14 VoIP Myths and Misconceptions Debunked

Modern VoIP services often have secure and flexible options that fit businesses of any size. Read on to debunk common VoIP myths and learn more about why it might provide a perfect fit for your business needs.

As a business owner in the Los Angeles area, you want scalable options for your growing business. You need a way to handle inbound and outbound calls on multiple phones without overloading your system. You also don’t want your service to restrict the types of calls you can make.

If you own a small business, you likely haven’t considered VoIP services as an option, but you should.

Numerous myths surround VoIP service, preventing all types of business owners from making the jump and finding the growth they need. Maybe you’ve fallen prey to some of these misconceptions as well. However, VoIP services for small businesses ensure scalability and strong communications for years to come.

If you’ve heard some of the following VoIP myths and misconceptions, reconsider local VoIP providers in Los Angeles to improve your business communications.

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VoIP Explained

So what exactly is VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, a service that accommodates an internet connection for phone calls. Most people associate business phone lines with outdated analog phones and landlines. This outdated system limits your business in how many calls you can take and receive at one time.

However, VoIP services accommodate multiple calls at once. Since it uses an internet connection, you don’t have to stay in one place or limit your business to one line of communication. Plus, you can integrate smartphone technology with most VoIP packages, opening up more business opportunities.

Yet, many business owners avoid VoIP for their small or medium-sized businesses. VoIP services get an undeserved bad reputation. Businesses of all sizes can reap the versatile benefits of VoIP services for small businesses.

Here are 14 myths about VoIP and why they are just that — myths.

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Myth #1: VoIP Only Works for Large Companies

Many small business owners believe VoIP only works well for large tech companies. However, anyone can benefit from VoIP services for small businesses regardless of industry. Many industries have converted to VoIP services over the years since VoIP providers offer adaptable services.

Some industries that use VoIP include:

• Foodservice
• Retail
• Law firms
• Healthcare
• Manufacturing

At Sonic Systems VoIP, we provide VoIP service packages that focus on small to medium businesses to help them grow. You have endless possibilities if you want the best VoIP for your small business. Don’t limit yourself because of this common myth.

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Myth #2: Most Businesses Don’t Use VoIP

If you’ve ever used apps like WhatsApp or Google Voice, you’ve used a VoIP service. Enterprise Apps Today reports that around three billion people used VoIP at some point. That number will likely climb as we move toward more readily available digital solutions.

Since VoIP allows business owners to utilize multiple communication applications, it presents an attractive option for scalable communication. In addition, the rise of app usage paved the way for a diverse range of businesses to operate mostly on an app. For example, GrubHub, Uber, and Lyft all use VoIP for driver delegation and communication.

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Myth #3: You Can’t Rely on VoIP

If you have concerns about whether you can rely on VoIP, you are not alone. Most incisive business owners only want the best for their businesses. That means reliable, consistent lines of communication no matter what.

Since the rise of wireless technology still seems relatively new, the temptation to use old-fashioned landlines runs deep. However, VoIP offers a more reliable connection than landlines. Power outages will cut any connection off completely. Your landline can fall prey to storms, major traffic accidents, natural disasters, and falling debris.

If anything affects your line, you lose connection. With VoIP, you just need an internet connection. In the event your building’s internet disconnects, you can still use mobile devices to create hotspots; just forward your calls to that device.  

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Myth #4: VoIP Decreases Call Quality

First introduced in the early and mid-1990s, VoIP has a long and varied history that includes disappointment. It had a spotty connection with poor reception quality. Like many technological advancements, however, VoIP has improved with age.

So while landlines provided the best connection decades ago, VoIP easily rivals them today. You can enjoy a clear connection with great sound quality. Noise-canceling headsets provide an even richer reception experience by eliminating background noise.

Don’t let VoIP’s ancient history influence your decision today. You have numerous options at your fingertips to ensure a clear connection at various locations. You can even go hands-free and multitask while you talk.

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Myth #5: VoIP Isn’t Cost-Effective

You can reduce communication costs by more than half with a VoIP service provider. The myth of VoIP’s expensiveness likely originates from earlier models and expenses associated with analog phones. However, VoIP allows you to have a broader range of communication for cheaper.

Analog phones often require fees for additional services and features. They also rack up additional costs for long-distance calls. You can speak to clients globally without the cost adding up.

Since virtual workplaces have become more accepted, this ability also increases your potential pool of talent.

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Myth #6: You Have to Change All Devices With VoIP

Whether your business requires a fleet of smartphones for employees or a simple desk phone, most VoIP services can support them all. Many VoIP services also utilize software that connects all your devices to a cloud. Therefore, all used devices share the same storage space at any given time.

If you need new hardware to keep up with the changes, many VoIP packages include integration and device updates. Your provider will usually include this service with the package at no extra cost. You can rest assured your business has the right equipment by the end of the process.

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Myth #7: You Need a New Phone Number With VoIP

As a business owner, you know that your business’s phone number provides a window to the rest of the world. You reach out and respond to incoming communication with it. You post it on your website, social media profiles, and business listings; it plays an integral role in your brand’s identity.

As such, a number change is an obvious no-go. Fortunately, most VoIP service providers for businesses won’t require a number change when you make the switch. As a consumer, you can keep the same phone number regardless of your chosen provider, per the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

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Myth #8: You’ll Need a Different Network With VoIP

Some businesses still can’t access a high-speed internet connection. Often, providers don’t travel to their location. If this describes your business, you’ve likely written off VoIP as an option.

Business owners with deep desert locations struggle to update their networks. However, VoIP providers in Los Angeles can meet your business where it is.

A decent VoIP connection requires at least 100 Kbps. You can use DSL or connection cables to achieve this. You can call Sonic Systems VoIP to learn about whether our services can work for you.

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Myth #9: Small or Medium-Sized Businesses Won’t Benefit From VoIP

Since most people believe only large companies benefit from VoIP, they also think a small or medium-sized business won’t reap as many advantages. However, many providers offer VoIP services for small businesses. Many packages designed for smaller businesses offer affordable scalability that grows with your business.

Voice over Internet Protocol can cut your communication costs in half. It also provides your business with the versatility associated with large businesses. You’ll operate with the efficiency of big brands while using resources designed for business size.

Myth #10: VoIP Doesn’t Provide a Secure Connection

As technology use continues rising, concerns over data privacy increase. Do VoIP services provide the security you need to maintain your business’s reputation? The answer might surprise you.

Because of encryption technology, VoIP service providers offer excellent security for their clients. Any data shared between any two devices remain locked and secured from any outside parties. Additionally, providers monitor your servers for suspicious activity at all times, making VoIP more secure than most landlines.

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Myth #11: VoIP Installation Is Too Difficult

As with any major technology switch, you might worry about the installation process associated with Voice over Internet Protocol.

Many years ago, VoIP installation required communication specialists to calibrate a business’s phone system for VoIP. This created an installation process rife with testing and tweaking.

However, you can purchase VoIP services easily with Sonic Systems VoIP. Our installation process integrates your hardware with user-friendly software. You don’t have to endure a tedious installation for your Victorville business.

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Myth #12: If You Call Emergency Services, VoIP Won’t Give Responders Your Location

The FCC mandates that all VoIP providers meet E911 requirements. As a result, VoIP packages have an integrated system that provides pertinent information to emergency services. When someone using the software calls 911 with an integrated device, responders usually receive the callback number and the location of the caller.

Years ago, most communication services didn’t provide a location or phone number. As technology advanced, most devices could provide important information to emergency call centers instantly. So you don’t have to worry about responders missing your location in any emergency.

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Myth #13: VoIP Requires Too Much Data

While meeting bandwidth data requirements presents a challenge for many small business owners, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. VoIP does require more bandwidth than a landline. However, its versatility makes its data usage worthwhile.

Yes, Voice over Internet Protocol requires bandwidth. No, it doesn’t need as much as you may think.

Compare casually browsing the internet to hosting a video conference using VoIP. Which one requires more bandwidth? Browsing does.

Plus, VoIP allows you and your staff to connect regardless of location. Hands-free devices enable coworkers to connect while driving or shopping. You can host your staff in the office while allowing satellite workers to join meetings.

As your reach increases, so do your options. As mentioned before, VoIP will cut your communication costs significantly. Don’t let a little extra bandwidth usage stop you from making the jump. The best VoIP for small businesses has scalable options to increase bandwidth as needed.

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Myth #14: Most Businesses Don’t Use VoIP

All of these myths result in the biggest myth that most businesses don’t use VoIP. Since so many people think VoIP only fits large businesses in specific industries, they’ll dismiss it as an option for their local business in the Los Angeles area. When you dismiss VoIP as a valid option for your small or medium-sized business, you limit your technology possibilities.

Without VoIP, your business relies on restricting, outdated communication systems that cost a fortune in unnecessary fees. Analog phones and landlines remain vulnerable to uncontrollable circumstances.

If a major earthquake shocks Los Angeles, CA, your business stays in the dark until linemen can repair the phone lines. In these circumstances, most agencies won’t prioritize phone lines.

However, VoIP keeps you in the loop regardless of the situation. You just need an internet connection of any type to communicate. This keeps your workforce, data, and customers safer and more reachable in the long run.

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Could Your Business Benefit From VoIP?

If you now think VoIP services could work for your Victorville business, you might be right! To summarize, VoIP benefits even small and medium-sized businesses in the following ways:

• Affordable packages that cut communication costs in half (or more)
  
• Simplified installation process — you just need to download the appropriate software or app from the provider
• Reliable service even during natural disasters like earthquakes
• Versatile use that works with your employees regardless of their location
• Connections that keep your business data secure
• Service options that translate across myriad industries

If you want to discover how VoIP can benefit your business, the team at Sonic VoIP can help. Learn more about the pros and cons of VoIP services to determine whether Sonic Systems VoIP solutions will work for your business in the LA area.