Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP as it is more commonly known has been around for less than 50 years. After years of bad press, this technology is now taking centre stage in helping businesses of all sizes work smarter and more efficiently.

Zamurad Hussain, MD at HBT Communications reflects on how this relatively new technology is transforming the world of business across the globe.

I started HBT as a telephony company back in the late 80’s; a time when words like the internet, email, and Google were not part of our everyday language. Telephone bills were an unknown quantity and keeping control of call costs was a constant challenge., especially if your business called overseas.

The first internet phone concept was unveiled in 1995. It was designed to improve the set-up of telephone systems and call handling, as well as reduce call charges, particularly around long-distance and international calls.

How does VoIP work?

Using VoIP, your voice calls are converted into packets of data, which transfers over the public Internet and/or any private Internet Protocol (IP) network in the same way as other types of data, such as e-mail. You can call landlines and mobile phones or even computer-to-computer, if both parties have access to speakers and microphones.

Uptake on VoIP was relatively slow. In the early days the technology received a lot of bad press with slow connectivity and poor-quality call handling.

Fast forward to 2018 and VoIP has grown up into a sophisticated, robust and powerful communication channel. It has become more than just a telephony platform, it has become a valuable and profitable business tool.

How will VoIP help your business?

Alongside the inclusive call charges to landline and mobiles, a VoIP system provides you with the flexibility to quickly and easily upscale or downsize your telephone users to suit the demands of your business. The service level agreement is also greater than those in place on traditional ISDN phone lines and if disaster does strike, it is easy to divert calls to a mobile or another landline, protecting business continuity.

You may also be aware that in 2025, BT will be decommissioning ISDN and VoIP will be the only viable phone solution for UK businesses. We are recommending to our customers to get ahead of the game and upgrade their phone systems sooner rather than later, so they can start to enjoy the benefits and cost savings of VoIP.

HBT Communications is happy to carry out a complementary telephony review, which includes cost comparisons on what you are paying now to what a VoIP system will cost.
Contact us on 02476 867 422 or if it’s easier, you can request a callback.