What is VoIP?
VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol, is a phone technology that uses the internet instead of traditional phone lines to make and receive calls. The basic process includes a router (for the internet) connected to a handset (to make calls). VoIP aids in processing high-quality calls in addition to providing advanced features that you may not find in a landline service.
Unlike a landline phone that needs to be attached to a specific place in your office, VoIP lets you take the handset anywhere. You can also handle calls from your phone, tablet and laptop. Moreover, it can be integrated with other software (e.g., a CRM system) to provide much more efficient connectivity between your customers and business agents.
To set up a basic VoIP system for your business, you will need the following components:
- A VoIP software subscription
- A stable internet connection with bandwidth enough to support VoIP calls (an average of 100-180 kbps per call)
- A digital device with internet connectivity, such as a softphone, an IP phone, a smartphone, a laptop, or a tablet.
VoIP adoption is growing among businesses and individuals alike in the UK, but there exists a confusion regarding the differences between a fixed VoIP and a non-fixed VoIP. In this blog, we will describe both in detail along with what makes them different.
What is Fixed VoIP?
A fixed VoIP number is one that is bound to a physical number. In order to get a fixed VoIP number, you have to provide a physical address registered with a VoIP provider. The address can be your business address or a residential one.
Having a fixed VoIP number does not mean it remains allocated to a single phone. It is still an internet-based number. You have an option to assign it to a different user or a different location (after re-verifying the new location). A fixed VoIP is portable if you want to change your VoIP service provider.
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What is Non-Fixed VoIP?
A non-fixed VoIP number is a phone number that is not associated with any physical address. A non-fixed VoIP phone number is a virtual phone number that can be used anywhere with an internet connection.
Getting a non-fixed VoIP number is easier, as it requires limited verification and regulatory compliance. You only need to provide a valid email address and pay for the number. Non-fixed VoIP is suitable for businesses that have remote employees or international customers because you can manage calls globally without paying extra for international calls.
Fixed vs Non-Fixed VoIP: Key Differences
| Features | Fixed VoIP | Non-Fixed VoIP |
|---|---|---|
|
Physical Address |
Verified physical address required |
Not required |
|
Business Trust & Legitimacy |
High |
Low |
|
Cost |
Higher initial setup costs |
Lower costs |
|
Set-up Time |
Takes longer because of address verification |
Quick Activation |
|
Portability |
Low |
High |
|
No. of Users |
Limited (usually one) |
Unlimited |
|
Fraud/Spam Probability |
Low |
High |
|
Emergency Services |
Supports emergency calling with location tracking |
Inaccurate location makes emergency calling limited |
|
Ideal forEstablished businesses |
Limited (usually one) |
Remote teams, freelancers |
Fixed vs Non-Fixed VoIP: Which One is Right for Your Business?
The right choice between fixed and non-fixed VoIP numbers depends on the nature of your business, whether it’s locally established, and what your growth roadmap looks like.
Choose Fixed VoIP if
- You have a fixed location attached to your business, and you want a verified UK number associated with it.
- The regulatory nature of the industry or sector you are operating in demands compliance in terms of physical address verification, availability of emergency services, etc.
- Customer trust is important to you and the success of your business
You need to work with banks, financial institutions, or enterprises that require traceable numbers.
Opt for Non-Fixed VoIP if
- Your team and clientele are remote and dispersed globally.
- You are aiming to scale globally without spending loads on acquiring physical locations in other countries.
- Frugality, i.e., cost-efficiency, is an important metric for your business.
Choose a Reliable VoIP Provider with ComparedBusiness UK
Whether you choose a fixed or non-fixed VoIP service, ComparedBusiness will make it easier for you to choose a reliable VoIP provider. Simply submit your business details in under 2 minutes, and we’ll promptly provide you with quotes from reputable VoIP providers across the UK for FREE. You can pick and choose as per your own requirements.
