Five common myths that you might believe about VoIP.

Leaving behind the horse and buggy.

As VoIP providers, we frequently hear from our clients why they should not switch to VoIP from their traditional POTS system. While they may occasionally have some well-founded concerns, we also hear a fair amount of misinformation – often based on misconceptions that date back to the early days of VoIP. 

When automobiles first appeared on the scene, people were initially hesitant to abandon reliable horse-drawn carts for the earliest, unproven motorcars. Their initial concerns were valid, but over time automakers were able to address those concerns until they were finally “a thing of the past.” Automakers refined their products and the technology became more reliable and efficient. Of course, there were always a few holdouts that believed the horse and cart to be superior (and for a few niche cases, they may have been right), but the majority of the population recognized the benefits of the automobile and made the switch.   

VoIP technology has now reached a similar inflection point. As POTS landlines are slowly phased out of existence following the FCC’s August 2022 allowance, businesses are increasingly migrating to VoIP. 

Let’s bust five of the outdated myths that might still be worrying you about VoIP. 

1. VoIP is a new, unproven technology.

FALSE. 

Here’s an interesting date: 1974. That year marks the first real-time conversation over the internet’s predecessor – ARPANET. As early as 1992, businesses were purchasing conference software that facilitated internet-based voice calls. However, VoIP hit the mainstream when Skype released its free audio call software in 2003. In less than three years, Skype added video to its services and had more than 50 million users. 

Soon after, expanding broadband internet service facilitated VoIP’s rapid growth and the FCC began to provide guidance on the technology, which culminated in its ultimate recommendation that the telecommunications industry adopt VoIP and similar technologies in favor of traditional landlines. Following the August 2022 entry into force of FCC Order 19-72, VoIP now has a clear path to become the predominant voice and video technology for residences and businesses across the US. 

Now, nearly 50 years since its inception and 20 years since its widespread adoption, VoIP technology forms the backbone of many of our most common communication methods: FaceTime, Zoom, Teams, and a myriad of business and residential services. 

2. You can’t utilize 911 services with VoIP.

FALSE. 

Like most VoIP misconceptions, this myth arose from early days of the technology. Since VoIP is based on the internet instead of geography-based copper wires, early VoIP systems were not able to automatically communicate a caller’s location to emergency services like a POTS phone call. However, both VoIP services and 911 services have evolved significantly since that time. 

Widely used by emergency services since 2005, modern “e911” (enhanced 911) services automatically identify a caller’s location through a physical address affiliated with the phone number. The FCC now requires VoIP providers to permit their clients to record this information in their accounts and change it whenever necessary. When you set up your VoIP system, a VoIP expert can make sure that whenever anyone in the office picks up a phone to call 911, your office address is automatically communicated to the operator on the other end of the line. your IT provider will make sure that whenever anyone in the office picks up a phone to call 911, your office address is automatically communicated to the operator on the other end of the line. 

3. You can’t use your existing business phone numbers and caller ID with VoIP. 

FALSE. 

Considering how long a business may have used the same phone number, this is often a significant concern. Your phone number has likely been distributed far and wide to clients, distributers, vendors, on print and digital materials. 

However, as long as your contract with your current phone service provider does not prevent you from porting your phone number, you will be able keep your phone number(s) and probably port them into your new system for free! 

4. VoIP is only suited to large businesses. 

FALSE. 

The very same characteristics that make VoIP appealing to large businesses can also benefit SMEs. VoIP is more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective per user compared to landline systems. For organizations that have hybrid, road-warrior, or work-from-home employees, VoIP offers a very robust, organized way to tie those users into their business phone system. Since VoIP also provides SMEs with a variety of ways to increase productivity around the office while reducing costs, the incentive to switch to VoIP is even higher for SMEs! 

5.VoIP provides poor call quality.

FALSE. 

Although traditional landline systems were typically associated with superior call quality, modern VoIP systems have turned the tables. When VoIP technology was in its infancy, calls could be choppy or experience poor audio quality – leading to the misconception that if offered inferior call quality. However, as high-speed internet access, phone technology, software, and management protocols have improved, VoIP calls are now usually clearer than traditional phone calls. 

An IT provider with VoIP expertise can ensure exceptional quality by setting aside a portion of your bandwidth for VoIP. That means that if your internet bogs down for any reason, your phone calls will not be affected since they get dedicated, Tier 1 priority.  In addition, new software and phones can offer noise-cancelling technology that facilitate exceptional, uninterrupted call quality for both ends of the line.