making calls out of that location will be more expensive.
- Less flexible. Expanding to new areas can be challenging since numbers are tied to different places. A local presence in every location isn’t possible with fixed VoIP.
Be aware that you can use both non-fixed and fixed VoIP numbers simultaneously. Some of the most successful corporate businesses choose to do this.
The Difference Between Fixed and Non-Fixed VoIP
A non-fixed VoIP is best for companies that have a worldwide presence. It’s simple to use, easy to change, and can help customer relations. The table below has more information to help you make a choice:
Extra Information About VoIP Topics
Non-fixed VoIP numbers can be used to send and receive text messages. All you need to do is configure the number appropriately.
No natural way to determine whether a number is fixed or non-fixed unless you see the phone number provided. Fixed VoIP and non-fixed VoIP numbers are essentially the same and act in similar ways. However, you can do a non-fixed VoIP lookup to learn more about the owner.
How Esendex Can Help with your VoIP Needs
At Esendex, we offer a robust and customizable SMS API for all kinds of businesses across different industries. This service works with VoIP and is used by some of the largest global brands. Learn more and take advantage of tools to simultaneously boost customer engagement, revenue, and sales.
