How To Get An Internet Phone For Your Business

Communication is key to building long-lasting relationships and just generally getting stuff done. And so, it should be no surprise that communication is essential to the running of a business. Whether it is internal or external, it is important to have various modes of interacting with other team members and customers. And now with technology giving us smarter and easier solutions, companies should make the most of what it has to offer. The internet phone is one such excellent tool.

Internet Phone: What is it Exactly?

Imagine a phone line without traditional landline wires and that works on the cloud: that is an internet phone. These phones use voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phone services that run through the internet. This makes it possible to answer and make voice calls over your internet connection instead of needing an actual phone line. You can use this phone with your company’s toll free or local number.

Virtual Numbers and Internet Phones: Making Communication Fun

The main reason why many businesses are switching to an internet phone for their communication: affordability. VoIP services are cheaper, especially for long-distance calling. Depending on the setup, you won’t need to pay extra for calls based on distance or time spent. For example, setting up a virtual phone number will eliminate long-distance charges. Virtual phone service providers like Global Call Forwarding offer numbers for many cities, states, and countries around the world. This makes it easier to expand your services and connect with customers across borders.

Additionally, you can answer these calls on an alternate number or device. For example, virtual phone providers offer options to forward your calls to a different number. And so, when you are traveling, you can direct calls made to your internet phone to your smartphone or computer, and answer them there. This makes your business reachable at all times.

How to Get an Internet Phone

Purchasing and setting up an internet phone is very simple. You need a VoIP phone system and a good internet connection. Also, the best companion for your internet phone? A virtual phone number. And you can easily get one as a local, international, or toll free number from virtual communications providers or 800 number providers. It is definitely important to research different providers to see which one offers features that work best for your purposes.

Have good internet: Since internet phones transmit voice (and sometimes video) through the internet, you will need a strong internet connection with good bandwidth.

Choose a type of VoIP service: Consider if you need a software- or mobile-based VoIP service. With a software-based service, you can access the application on a website or install the software. Mobile-based VoIP services refer to mobile handsets integrated into a VoIP network.

Decide on a VoIP service provider: Next, research various VoIP service providers. Look at the features and benefits offered and see what would work best for your business. Do you need call forwarding or call recording? Do you need an interactive voice response (IVR) system? IVR is an automated voice that directs callers through a menu to the right departments. Or do you need multiple extensions?

Get your virtual phone number: Your VoIP service provider may also be able to provide you with a phone number for your company. You can get a regular local number or a toll free number. With certain providers, you may even be able to get international numbers that allow international customers to contact your business.

Choose equipment for your phone system: When selecting an internet phone, consider the type of VoIP you will be signing up with. Also, think about what functionality you will require. How many phones do you need? Do you need headsets? Do you need a phone with routing capabilities? And so on. Also, if you are using PC-to-PC communication, then you will need computers and not phones.

Ready, Set, Call!

After identifying and investing in the right service for your business communication needs, you can finally set up your internet phone and start using it to make business calls. Go virtual, switch to VoIP, and stay connected with customers locally and globally.

Author Name: Meryl D’Sa

Author Bio: Meryl D’Sa is a writer for various publications that produce content focusing on recent trends in communications, travel, fashion, and literature.

Ricky is a graduate of computer science engineering, a writer and marketing consultant. he continues to study on Nano technology and its resulting benefits to achieving almost there.