When it comes to business phone systems, small businesses have usually had to decide between a costly PBX system and basic phone lines. A regular PBX offered many features that ensured the business was always reachable but required extra resources to maintain. Basic phone lines were easier to manage–and cost less–but meant that a business wasn't always reachable unless they had multiple lines installed.
But with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology this is changing, giving businesses greater access to superior phone systems, without negatively affecting the budget.
Why Use VoIP for Business
Businesses aren't forced to switch to VoIP for making and receiving calls, but they do need to make a choice between the nbn™ and VoIP or mobile networks. This is because as the nbn™ reaches more locations, the old copper line network is being phased out. A limited number of special services will still use the copper line network, but businesses won't be able to use it anymore for internet access, or for phone calls. This has already happened in major centres such as Melbourne, meaning your business has either already made the switch, or is now looking to move over to the NBN. And Tthere are many reasons for opting for a VoIP phone system over mobile. For one, VoIP isn't a new technology you need to be weary of. Chances are you've already used VoIP technology without even realising it. Popular tools such as Zoom, Slack, Skype, Microsoft Teams–and even WhatsApp calls–all use VoIP technology. Other benefits of VoIP for your business include:
- Lower Cost - Not only do many VoIP phone plans include unlimited calls to standard local, national, and mobile numbers, you also have a variety of phone systems and plans to choose from. And these can be customised to your needs, giving you greater control.
- Feature Rich - Hosted PBX systems are a new solution available with VoIP, offering all the benefits and features of high-end on-premise PBX systems, with significantly lower costs. Access features such as hunt groups, auto receptionist, call forwarding to any number, and even Fax2Email, without large upfront and ongoing costs.
- Scalability - Adding and removing new lines is much simpler than with older phone systems, making it easier for your VoIP phone system to grow with your business, no matter how big you become.
- Easy Set-up - Whether you opt for a basic voice plan or a hosted PBX solution, getting it installed and set-up is simple enough for you to manage on your own. With the added benefit that your existing business phone numbers can be ported to the new system, eliminating any disruptive changes to your business.
Is VoIP Reliable
With the faster internet speeds offered by the nbn™, VoIP is very reliable for business usage. With most nbnTM plans available today, you'll be able to manage a high number of concurrent calls, all with high-quality audio. The risk of power outages affecting your VoIP phone system can be mitigated by installing a battery pack, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and a 4G Backup.
What Do I Need for a VoIP Phone System
The three primary requirements for switching to a VoIP business phone system are:
- An nbn™ internet connection.
- An nbn™ compatible phone system or device.
- A business VoIP provider.
Depending on the number of concurrent calls you need your system to manage, an internet connection offering a maximum theoretical download speed of 50 Mbps is recommended. Regular internet activities and VoIP calls share the same internet connection, so for larger businesses with a higher volume of calls might need a faster connection. Your VoIP provider should also offer nbn™ plans, and while it isn't necessary for your VoIP and nbn™ plans to be from the same provider, this would improve support, and could save you money. Signing up for a Business One Voice Plan or Business One Commander Phone Plan with Commander's Business One Broadband plan could save you $45 a month.
While analogue phone handsets can be adapted to work with VoIP, you might want to look at phone systems designed to take full advantage of all that VoIP could offer your business. VoIP providers don't only offer VoIP plans, they also offer nbn™ or VoIP ready phone systems that can be customised to your business needs:
| Basic Voice System | Hosted PBX System | SIP Phone |
|---|---|---|
|
A basic business phone line that uses the nbn™ for making and receiving phone calls and faxes, and can also be used for EFTPOS devices. Analogue handsets and devices must be connected to a business modem or an Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA). Features may include1: • Caller ID One basic voice plan is equivalent to one active phone line in your business. The number of concurrent calls–incoming and outgoing–you need to support decides how many plans you sign up for. |
Similar features and benefits as a regular PBX system, with lower upfront and ongoing costs. The PBX system is hosted and maintained off-site by your VoIP provider. Calls can be made and received using VoIP handsets, computers (softphone feature), and mobile phones. Features may include2: • Line Hunt Groups One phone plan is equivalent to one active phone line in your business. The number of concurrent calls–incoming and outgoing–you need to support decides how many plans you sign up for. Minimum is one, with no upper limit. |
Basic VoIP lines for an IP-enabled on-premise PBX. The features you have access to are those already supported by your current PBX. One channel on the SIP system is equivalent to one phone line, and you need a minimum of two channels. You can add and remove channels as needed, and numbers for extensions are available in 10, 50, and 100 number ranges. |
| Learn more about the Commander Business One Voice Plan | Learn more about the Business One Commander Phone Plan | Learn more about the Commander Business One SIP Plan |
1 Available features depend on what is supported by your desk and cordless handsets.
2 Some features not included as standard but are available as optional extras.
Hosted PBX and SIP systems also include a softphone feature, allowing you to make and receive calls on a desktop computer or laptop. To benefit from this feature, it is also recommended that you look at headsets compatible with your VoIP phone system.
Finally, though not required, having your phone system connected to a battery back-up and UPS will ensure you are still able to make and receive calls during a power outage.
Find a Business VoIP Specialist Near You
We have Commander Centres staffed by VoIP specialists ready to help you find the perfect business phone system in Melbourne:
| Melbourne North | Melbourne West | Melbourne East |
|---|---|---|
|
430-432 Huntingdale Rd |
18 Robertson St |
2/28A Albert St |
| 03 9555 5502 | 1300 459 099 | 03 9474 0000 |