It is staggering how VoIP has been around for nearly two decades, and yet, the technology is still frequently marred in general misconceptions and myths. Perhaps this case is applicable (and to be expected) to any technology or apparatus that climbs to the same level of adoption as VoIP. It is especially the case in the business world. But as VoIP makes its way into residences, familiar fallacies resurface.
Today, we’ll be discussing the top 5 myths and misconceptions surrounding VoIP and busting them once and for all. However, for readers new to the topic, a brief crash course on the subject should be the first order of priority.
What is VoIP?
VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is an IP-enabled service that allows people to make calls using an internet connection in place of analog phone lines. VoIP is seen as the next step in telephony technology and finally does away with the reliance on traditional and outdated wired standards.
The FCC also notes that users with VoIP connections can call others on the same service and dial any telephone number, including mobile, international, and local phone numbers. It enabled businesses of all scales and specialties to capitalize on the flexibility offered through VoIP in the early 2000s. Its adoption has been replicated in the residential space too, where families are looking to utilize the flexibility and affordability on offer.
How Does it Work?
As VoIP requires the internet to work, its preferred method of operation is entirely different from conventional landline connections. It is also the same reliance on the internet that enables service providers to offer residential VoIP telephone service to users; either through proprietary hardware or a phone app. Since most devices today are internet-ready, VoIP service providers often employ the latter option.
It means most users can easily make and receive calls from their computer, smartphone, or VoIP handset. The handset or smartphone application converts the audio signals to digital data, which it then sends over the internet to the VoIP service provider. This digital data is further routed to the receiver, where it is then reconverted to an audio signal and heard from the device’s speaker.
VoIP Myth Busting
Being so different from landlines, VoIP does suffer from a lack of public awareness. Even people with VoIP services set up for their home offices or business endeavors can’t often differentiate between fact and fiction.
Let’s look at the three most commonly-held misconceptions about VoIP, starting with the one posed in the title:
Myth #1 Is VoIP Too Expensive?
When users switch from an analog system to an IP-enabled system, they’re often surprised by the pricey upfront costs involved. It is seen primarily in businesses where corporate-level communication setups require a lot of complex infrastructures.
Complex on-premise PBX (Private Branch Exchange) systems, IT staffing, and the support and maintenance they require can make for a particularly bitter pill to swallow. It has led many to believe the same for VoIPs.
The reality: VoIP systems are incredibly affordable to users—residential or commercial. Due to their internet-reliant service, call charges are either incredibly low or non-existent with the best residential VoIP telephone services. Most companies like Axvoice also provide free hardware, and there is minimal to no maintenance required with their systems.
Myth #2 VoIP is Difficult to Setup/Maintain
Analog systems of yesteryear were nightmares for businesses where they were deployed, and for companies that deployed them. Configuration alone would require days of wiring (if not weeks), and the clunky systems would routinely malfunction. Most people believe they would need the same level of effort with VoIP systems.
The reality: Your company’s IT department or you (if you’re the tech whiz in the house) can rest easy with VoIP. The service provider is responsible for handling all the system configuration and is responsible for periodic maintenance as well.
Updates are pushed over the air (OTA), making it a plug-and-play solution for offices and homes. It frees you to focus on telemarketing strategies for your business rather than ensuring the wiring is done right.
Myth #3 VoIP Would Mean Getting a New Number
Anyone who has ever moved cities or countries knows that a new landline connection would mean getting a different number and starting afresh. That meant notifying all your contacts of the updated number, and no one has the time for this in today’s world.
The reality: VoIP services make it a painless experience to switch numbers. You can even register for an existing number and continue to use that from day one. It is known as porting and can be done when signing up for a new service.
The Best in the Business
It can be daunting for any business looking to transition to a VoIP service. Similarly, if you’re looking to ditch your landline connection in the home for an internet-based service, you need a service that is cost-effective and reliable. It is where Axvoice comes in.
Axvoice is a popular VoIP service provider that busts all the aforementioned myths and more. The company has plans for homes and offices alike with prices that are unmatched in the market today (more on that later).
Axvoice Features
The VoIP service provider doesn’t discriminate when it comes to features, nor does it lock away any for high-tier plans. You get everything in any plan you opt for. Axvoice has many features listed on its website and is broken down categorically.
Outbound call features include caller ID blocking, three-way calling, music on hold, international call blocking, alternate caller ID, and more. There’s also E911 support built-in to the VoIP service. It is an enhanced 911 service that provides the dispatcher number to the authorized body when dialed.
Axvoice hardware only requires users to dial 911 from their handset and the authorities will be on their way to deal with any home crisis. Axvoice also has support for a wide band of codecs that can help you maintain calls when the internet connection isn’t ideal.
Users are spoilt for choice with incoming call features too. Axvoice users get call waiting, call filters, simultaneous rings, anonymous call rejection, do-not-disturb, and blacklisting functionalities with all plans. There is a voicemail system built-in and free calls to other Axvoice numbers.
Busting Myths with Axvoice
The previously mentioned myths apply to all VoIP service providers and that includes Axvoice as well. But the company goes a level above which should be brought to everyone’s attention. Starting with the first:
1. Is Axvoice Too Expensive?
Quite the contrary. Axvoice has been rated as one of the cheapest residential VoIP service providers in Canada. Their residential plans start from $8.25/month, and business plans begin from $14.99/month. It is 4–5 times cheaper than popular VoIP alternatives.
2. Axvoice is Difficult to Setup/Maintain
Like any other VoIP service provider, Axvoice is not dissimilar when discussing setup times and maintenance. The maintenance happens OTA and the setup can be best summarized with this 30-second installation guide.
3 . Getting Axvoice Would Mean Getting a New Number
Porting is an easy and painless process with Axvoice. You can opt to have your existing landline number ported or even an existing one assigned to you from any other VoIP service provider.
What to Expect with Axvoice
The VoIP service provider has two plans; residential and business. The residential plans offer unlimited local- and long-distance calls and provide the ability to port your existing numbers as well. E911 support is built-in and free hardware and activation are provided by Axvoice.
The business plan is perfect for small- to medium-sized businesses with 200 outgoing minutes in the US and Canada. You can conference call and add multiple phone lines to one plan. The company also provides free hardware and activation.
Whether you’re in the market for a VoIP service for your home or office, or both, few companies do it better than Axvoice. And with the space continuing to grow, we can expect a whole host of features that will be included in the already enticing list.
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