Answered: Your Top 12 VoIP Questions
by Jon Lober | NOC Technology | March 27, 2023
What you really want to know about VoIP.
1. What is VoIP?
“Voice over Internet Protocol” is a communication technology that enables audio and/or video calls between users via the internet. Read More.
2. What is the difference between VoIP and my landline service?
VoIP uses the internet to transmit digital audio, while POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) landlines use copper wires to carry analog audio signals.
3. What is the advantage of VoIP over regular phone service?
VoIP lines can be added easily and the tech is very flexible – users can call anywhere in the world with an internet connection for a lower monthly cost than typical POTS service. Read more.
4. Is traditional landline service (POTS) going away?
Yes – although they will not disappear immediately, as of August 2022, the FCC no longer requires legacy phone carriers to support existing POTS systems, allowing them to switch to VoIP as they please. Read more.
5. If I switch to VoIP, can I keep my current phone number(s)?
Yes – your VoIP expert can easily help you port your existing phone number(s) to your new VoIP system. Read more.
6. Can I use a desk phone with VoIP?
Yes – you can use “pick-up-to-answer” VoIP desk phones that look like traditional office phones, but have advanced capabilities. Read more.
7. What devices can I use for calling with VoIP?
You can use a dedicated IP device (VoIP desk phone, video phone, or cordless phone) or any device that can connect to a web browser like a laptop or desktop computer, smart phone, or tablet. Read more.
8. Will I lose my business caller ID?
No – your IT expert can make sure your directory is installed on your new system. Read more.
9. Will 911 still work at my office with VoIP?
Yes – FCC guidance requires VoIP service providers that use the publicly interconnected system to associate a physical address with VoIP phones for use by e911 services.
10. Will there be downtime on my phone systems if I switch from my current landline to VoIP?
No – with a VoIP expert, you should not lose a single call during the transition from landline to VoIP. Read more.
11. Can incoming calls go to multiple devices for me to answer?
Yes, with VoIP you can customize which devices you want to ring and in what order.
12. How does VoIP’s audio quality compare to traditional landline quality?
On a modern broadband internet connection with proper configuration, VoIP audio meets or exceeds traditional POTS audio quality.
Jon Lober is the CEO of NOC Technology, a managed service provider and business technology consultant based in Washington, Missouri and servicing greater St. Louis and beyond. With over 25 years of business management experience and more than 15 in IT, Jon understands both the complexities of both business operations and the technological infrastructure that makes work possible. Jon is a CMMC Registered Practitioner from CyberAB and is passionate about cybersecurity compliance, business continuity, and intelligent automation, all built to support and protect US-based businesses.
