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VoIP Phone Systems: A Practical Guide for Business Owners

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Business professional using a mobile VoIP phone app for an incoming call

VoIP phone systems allow organizations to make and receive business calls over an internet protocol network. Modern platforms can also combine voicemail, messaging, video meetings, mobile applications, call routing and business integrations in one communications environment.

This guide explains how VoIP works, which features matter, what affects reliability and what businesses should evaluate before selecting a system or provider.

If your organization is actively comparing local providers, explore Towner’s business phone systems and VoIP solutions in Kansas City.

 

Smiling professionals using VoIP phone systems — Towner Communications’ guide to modern business communication solutions for Kansas City businesses

What is VoIP and How Does It Work?

VoIP—Voice Over Internet Protocol—transforms your voice into digital data, then routes it over the internet instead of through old-fashioned copper wires.

Here’s how it works:

1: Your voice is converted into digital packets.

2: those packets travel over your business’s internet connection.

3: the receiving system reassembles the data into voice on the other end.

VoIP integrates seamlessly with the apps and tools your team already uses—think email, chat, and video conferencing—so your communication is faster, easier, and more reliable than ever.

Want to learn how VoIP Solutions in Kansas City can modernize your business? Click here.

 Why Businesses Choose VoIP Phone Systems

Organizations often consider VoIP when an existing phone system becomes difficult to support, limits mobility or cannot integrate with newer business applications.

Common reasons for adopting VoIP include:

  • Mobility: Employees can use their business number from supported desk phones, computers and mobile devices.
  • Scalability: Users, numbers and features can generally be added without expanding a traditional phone system at every location.
  • Centralized administration: Authorized administrators can manage users, routing and features through one interface.
  • Integrated communications: Calling may be combined with messaging, video meetings, presence and file collaboration.
  • Business integrations: VoIP platforms can connect with Microsoft Teams, customer management systems and other applications.
  • Flexible cost structure: Subscription-based services can reduce certain infrastructure and maintenance costs, although actual savings depend on the existing environment and selected platform.
Graph showing global mobile VoIP market growth from USD 48,390.3 million in 2021 to USD 165,327.3 million in 2028 — highlighting a CAGR of 19.5%

Business VoIP Features to Compare

Not every organization needs every available feature. Compare platforms according to the call flows, employee roles, customer interactions and integrations the business actually requires.

Important capabilities may include:

  • Auto attendants and call queues: Route callers according to department, schedule or availability.
  • Desktop and mobile applications: Allow employees to use their business identity away from a desk phone.
  • Voicemail-to-email: Deliver voicemail notifications or recordings to an employee’s inbox.
  • Business texting: Support customer communication through an approved business number and compliant messaging process.
  • Video meetings and team messaging: Combine calling with other collaboration tools.
  • Call recording and reporting: Support training, quality management and operational analysis where legally and organizationally appropriate.
  • Microsoft Teams and CRM integrations: Connect calling with applications employees already use.
  • Emergency calling and location management: Help route emergency calls and maintain accurate location information.
  • Continuity features: Redirect calls or provide alternative access during an internet, power or carrier interruption.
Download Feature Guide

How to Evaluate a Business VoIP Provider

A provider should be able to explain how the proposed system fits your organization—not simply present a list of licenses and features.

Ask prospective providers about:

  • Technical assessment: Will they evaluate your network, locations, calling requirements and existing equipment?
  • Platform options: Can they explain the practical differences between cloud, on-premises and hybrid systems?
  • Implementation ownership: Who handles configuration, number porting, testing, deployment and employee training?
  • Support responsibilities: Who answers technical questions after launch, and when is on-site assistance available?
  • Reliability planning: What happens during an internet, power, carrier or platform interruption?
  • Security and compliance: How are accounts, calls, recordings, messages and administrative access protected?
  • Integrations: Can the platform support Microsoft Teams, customer management tools and other required applications?
  • Contract terms: What are the term length, renewal provisions, fees, support charges and termination requirements?

The strongest proposal is the one that clearly connects the technology, implementation plan and support model to the organization’s actual operating requirements.

VoIP Deployment Example: Multi-Site Construction Company

A construction company with employees working across its main office and multiple job sites needed a phone system that could support mobile work without disconnecting employees from their business numbers.

Towner implemented a VoIP solution with Microsoft Teams integration and ongoing support. The new environment gave office and field employees access to the same communications tools while reducing dependence on the company’s previous telephone setup.

The company reported:

  • A 35% reduction in phone-service costs
  • Better communication between office and field employees
  • Improved collaboration through Microsoft Teams
  • Access to 24/7 local technical support

Frequently Asked Questions About VoIP Phone Systems

Diagram comparing hidden costs of on-premises software versus cloud computing — featuring iceberg illustration highlighting software licensing, hardware, IT personnel, maintenance, and training expenses

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Ready to Compare Business Phone System Options?

Use the requirements in this guide to document your users, locations, call flows, integrations, reliability needs and current contract terms before requesting proposals.

If your organization is evaluating a new system or provider, explore Towner’s Kansas City business phone services and schedule a consultation with our communications team.

Explore Kansas City Business Phone Systems

Business Phone Systems and VoIP Solutions in Kansas City

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Business professional using cloud phone messaging and voicemail tools on a tablet

A business phone system should make it easier to reach customers, support employees and keep work moving, not create another technology problem to manage.

Towner designs, installs and supports business phone systems and VoIP solutions for Kansas City organizations. From cloud calling and Microsoft Teams integration to on-premises Mitel systems and hybrid environments, we help businesses select the right platform, move to it with less disruption and receive ongoing support from a local communications team that has served businesses since 1947.

Kansas City Business Phone Systems at a Glance

  • Available options: Cloud VoIP, on-premises Mitel and hybrid phone systems
  • Core capabilities: Business calling, mobile apps, voicemail, messaging, video meetings and call routing
  • Integrations: Microsoft Teams, customer management platforms and other business applications
  • Implementation: System planning, number porting, configuration, deployment and user training
  • Ongoing support: Assistance from Towner’s Midwest-based communications team
  • Best next step: Review your users, locations, current contracts, integrations and reliability requirements before selecting a platform

What Is a VoIP Business Phone System?

A VoIP business phone system carries voice calls over an internet protocol network instead of relying solely on traditional copper telephone lines. The system may be hosted in the cloud, managed on-site or designed as a hybrid environment.

Employees can make and receive business calls using desk phones, computers, mobile apps or platforms such as Microsoft Teams. Administrators can manage users, phone numbers, call routing and system features through a central interface.

A properly planned VoIP system can provide:

  • Auto attendants and call queues
  • Call forwarding and mobile calling
  • Voicemail-to-email
  • Business texting
  • Video meetings and team messaging
  • Call recording and reporting
  • CRM and Microsoft Teams integrations
  • Easier expansion across users and locations

VoIP Kansas City Towner Intermedia

Business Phone System Options for Kansas City Organizations

The right phone system depends on how your organization works, the technology already in place and how much control you want over the platform. Towner supports cloud, on-premises and hybrid business communications environments.

Cloud VoIP Phone Systems

A cloud phone system places the core communications platform in secure provider-managed data centers. Businesses typically pay a recurring per-user fee and can use desk phones, desktop software and mobile apps without maintaining a phone server at each location.

Cloud systems are often a strong fit for growing companies, distributed teams and organizations that want simpler administration and predictable operating costs.

On-Premises Phone Systems

An on-premises platform, such as Mitel MiVoice Business, gives an organization greater control over its communications environment. It can support complex call routing, specialized integrations, campus environments and organizations that prefer to own or directly manage their core system.

Hybrid Phone Systems

A hybrid design combines existing on-premises technology with selected cloud services. This can help an organization modernize in stages, preserve useful investments or accommodate different requirements across locations.

The best choice is not automatically the newest option. It is the platform that fits your users, locations, integrations, reliability requirements, budget and long-term plans.

How Does VoIP Work?

  • Internet-Based Calling: VoIP takes your voice, turns it into digital signals, and shoots it over the internet. Boom—you’re connected. When you call someone with a regular phone number, VoIP translates it back to regular phone signals.
  • All the Bells and Whistles: VoIP isn’t just about making calls. We’re talking about features like call forwarding, voicemail to email, auto attendants, and even conference calling—everything you need, all in one sleek package.
  • Built to Grow: Adding or removing users? Piece of cake. VoIP scales with you, making it perfect for businesses that plan to grow (or shrink—no judgment here).

Why Choose a Local Kansas City Business Phone Provider?

A business phone system affects customer service, sales, internal communication and daily operations. The provider should understand more than licensing and handset prices.

Working with a Kansas City communications company gives your organization access to people who can evaluate the existing environment, coordinate installation and provide support after deployment.

Towner’s local approach includes:

  • System planning: We review users, locations, call flows, integrations and growth plans before recommending a platform.
  • Multiple deployment options: Cloud, on-premises and hybrid solutions allow the recommendation to follow the business requirement.
  • Number-porting coordination: Existing business numbers are moved through a planned process designed to reduce disruption.
  • On-site capabilities: When a problem requires someone at the location, Towner has technicians serving Kansas City and the broader Midwest.
  • Training and ongoing support: Employees and administrators receive guidance for using and managing the new system.
  • Long-term communications experience: Towner has helped businesses navigate changing telephone and communications technology since 1947.

Kansas City Business Phone System Case Study: Cascade Hotel

When Cascade Hotel prepared to open in Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza district, its phone system needed to support both hotel operations and the guest experience. The platform had to connect employees across departments, route guest requests correctly and integrate with the hotel’s property management technology.

The Challenge

Cascade needed a dependable communications system for front-desk calls, room-service requests, internal coordination and other guest services. The hotel also needed a local partner capable of planning, configuring and supporting the system through its opening.

The Solution

Towner worked with the Cascade team to implement a VoIP business phone system designed around the hotel’s operating requirements. The deployment included:

  • Integration with the hotel’s property management system
  • Customized routing for departments and guest services
  • Centralized administration for calls and voicemail
  • Configuration and support from Towner’s Kansas City team

The Results

Following implementation, Cascade Hotel reported:

  • A 25% increase in staff efficiency
  • More positive guest feedback about reaching hotel services
  • A smooth opening supported by a properly configured communications system

“Partnering with Towner was one of the best decisions we made. Their team handled everything seamlessly, and the VoIP system has been a game-changer for us. Our guests are happy, our staff is happy, and we’re definitely happy.” — Bob D., Cascade Hotel

 

How to Choose a Business Phone System in Kansas City

Comparing phone systems requires more than reviewing features and monthly prices. Before selecting a platform or provider, evaluate these seven areas:

1. Calling Requirements

Document the number of users, locations, phone numbers, call queues, auto attendants and specialized workflows the system must support.

2. Deployment Model

Decide whether a cloud, on-premises or hybrid system best fits your operational, financial and technical requirements.

3. Network Readiness and Reliability

Confirm that the network can prioritize voice traffic and support the expected call volume. Also determine how calls should continue during an internet, power or carrier outage.

4. Business Integrations

Identify required connections with Microsoft Teams, customer relationship management software, contact center tools, property management systems and other applications.

5. Implementation and Number Porting

Ask how the provider will configure the system, move existing telephone numbers, test call flows and coordinate the transition.

6. Training and Support

Understand who provides employee training, administrator guidance and ongoing technical support—and whether on-site assistance is available when required.

7. Total Cost and Contract Terms

Compare equipment, licensing, installation, support, taxes, fees, contract length, renewal provisions and potential termination costs. The lowest monthly price does not always represent the lowest operational cost.

What to Expect During a Business Phone System Deployment

Towner plans each deployment around the organization’s existing environment, operating requirements and transition schedule.

1. Discovery and Assessment

We document users, locations, current numbers, call flows, integrations, network conditions and known problems with the existing system.

2. System Design

Towner recommends a cloud, on-premises or hybrid configuration based on the organization’s requirements. The design identifies licensing, equipment, applications, integrations and implementation responsibilities.

3. Configuration and Number Porting

The new system is configured before launch. Telephone numbers, users, auto attendants, queues, schedules and routing rules are prepared and tested.

4. Deployment and Training

Towner coordinates the transition, installs or activates the required technology and trains employees and system administrators.

5. Ongoing Support

After deployment, Towner continues to assist with troubleshooting, user changes, system administration, feature adoption and future expansion.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Business Phone Systems in Kansas City

How much does a business phone system cost?

Cost depends on the number of users, deployment model, equipment, features, integrations, implementation requirements and support plan. A proper quote should identify both recurring charges and one-time costs, including licensing, phones, installation, number porting, taxes and fees.

Is a VoIP phone system reliable?

VoIP reliability depends on the communications platform, internet connectivity, local network, power protection and outage planning. A properly designed system may use redundant connections, mobile applications, call forwarding and other continuity measures to keep calls moving when one component fails.

 

Will we need to replace our desk phones?

Not always. Compatibility depends on the existing phone models and the selected platform. Towner can determine whether current equipment can be reused or whether new desk phones, conference phones, headsets or mobile applications are required.

 

How long does implementation take?

The timeline depends on the number of users and locations, equipment availability, integrations, number-porting requirements and project complexity. Towner establishes the implementation schedule after assessing the existing environment and confirming the project scope.

 

Can we keep our existing business phone numbers?

In most cases, existing numbers can be transferred to the new provider. Number availability and porting requirements must be confirmed before the transition. Do not cancel the current telephone service until the numbers have been successfully moved and tested.

Should we choose a cloud or on-premises phone system?

Cloud systems often provide easier administration, mobility and predictable recurring costs. On-premises systems can offer greater control and support specialized environments. Hybrid systems combine elements of both. The right choice depends on the organization’s operations, integrations, budget and long-term plans.

Can a business phone system work with Microsoft Teams?

Yes. Depending on the platform and licensing, business calling can be integrated with Microsoft Teams so employees can make and receive external calls within Teams. The design should account for call routing, number management, network readiness and support responsibilities.

Find the Right Business Phone System for Your Organization

Your phone system should fit how your employees work, how customers reach you and how the organization plans to grow. Towner can evaluate your current environment, explain the practical differences between cloud, on-premises and hybrid platforms, and recommend an approach built around your actual requirements. Talk with Towner’s Kansas City communications team about your current system, upcoming contract renewal, expansion plans or phone-system problems.
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How Much Bandwidth Does Your Business Need for VoIP?

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A Towner Communications technician configuring network infrastructure to support reliable business VoIP. Proper bandwidth planning, Quality of Service (QoS), and network readiness help businesses achieve clear voice quality, support Microsoft Teams Phone, cloud communications, and unified communications platforms.
10 Minutes

How Much Bandwidth Does Your Business Need for VoIP?

If you’re planning to move to a cloud phone system, Microsoft Teams Phone, or another business VoIP platform, one of the first questions you’ll ask is, “Do we have enough bandwidth?”

The answer depends on more than your internet speed. Call quality is affected by available bandwidth, the number of simultaneous calls, network congestion, latency, jitter, packet loss, and how your network prioritizes voice traffic.

The good news is that most modern business internet connections can easily support VoIP when the network is properly designed and configured.

In this guide, we’ll explain how much bandwidth a VoIP call uses, how to estimate the needs of your organization, what network conditions matter most, and how to determine whether your business is ready for reliable cloud communications.

VoIP Bandwidth Requirements at a Glance

Planning a business VoIP deployment? Use these general guidelines to determine whether your network is ready for reliable voice communications.

Requirement Recommended Guideline
Bandwidth Per Call Approximately 100 Kbps upload and 100 Kbps download per active call
Concurrent Calls Calculate bandwidth based on simultaneous calls, not total employees
Latency Less than 150 ms
Jitter Less than 30 ms
Packet Loss Less than 1%
Quality of Service (QoS) Prioritize voice traffic over other network activity
Connection Type Wired Ethernet is recommended for high-call-volume users; business-grade Wi-Fi can perform well when properly designed
Network Assessment Evaluate switches, firewalls, wireless infrastructure, and internet performance before deploying VoIP

Keep in mind: Voice traffic is only one part of your network. Your internet connection should also support Microsoft Teams, video conferencing, cloud applications, file sharing, backups, security systems, and other business-critical workloads.

Table of Contents

How Much Bandwidth Does One VoIP Call Use?

A single VoIP call typically requires 80–100 Kbps of bandwidth in both the upload and download directions, depending on the audio codec being used. While that may seem like a small amount, bandwidth requirements increase with every simultaneous call and must account for other applications sharing the network.

Concurrent Calls Recommended Available Bandwidth*
5 1 Mbps
10 2 Mbps
20 4 Mbps
50 10 Mbps
100 20 Mbps

*These estimates are for voice traffic only. Businesses should also consider internet usage from video meetings, file transfers, cloud applications, backups, and other network activity when planning total bandwidth.

Most organizations today have more than enough internet speed for VoIP. The larger challenge is ensuring voice traffic is prioritized so calls remain clear even when the network is busy.

Expert Insight

At Towner, we’ve found that poor call quality is rarely caused by insufficient internet speed alone. More often, the issue is an improperly configured network, lack of Quality of Service (QoS), aging network equipment, or competing traffic from video conferencing, cloud backups, and other business applications.

A network assessment before deploying a cloud phone system can identify these issues before they affect users.

What Else Affects VoIP Call Quality Besides Bandwidth?

Having enough bandwidth is important, but it’s only one part of the equation. Even businesses with high-speed internet can experience dropped calls, choppy audio, or delays if their network isn’t optimized for voice traffic.

Several network conditions have a direct impact on VoIP performance:

Latency

Latency is the time it takes for voice data to travel across the network. High latency can create noticeable delays, causing people to talk over each other during conversations. For most business VoIP deployments, latency should remain below 150 milliseconds.

Jitter

Jitter measures the variation in packet arrival times. Excessive jitter can cause audio to sound robotic, distorted, or broken up. A properly configured business network should keep jitter below 30 milliseconds.

Packet Loss

Voice conversations are transmitted as thousands of small data packets. When packets are delayed or lost, portions of the conversation disappear, resulting in clipped words or missing audio. Packet loss should remain below 1% for reliable voice quality.

Quality of Service (QoS)

Quality of Service (QoS) prioritizes voice traffic over less time-sensitive applications like file downloads or software updates. Without QoS, voice calls must compete with every other device and application on the network, increasing the likelihood of poor call quality during busy periods.

Network Congestion

Even with a fast internet connection, heavy network activity can affect VoIP performance. Large file transfers, cloud backups, video conferencing, and other bandwidth-intensive applications can introduce delays if voice traffic isn’t properly prioritized.

Infographic showing a VoIP bandwidth calculator tailored for Kansas City businesses, helping estimate internet requirements.

Towner Expert Insight

At Towner, we evaluate far more than internet speed when preparing a customer for cloud communications or Microsoft Teams Phone. We assess the entire network—including switches, firewalls, wireless infrastructure, internet connectivity, and Quality of Service (QoS) policies—to help ensure voice traffic performs reliably under real-world business conditions.

Reliable business communications begin with a healthy network, not simply a faster internet connection.

How Do You Know if Your Network Is Ready for VoIP?

A fast internet connection doesn’t automatically mean your business is ready for VoIP. Before deploying a cloud phone system, it’s important to evaluate your network’s overall health and ability to support real-time voice traffic.

A VoIP readiness assessment should answer these questions:

  • Does your internet connection provide enough bandwidth for your expected number of concurrent calls?
  • Is Quality of Service (QoS) enabled to prioritize voice traffic over other network activity?
  • Are your switches, routers, and firewalls configured to support VoIP?
  • Is your network experiencing excessive latency, jitter, or packet loss?
  • Will employees connect over wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi, and is your wireless network capable of supporting reliable voice traffic?
  • Can your network handle other business applications—such as Microsoft Teams meetings, cloud backups, file sharing, and video conferencing—without affecting call quality?

Identifying these issues before deployment helps prevent poor call quality, dropped calls, and unnecessary troubleshooting after your new phone system goes live.

Towner Expert Insight

At Towner, we don’t assume every network is ready for cloud communications. Before recommending a solution, we evaluate the customer’s existing network infrastructure to identify potential bottlenecks and configuration issues that could impact voice quality.

In many cases, small improvements—such as enabling QoS, replacing aging switches, or optimizing wireless coverage—can significantly improve VoIP performance without requiring additional internet bandwidth.

Can You Use Wi-Fi for VoIP?

Yes, many businesses successfully use Wi-Fi for VoIP. However, wireless networks must be properly designed and managed to deliver consistent call quality.

Unlike email or web browsing, voice traffic is transmitted in real time. Network congestion, weak wireless coverage, or interference can quickly affect call quality, resulting in delays, robotic audio, or dropped calls.

For the best experience:

  • Use business-grade wireless access points.
  • Maintain strong signal strength throughout the office.
  • Prioritize voice traffic with Quality of Service (QoS).
  • Avoid oversaturating access points with too many connected devices.
  • Use wired Ethernet connections for desk phones whenever practical, especially in high-call-volume environments.

For organizations relying heavily on softphones or Microsoft Teams Phone, a properly designed wireless network becomes even more important because voice traffic shares the same infrastructure as laptops, mobile devices, and other business applications.

When Wired Connections Are the Better Choice

While modern Wi-Fi performs well in many environments, wired Ethernet connections remain the preferred option for:

  • Receptionists and call-intensive users
  • Contact center agents
  • Executive offices
  • Manufacturing and warehouse environments
  • Businesses that require the highest level of call reliability

A wired connection provides consistent performance, lower latency, and reduced interference compared to wireless networks.

Towner Expert Insight

We’ve seen businesses upgrade to a new cloud phone system only to discover that inconsistent Wi-Fi—not the phone system itself—was causing poor call quality. Evaluating wireless coverage, switch capacity, and overall network design before deployment helps ensure users experience the reliability they expect from a modern business communications platform.

How to Estimate Your Business’s VoIP Bandwidth Requirements

Calculating the bandwidth your business needs for VoIP starts with one question:

How many phone calls will happen at the same time?

The number of employees in your organization isn’t as important as the number of concurrent calls. For example, a 50-person office may only have 10 to 15 active calls at any given time, while a customer service team of 20 agents could have 20 simultaneous calls throughout the day.

As a general guideline, plan for approximately 100 Kbps of upload and 100 Kbps of download bandwidth per active VoIP call. This provides enough capacity for high-quality voice while accounting for protocol overhead.

These estimates apply to voice traffic only. Your total internet connection should also support video conferencing, Microsoft Teams meetings, file sharing, cloud applications, backups, security cameras, and other business-critical services.

Don’t Plan for Today’s Needs Alone

When evaluating bandwidth, it’s important to consider where your business will be in the next three to five years. Adding employees, expanding to new locations, increasing remote work, or adopting more cloud-based applications can all increase network demands over time.

Planning for future growth can help prevent unnecessary network upgrades and ensure your communications platform continues to perform as your organization evolves.

Common Planning Mistake

Many businesses estimate bandwidth based on the number of employees.

Instead, calculate bandwidth using peak concurrent calls.

A 100-person office may only have 15 active calls at one time, while a 20-person customer service team may have all 20 employees on calls simultaneously.

Towner Expert Insight

Bandwidth planning isn’t just about internet speed—it’s about understanding how your entire business uses the network. At Towner, we evaluate call volume, cloud applications, wireless usage, and network infrastructure together to recommend communications solutions that perform reliably today and can support future growth.

Frequently Asked Questions About VoIP Bandwidth

How much bandwidth does a VoIP call use?

Most business VoIP calls require approximately 80–100 Kbps of upload and download bandwidth per active call. The exact amount depends on the audio codec and your phone system, but modern business internet connections can typically support dozens of simultaneous calls when the network is properly configured.

Can Wi-Fi affect VoIP call quality?

Yes. Weak wireless coverage, interference, and overloaded access points can negatively impact VoIP performance. Businesses that rely heavily on voice communications should ensure their wireless network is designed to support real-time traffic. In high-call-volume environments, wired Ethernet connections often provide the most consistent experience.

Should my business perform a network assessment before switching to VoIP?

Yes. A network assessment helps identify potential issues such as insufficient bandwidth, excessive latency, packet loss, wireless coverage problems, or missing Quality of Service (QoS) policies before they affect call quality. Addressing these issues before deployment helps ensure a smoother transition to cloud communications.

Is 100 Mbps internet fast enough for VoIP?

For most businesses, yes. A 100 Mbps internet connection can support a significant number of VoIP calls. However, available bandwidth is only part of the equation. Network congestion, Quality of Service (QoS), latency, and other applications sharing the connection all affect call quality.

Does Microsoft Teams Phone require additional bandwidth?

Microsoft Teams Phone has bandwidth requirements similar to other business VoIP platforms. The larger consideration is that Teams often shares the network with video meetings, file collaboration, chat, and other Microsoft 365 applications. A well-designed network helps ensure voice traffic remains clear during periods of heavy usage

Should VoIP phones be on their own VLAN?

A dedicated voice VLAN isn’t required for every business, but it can improve security, simplify troubleshooting, and allow Quality of Service (QoS) policies to prioritize voice traffic more effectively. Larger organizations or businesses with heavy call volume often benefit from separating voice and data traffic across the network.

Is Your Network Ready for Business VoIP?

Moving to a cloud phone system is about more than choosing the right platform. Reliable business communications depend on a network that’s designed to support real-time voice traffic, collaboration tools, and future growth. Whether you’re planning a new VoIP deployment, migrating to Microsoft Teams Phone, or simply want to improve call quality, evaluating your network before making a change can help prevent unexpected issues and improve the user experience from day one. At Towner Communications, we help businesses design, deploy, and support reliable communications solutions backed by the network infrastructure they depend on every day. Ready to evaluate your network? Contact Towner to schedule a business communications assessment and ensure your network is prepared for reliable VoIP performance.
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Unlocking the Potential: 12 Powerful Uses of VoIP Phone Systems

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VoIP Phone System

If you’re unfamiliar with using a VoIP phone, switching may seem complex. However, VoIP (voice over internet protocol) simply means “online phone service.”

You have probably unknowingly used or connected to a VoIP phone. This technology has evolved over decades, offering a rich set of features

How can your organization benefit and advance with a VoIP phone system? Discover 12 impressively powerful features and benefits below.

1. Slash Your Expenses with a VoIP Phone System

Maximize Savings: Practical Upfront Investment for Long-Term Financial Benefits. Luckily, the expenses associated with establishing a VoIP system are significantly lower compared to those of a conventional private branch exchange. This is due to the fact that VoIP enables unified communications in a completely virtual manner, with all the costly hardware being hosted by your service provider.
 
By having a reliable internet connection, you can enjoy the added benefit of making long-distance and international calls without incurring any additional expenses.

  2. Streamline Your Setup and Changes

Due to the minimal hardware and equipment requirements, you can avoid the delays associated with lengthy installations. With professional onboarding and migration assistance, a basic VoIP phone system can be set up within a few hours. Additionally, an online dashboard empowers you to easily modify features without requiring a technician to visit your office.

  3. Achieve Complete Mobility

Experience Unparalleled Mobility with Online Capabilities

VoIP phone numbers offer exceptional flexibility as they can be used on dedicated devices or conveniently accessed through smart devices using a dedicated app. Team members have the freedom to take calls at their desks or on their mobile phones, seamlessly switching between devices. Whether your team operates in-office, remotely, or in a hybrid setup, everyone enjoys the same remarkable benefits and uninterrupted connectivity.

  4. Ensure Unrivaled Security

Preserve Data Security and Regulatory Compliance in Remote and Mobile Work Environments

Embracing remote and mobile work does not necessitate compromising data security or regulatory compliance. In fact, your information becomes even more secure when utilizing a hosted VoIP solution, as conversations are archived within highly secure data centers by your service provider.

Furthermore, this hosted solution provides enhanced data backup measures to protect you in the event of large-scale emergencies or disasters, ensuring the safety and continuity of your valuable data.

  5. Unlock Infinite Scalability

Overcome Business Seasonality with Flexible VoIP Phone System

Managing and budgeting for a seasonal business can be challenging. However, with administrative control of your VoIP phone system, you have the power to effortlessly add, remove, or modify features and users with just a few taps. When you require additional functionalities, add-ons are readily available, and you can easily scale back temporarily as needed. This flexibility empowers you to adapt your communication system to the changing demands of your business with ease.

  6. Immerse in High-Definition Excellence

Enjoy Crystal-Clear Call Quality with High-Speed Internet and VoIP Phone Connectivity

  7. Experience Enhanced Voicemail

Maintain Seamless Communication: In situations where you can’t immediately answer a call, or when text or email isn’t feasible for callers, voicemail transcription comes to the rescue. It allows you to swiftly read the messages and determine your response. Additionally, you have the convenience of receiving voicemails directly in your email inbox, where you can choose to read or listen to the playback. This valuable feature safeguards your workflow, enabling maximum productivity.

  8. Establish Virtual VoIP Phone Numbers for Privacy and Branding

Enhance Privacy and Brand Uniformity with Virtual VoIP Phone Numbers

Virtual numbers accompanying online phone services provide callers with enhanced privacy and anonymity. Your team members can conveniently receive calls from the company line on their personal devices without divulging their personal numbers.

Leveraging your VoIP phone system, you can allocate remote team members numbers with the same area code, along with extensions from the main company line. This valuable feature allows for a unified and consistent brand identity, ensuring a cohesive appearance across all communication channels.

  9. Streamline Business Operations with Software Integration

Boost Efficiency with Seamless Integration of Business Software

One of the most beloved features of VoIP phone systems for companies is the capability to integrate business applications with communication software. Constantly switching between different programs for data input can gradually erode efficiency. With software integrations, you can achieve seamless and precise data collection, ensuring a smooth workflow and uninterrupted progress.

  10. Harness the Power of Online Faxing

Embrace Technological Advancements without Leaving Traditional Partners Behind

Advancing your communication technology doesn’t require leaving behind your more traditional partners and clients. With an exceptional VoIP phone system, you can effortlessly receive, view, and handle faxes as email attachments or through the web, eliminating the need for an additional phone line.

It’s worth noting that the global fax services market is experiencing a resurgence, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 11%. By utilizing online fax capabilities, you can stay connected with this valuable market segment, ensuring continued engagement and collaboration.

  11. Capture and Preserve Conversations for Documentation

Harness the Power of Recorded and Archived Conversations

Maintaining a comprehensive record of interactions on your company lines can bring significant advantages. Beyond meeting legal and regulatory requirements, you gain a valuable resource for monitoring team performance and enhancing training efforts.

With your VoIP phone system, you can effortlessly automate the recording and archiving of conversations. Moreover, advanced analytical software allows you to quickly extract insights into the tone and content of discussions, enabling a comprehensive understanding at a glance.

  12. Leverage the Power of Automated Attendants

Efficiently Serve Customers Around the Clock with Automated Attendants

The increasing prevalence of international commerce requires attending to customers at all hours of the day. Even with a capable team of representatives, assistance is needed to efficiently handle incoming calls and direct them to the appropriate individuals.

VoIP phones offer convenient access to auto attendants that seamlessly integrate with interactive voice response software. These user-friendly programs not only help you save costs but also ensure prompt attention to callers, allowing your team to concentrate on more vital responsibilities.

Partner with the Leading VoIP Phone Provider in the Industry

Discover Your Ideal VoIP Phone Provider with Towner

While we could continue discussing the countless exceptional features of VoIP phones, we’re confident that you already understand their value. The crucial question now is: Who should be your trusted VoIP phone provider?

With hundreds of options available, finding the perfect provider can be a daunting task. However, there’s no need to sift through them all. Engage with the knowledgeable team at Towner, and we’ll will assist you in finding a VoIP phone solution that aligns with your communication preferences, regardless of your location.

6 Benefits of VoIP for Small Business

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VoIP

From 2021 to 2026, the global market for VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is expected to grow by nearly $20 billion. One of the main drivers of this increase is business usage, which has accelerated recently because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many businesses let their employees work from home for the first time during the pandemic, so they had to switch to a phone solution that would let them run operations remotely while maintaining security.

Many adopted VoIP, the digital form of voice communications, and other cloud-based communications platforms to make their teams more flexible.

But for small businesses, VoIP offers far more than increased flexibility. It provides important benefits that can enhance the customer experience and drive growth. Let’s look at the main benefits of VoIP for small business so you can decide if you should modernize your company’s phone system.

1. Lower Business Phone Costs

Because VoIP sends voice data over the internet instead of relying on phone lines, your small business will see lower operational and calling costs. Businesses see about a 30 percent drop in phone bill costs when they switch to VoIP, and they can save as much as 75 percent on operating costs.

  • You don’t have to maintain separate networks for your data and voice, letting you consolidate your expenses.
  • Your business can avoid expensive landline setup fees because you don’t need to pay for a PBX (Private Branch Exchange) system, hubs, switches, telephone adaptors, and other hardware.
  • With a virtual number rather than one that’s connected to a physical landline telephone, you can save on both local and international calls.
  • With hosted VoIP, you can easily use a cloud-based communications platform that lets your employees communicate from anywhere via video conferencing or voice. With this capability, your business can save on office space.

2. High Call Quality

As long as your business has a strong internet connection and adequate bandwidth, your customers and employees will experience excellent call quality. Your business also has more control over call quality with VoIP because you can use a headset or microphone and adjust the settings to create the sound you want.

3. Advanced Call Features Without High Costs

One of the biggest benefits of VoIP for small business is functionality. VoIP and cloud-based communications technology have been evolving rapidly in recent years, so you can find a provider that offers a rich set of useful features when comparing platforms.

With a modern VoIP solution, features like call forwarding, Interactive Voice Response (IVR), call recording, analytics, auto attendant, call queuing, and integration with your other business applications are the norm rather than the exception. These tools can help you better serve your customers because you can improve call flows and gain insights into performance.

With a landline business system, you’d likely need to invest in a high-priced PBX system and pay add-ons for extra features.

4. Better Security with the Right Provider

Just as your business has access to more call features with VoIP, you also have more security tools in your toolbox. That’s why – despite the fact that both landline calling and internet-based calling have vulnerabilities – you can create a more secure system with a properly configured VoIP phone system.

With VoIP, your business can use the following tools to increase security:

  • End-to-end encryption to prevent eavesdropping
  • Endpoint security
  • Two-factor authentication for call apps
  • SPAM call blocking and tagging

To ensure top-notch security, you also want to choose a hosted phone system provider that lives up to extremely high standards regarding data center, network, and product protection.

5. Employees Can Work from Anywhere with VoIP

Another game-changing benefit of VoIP is work flexibility. Once you modernize your phone system with internet-based calling, your staff can work from anywhere. That means your organization can go fully remote or use a hybrid model, where some employees come into the office for at least part of the week.

This work-from-home option makes your business more flexible – if people can’t be in the office, whether it’s because they’re traveling, they prefer working from home, or there’s an emergency that won’t let them, operations can continue as usual when your phone system is hosted in the cloud.

But there’s more to it. Being a work-from-anywhere small business might also help you attract and retain talent – according to surveys conducted by Morning Consult and Owl Labs, 30 to 40 percent of American workers would consider leaving their job if their employer required them to work in the office full-time.

6. Digital Calls Are Just the Beginning

When your small business uses VoIP technology, you can get far more than digital voice communications. You can choose a system that includes all the important communication channels under one umbrella. A cloud-based unified communications system, or UCaaS (unified communications as a service), combines:

  • Voice
  • Video conferencing
  • Chat
  • File sharing

You can also integrate with your contact center solution, enabling your employees to provide an even better customer experience.

Empower Your Small Business with VoIP

If you’re considering switching to a modern phone system, explore the options offered by Towner.

We have the cloud communications solutions your organization needs to take advantage of all the benefits of VoIP and transition to a work-from-wherever organization, including Unified Communications, Contact Center software, and more. Even better, we make cloud migration and onboarding worry-free. Contact us to learn more.

IHS: Mitel A North American UCaaS Leader

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In May 2017, we published our North American UCaaS Scorecard, where we evaluated the top ten UC as a service (UCaaS) providers. The purpose of the Scorecard is to determine which service providers currently lead the market for UCaaS and are best positioned to succeed in the long term based on a set of criteria.

The UCaaS market in North America is marked by a large and dynamic provider landscape. Mergers and acquisitions continue as providers look to gain scale, new capabilities, and long-term survivability. Despite the consolidation, there is still a large number of VoIP service providers in the region, including traditional premises-based PBX and UC vendors, pure-plays, incumbent operators, cable MSOs, CLECs, ISPs and system integrators.

Mitel, one of the top ten providers highlighted in the 2017 report, is the one traditional enterprise telephony and UC vendor that also shows up as a leading provider of UCaaS services. The company has steadily grown its installed base of users over the past two years. Mitel has a multi-pronged approach to the cloud UC market including offering a platform to service providers and operating and managing UCaaS services directly. The company’s hosted offerings have been standardized globally based on its own work and through acquisitions.

For this report we only focus on the services Mitel runs and manages directly as a provider, and there are 3 primary offerings, which include 3 main bundles—Essentials, Premier, and Elite within each offering. The Essentials bundle is perfect for common areas with common call control features. Premier is the best option for most users and includes mobile capabilities, internal collaboration, presence, and desktop client. The Elite bundle is for highly mobile employees with increased technical needs and includes unified messaging box, internal and external collaboration, and business application integration. Compared to most other UCaaS providers, Mitel has a more complex set of options for companies to choose from with 10 overall package options.

Learn more about Mitel’s unified communications as a service. >

One of Mitel’s important service developments has been its team collaboration solution, MiTeam. The service has the capabilities we have come to expect around team collaboration solutions in the market, providing collaborative workspaces for team meetings, conversations and multimedia content sharing. MiTeam is integrated with MiCloud services and provides free guest access for users to be invited into a collaboration stream or conferences.

Mitel’s direct cloud services are offered in North America, the UK, France, Germany and Australia. One important advantage Mitel has over the other providers in our Scorecard is a base of existing enterprise communications customers and channels that have been with Mitel for many years. This gives them a strong brand presence to capture cloud opportunities. Additionally, MiCloud is the same code base as Mitel’s premises-based PBX solutions, so it can address businesses that require hybrid—on-premises and cloud—deployments.

by Diane Myers – senior research director at IHS Markit
Tags: News & Trends, Cloud Communications, Collaboration
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