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What is hosted telephony?

Hosted telephony – also known as VoIP (voice over internet protocol) is a cloud hosted phone system which works using cloud technology – rather than more traditional, office telephone solutions. Hosted telephony or VoIP as a service is recognised as a flexible and cost-effect telephone solution for businesses of all sizes.

What is PBX?

PBX stands for private branch exchange. It is a communications system that allow companies to use both internal and external lines within their office without the need for a separate line per telephone user.

What is VoIP?

VoIP is short for voice over internet protocol service. It is a type of telephone system which is cloud based rather than office based. It is popular with businesses due to the flexibility of packages available and the single fixed fee payable per month.

Does VoIP work with all telephone numbers?

VoIP works with virtually all telephone numbers, the exception being premium rate calls. Employees can also use VoIP to make internal calls within their organisation for free.

Can I choose a number myself?

You are free to choose from a 01, 02 or 03 number when you decide to use a VoIP system for your businesses. If you wish to utilise a special number there may be a small fee for this.

How reliable is VoIP or hosted telephony?

With the correct business bandwidth, a VoIP telephone system is incredibly reliable and provides fantastic quality calls. During the set up period we can advise on the necessary connection speeds to optimise the user experience.

How much will it cost people to ring a VoIP number?

It will cost people exactly the same as it would do if they were ringing a free UK land line. This means there are no additional cost for potential clients or customers when calling a VoIP number.

How does hosted telephony work?

Put simply, software is used to transform voice and data into digital data with is then delivered to the intended receiver via the internet using a broadband connection.

Does VoIP need a special internet connection?

For a VoIP system to work effectively, there needs to be a sufficient business broadband speed – generally speaking, the connection should be at least 256 Kbps.

What happens to VoIP if there is a power cut?

If there is a power cut, VoIP will be unavailable as it requires your business’ broadband router to be switched on. Luckily with VoIP we can redirect calls to a mobile number or landline if these issues occur.

Why do companies use VoIP?

VoIP systems are popular for many reasons. They can save companies money in the long term as they reduce the amount being spent on phone calls. They also negate the need for investing in an expensive phone system which is not portable should the business change location. Other recognised benefits are the voicemail systems available, call capacity and flexibility.

Are internal calls possible with VoIP?

Yes, it is possible for employees to make internal calls with VoIP. This is one of the big advantages associated with VoIP. Staff can ring each other for free when they are within the same office as well as when they are working remotely (as long as they have an internet connection).

Can the VoIP line also be used for fax?

Yes, you can add a fax machine onto a VoIP platform.

Is it possible to have a voicemail message with VoIP?

Yes, you will need to set this up when the hosted telephony system is installed, but it can be personalised to your company’s own preferences. It is also possible to set up a voice option menu to direct customers through the system to reach the correct operator.

Is it possible to use an existing number with VoIP?

This will depend on the company you are currently using. In many cases it is possible to port your existing number though, please ask our team for more information about this.

Is broadband needed for VoIP?

Yes, a reliable businesses broadband connection and sufficient speed is necessary for VoIP to work. It is recommended that a minimum speed of 256 Kpbs is used in order for several high quality calls to be made/received simultaneously.

What happens to the number is we move premises?

As the number is not geographically bound the number can stay with you if you switch offices. As VoIP is cloud operated it can be used anywhere in the world – as long as there is a broadband connection available.

How secure is VoIP?

VoIP is an internet based telephone system and, like other online technology, can be kept secure with the correct protocols in place. Using a recogniser provider such as Blue Portal also reduces the risk of any threats to the hosted telephony system.

Cloudya How to: incoming calls

Cloudya How to: voicemail

Cloudya How to: conferences

Cloudya How to: call history

Cloudya How to: outgoing calls