What Are VoIP Phones, and Why Does Your Business Need Them?

By now, there’s a good chance you’ve already heard about VoIP (voice over internet protocol) connectivity, and the fact that by 2027, all UK homes and businesses will be switching over from traditional phone lines on PSTN to data-based calling. But, did you know that you’ll need a certain type of technology and kit to keep connected?

It’s a common misconception that you can connect any phone or handset to a VoIP provider. In fact, if it’s been a few years since you last changed your desktop phones, you might need to upgrade them so they work correctly once VoIP rolls out fully.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at what VoIP phones do and why you need them – and how you can get better prepared before the 2027 switch-off.

What are VoIP phones?

VoIP phones are handsets or desktop phones that connect to the internet to make and receive calls. Instead of connecting to traditional copper wire PSTN and ISDN, VoIP phones only deliver voice calls through data – making them highly flexible provided you have a VoIP setup in place.

These phones aren’t ‘hardwired’ like the handsets and desktop phones of old. They’re not limited to specific locations – you simply need internet coverage and you can use them immediately to call and receive.

VoIP phones are great for hotdesking, something that’s particularly useful in contact centres. This means you don’t need to hardwire a phone directly to a specific desk – they can travel with agents and plug directly into data anywhere on your floor.

That’s a massive relief when it comes to planning and day-to-day operations. It also means that your agents can get started for the day from anywhere in your office, albeit within specific department zones that you set.

VoIP phones are designed to work on data calling, meaning they’ll survive the 2027 switchoff and will ensure well into the next decade and beyond. Essentially, investing in VoIP phones now is a massive benefit, as you’ll be well ahead of the hardware setup curve by the end of the decade.

Essentially, VoIP phones use data to convert analog signals into digital signals – meaning they can be shared instantaneously. It’s the superfast, modern standard for today’s highly connected world.

What are some other differences between VoIP and traditional phones?

It’s true that both VoIP and traditional desktop phones will both work on basic PSTN – but in a few years, you’re not going to need that functionality. Setting up VoIP phones now – and replacing any older devices you have across the floor – means you can sail into the switchover (with our help!).

VoIP phones have an upper hand over traditional devices because they are super-easy to install and are already set up to allow for long-distance calling. With many traditional desktop phones or similar, you’d typically have to invest in an extension.

Some traditional phones also allow for Bluetooth headphones, but VoIP phones have WiFI connectivity alongside. What’s more, you can expect a better call quality, better stability, and more features – such as the ability to route calls easily to other departments, instead of letting calls drop out.

VoIP phones are superior largely thanks to the fact they use HD quality audio and IP telephony as standard. Traditional phones are still relying on analogue technology, something that went out of vogue years ago.

You’ll also find that setting up VoIP phones is extremely cost-effective with no hidden fees – and that many useful features are included as standard, such as call routing and extended conferencing. In a lot of cases, traditional phones are much more limited with regard to who you can call and forward to.

That all goes without mentioning softphone apps, which you can use to manage calls, divert conversations, and even check analytics.

Is it worth investing in VoIP phones now?

Take it from us – if you’re still in the process of planning for the VoIP changeover, now is the best time to start taking stock of your current hardware. 2027 might not seem like it’s too close – but before you know it, you’ll need to replace your old models for some new tech.

Investing in VoIP phones now means you’ll have an instant boost of productivity, too. Through services like Planet Telecom, you can plug in and get started with a raft of fantastic call management options, 3rd party integrations, and analytics.

If you’re growing your business, keeping track of who’s calling and why is essential – and you just won’t be able to do that with traditional phones and increasingly outdated PSTN.

What’s more, moving to VoIP now means you’ll have access to better quality calls and conferencing sooner rather than later. That’s great news for your agents and your customers – and, with call recording built in, it’ll be even easier for you to resolve complaints and offer more insightful training to your teams.

VoIP is cost-effective and easy to get started with – you just need an expert team beside you to help you move across before time burns on.

It costs less than you think to invest in new VoIP phones and to set up VoIP connectivity with a leading provider. One of the main reasons businesses hold off on making big changes is to avoid paying too much upfront.

But, trust us – you can easily recoup the costs of your hardware and of setting up with a monthly Planet Telecom package by keeping your callers happy and engaged – and by tapping into why people call with analytics, tailoring your marketing to key audiences.

Now is the time to look carefully at your current hardware and think about upgrading it to VoIP-ready models. If you need help choosing the right handsets and desk phones for your business, be sure to call our team for advice.

We’ll also help set you up on a reliable VoIP communication service that keeps your business ticking over and growing – don’t wait until 2027 to get started!