In this article we explore some of the VoIP phones and mobile technologies that you could use alongside your Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service, full-fibre broadband and connectivity solutions.
Although some of the following detail is on the periphery of VoIP and the PSTN Switch Off, we want to provide you with the full picture, so you can make all the right connectivity and communication decisions for your business.
Stable and flexible communications are vital for the survival of SMEs. That’s a given. However, as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) Switch Off continues to advance across the commercial landscape, a wide range of new communications options are opening up for your business.
By integrating your channels of communication, you can retain and capture more customers, increase your turnover, and widen your profit margins. On the other hand, if your business doesn’t embrace the new digital opportunities, you could be left behind.
As hybrid working continues to play a large part in many organisations across the UK, mobile communications are a vital tool for workplace collaboration and innovation.
VoIP phones and mobile technology options
Softphones
As well as enabling employees to make and take calls from anywhere, while appearing to be operating from the company premises, softphones offer a wide range of other features. These include video and instant messaging (IM) options, contact directories, extension dialling and caller IDs, alongside other more traditional capabilities, such as call holding and call transfers.
4G
Depending on the location, the conditions and network load, 4G can achieve download speeds of around 100mb/s. To put that into perspective, Single order Generic Ethernet Access (SoGEA) and Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) achieve download speeds of 80mb/s and 1,000mb/s respectively.
4G launched in the UK in 2012, but it is still a relatively fast and robust method of connecting to the internet and making VoIP calls.
5G
However, 5G’s superior performance extends beyond speed. Latency is less of an issue as well. Latency is the delay that you get between sending information and receiving a response. With 4G, latency is around 200ms, but with 5G it is just 1ms.
Not only will this make video calling absolutely seamless, it also opens up opportunities for things like immersive augmented reality (AR), smart infrastructures, the Internet of Things (IoT) and factory automation.
5G Advanced
W-Fi calling
Wi-Fi calling isn’t the same as using VoIP on a mobile phone.
Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE)
VoLTE works by sending voice calls over the network provider’s data channel instead of the cellular voice channel.
Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA examples include personal security questions, software tokens and one-time passwords (OTPs).
Making your next move
By combining VoIP phones and mobile technologies with broadband infrastructure, your business can become more adaptable and maintain high-quality connections with your audiences. Flexible working and on-the-move communications become easier and team members are able to work more effectively.
Explore the convergence of broadband and mobile connectivity
It’s important to work with a supplier who can understand and support your specific requirements. If your current supplier is unwilling or unable to offer a solution that suits your business, there is help at hand…
1–10 employees?
XLN is standing by
XLN can offer expert advice and bespoke support and is already helping vast numbers of UK small businesses thrive.
11–250 employees?
Daisy has got you covered
Daisy Communications is the UK’s largest independent telecoms provider with the expert knowledge your business needs.
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