Let’s dig in to learn more about virtual telephony and how you can implement it for your business in Los Angeles!
Types of Virtual Phone Numbers
If your business has locations in multiple cities, or your business relies on the trust of your local community, you might sign up for local numbers and still use them on the VoIP service. This means that you can get local numbers for the specific area where you operate in Los Angeles.
Toll-free numbers are the numbers customers can call to contact you without them getting charged. These numbers usually start with the prefix 1-800. Using toll-free will make your business appear more professional, especially as a small or medium-sized business. Your customers can also connect with you more easily when they know they are not paying. On your part, you won’t have to pay high fees even for long-distance callers.
These numbers are created so that callers can easily remember your business and differentiate you from your competitors. Vanity numbers can begin with a prefix usually between 800 to 888 and contain words that are easy to recall, such as 1-800-FLOWERS, 1-800-GoFedEx, and others similar.
How Does VoIP Works?
Cloud Hosted PBX
Most VoIP providers offer cloud-hosted private branch exchange (PBX), therefore users are not required need to buy expensive hardware and software. With PBX, users can run their business telephone systems over a cloud online connection. However, they will be required to pay a monthly fee and purchase VoIP phones if necessary. The PBX supports a centralized VoIP system for businesses operating in multiple locations.
The VoIP technology provides the flexibility of adding new users in line with your acquired bandwidth. That means that as your business grows, you don’t need new servers or a wiring system, all you need to do is contact your service provider for a bandwidth upgrade and additional VoIP phones. You can upgrade or downgrade bandwidth as the need arises.
Universal Number
The VoIP number can work like a regular phone number. It works as a phone service mobile in cell phones using 3G or 4G. The sound is sent over an ISP protocol as digital signals, making it a phone call internet service. The same number can be used on other devices as well.
A traditional landline is operated from telephone hardware and requires initial set up while VoIP works as a multimedia communication platform that uses an internet connection to transmit call data. Most of its infrastructures are cloud-based, therefore set up cost is minimal.
In landlines, analog voice data between callers on home phones or business phones are transferred over a copper or fiber-optic wiring to a local PSTN or POTS telephone network. On the other hand, VoIP converts analog audio to digital, improves its quality, and sends it over the internet. As long as the internet quality is good, you can be assured of a high definition call.
Although landlines support calling, voice mails, conference calling, texting, and call waiting, VoIP does much more with business chatting and other multimedia functions. It edges out landlines when it comes to flexibility, non-restrictive call pricing, and the fact that you can access calls on multiple devices, and also track your call analytics to improve business operations.
Benefits of VoIP Numbers
There are different reasons why you might consider getting VoIP phone numbers. Highlighted below are why you might need to consider using VoIP numbers.
Acquiring a VoIP number is as easy as signing up for a service. According to a VoIP stat, you can save up to 75% on operational costs, 90% on international calls, 40% on local call bills, and 30% saving on phone bills.
Clear voice quality is guaranteed as fuzziness and static are removed before call data is sent over the IP. As long as you have the required bandwidth to support the number of users on your VoIP system, you are assured of top call quality. Popular broadband plans can support hundreds of calls at a time without a drop in quality.
VoIP services support receiving calls on any data-enabled device as long as you have the IP mobile app installed on them. They work with devices such as computers, tablets, smartphones, and VoIP solution telephones. This means that you can use your VoIP phone number across multiple devices and you can answer calls made to that number from any of your connected devices in the way you program it to be. Therefore, your staff can continue with their scheduled calling tasks whether they are in the office, on the field, or working from home.
You can choose an area code for your phone number which can be outside of your current city or state. You can also move out of any area to another without asking to move your line to a new address or changing your existing number. With a stable internet connection, VoIP numbers work in all parts of the US and Canada and you don’t get charged extra for long-distance calls.
One of the advantages that come with a VoIP service is the ease of adding new users when your business is growing. Getting additional lines for new staff is as straightforward as adding a new VoIP user.
You can connect your calls to your CRM or other business software, cloud storage service, and more to streamline your business operations. This makes call recording, and customer profiling much easier.
How to Get VoIP Phone Service
Getting a VoIP phone number is quite easy. You can use an existing number with VoIP by porting your number. You can port from a cell phone, Google Voice, telephone company, or from one VoIP service provider to the other. However, if you also require a virtual phone service, you can follow the following VoIP phone service suggestions.
Choose a Reliable VoIP Provider
First thing is to choose a reliable VoIP provider. That means choosing one that owns and operates their network. This is important because quality control and troubleshooting problems can be easily done when a third-party operator is not involved.
Compare pricing concerning the number of phone users you require. Also, ask for the flexibility of adding new users and how much it cost to increase or reduce your bandwidth.
VoIP lines are susceptible to fraud and other security issues, therefore, ensure that your provider enables features such as call data encryption, secure user credentials (passwords and two-factor authentication), prevention of ghost calls, call screening, number blocking, call log reports, and other measures.
Look out for other features that you really need for your business. Examples of such features include call analytics and reporting, call recording, Mobile App for cell phones, video and audio conference calls, number porting, integration with CRM software, IVR auto attendant for customer self-service, call forwarding, automatic call distribution (ACD), business text messaging, IP mobile PBX, Find me/Follow me, and more.
Once you get a VoIP provider, the next thing is to assign your new VoIP numbers to the devices you want to use or acquire VoIP phones from the provider. This is easy to set up and the provider can also help with the installation.
There is a downward trend in landline use in US households, businesses are now shifting to VoIP solutions to keep up with customers and streamline their business operations. When it’s time to make the important shift for your business, consider using a proven service provider. Flagman Telecom is your dependable vendor when it comes to providing competitively priced, reliable, and affordable VoIP services that fit your business needs.
Flagman has highly qualified support and technical staff in Los Angeles that will work with you to get things started and also help you solve all problems relating to VoIP.
