Common Misconceptions
about VoIP (Busted)

In this VoIP myth debunking guide, we explain everything you need to know and dispel some common misconceptions that are often heard.

Managing your VoIP service is supposed to be a smooth process. However, before deciding, you might feel overwhelmed with all the new information (and misinformation) about how VoIP works.

In this VoIP myth debunking guide, we explain everything you need to know and dispel some common misconceptions that are often heard. Whether you're new to the concept or already know what it is and are wondering how to use it in your workplace, this is the right place to find all the answers you've been looking for.

So, let's jump right in!

What exactly is a VoIP service?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a digital telephone system that allows users to make and receive phone calls over the internet instead of the traditional landline.

You might know it as virtual telephony, a cloud-based phone system, IP telephony, or virtual calling software. Regardless of what you call it, it works the same way. VoIP services allow you to make voice calls over the Internet instead of using a landline phone.

The current digital landscape has evolved well enough that landlines are no longer functional unless it's for business corporations. And even corporations are evolving their communication through VoIP services instead of traditional landlines. The reasons are simple:

• It's more affordable and scalable than landlines
• There are more advanced features than standard business phone services
• There are more advanced features than standard business phone services
• VoIP service is portable and flexible
• You get to experience greater voice/call quality

Most common myths about VoIP services debunked

Now that we're done with a general introduction let the debunking begin!

1. You need a special phone for VoIP

The first question that pops up is, usually, do I need a special phone for VoIP?

No, you don't.

VoIP can be used without any special devices or phones. While IP phones are often preferred, the key advantage of using VoIP is that you can use any phone device to operate your calls. You may have already invested significant money in your current PSTN telephones and can continue using them for VoIP if you have an ATA card.

2. It’s fairly easy to set up your own VoIP service

Can you set up your own VoIP service?

It's more complex than that. While you can set up VoIP systems yourself, you should consult professionals to make it effective. Whether you have a lot of employees, a small team, or remote employees, it's always better to ask for professional help.

If you need to implement VoIP on a large scale, you will likely need to employ more intricate steps than if you only need to handle a small subset of calls. Regardless of the scope of your setup, the equipment, connections, and software management is better done by experts to avoid downtime and technical issues in the future.

Even if you see a 5-step guide to set up your VoIP, think twice before implementing!

3. Emergency services can track VoIP

Individuals and businesses value their privacy much more in today's time. So you might be wondering, can emergency service track VoIP?

Calls from traditional landlines give away information about an address, name, and callback number quite readily. However, VoIP services are designed to change that. You can rest assured that nobody (including emergency services) can track a VoIP caller.

We suggest never using VoIP for emergency calls. Still, if you're using VoIP through a smart device, your chipset's GPS function will easily allow emergency services to track your call.

4. You need a standard phone service provider with VoIP

You don't need a standard phone service provider with VoIP. But does VoIP require a service provider at all? Yes.

You need a VoIP service provider to manage calls from external sources. You can only make and receive internal calls within your organization's network if you don't have a SIP VoIP service provider.

You also need a VoIP host to unlock advanced VoIP capabilities. Cloud VoIP providers offer a wide range of features not available on traditional phone services.

5. VoIP services aren’t secure

The most frequently asked question is, are VoIP phones secure?

Every business needs to ensure its security to protect its data and assets. There is no difference between having a large organization and a small business. A disruption to your phone system could be quite catastrophic.

The good news is that VoIP is quite secure. Reputable VoIP providers maintain military-grade security. The providers use Session Border Controllers (SBCs) for optimal security and performance. An SBC acts as a firewall that helps to maintain performance and logical call routing. Rest assured, you can sleep soundly at night knowing your VoIP calls are secure!

6. VoIP services don’t work with unlocked phones

Users of smartphones and cell phones can use VoIP services to communicate with others. The VoIP phone service provider helps you install the app to support the system. Some providers give you a SIM card, an app, and an unlocked handset. You can usually just use your current data plan without worrying about unlocking it.

7. You can’t link your current number to a VoIP number

You have used a phone number for years, and many people recognize you or your company through it. You wish to switch to VoIP but don't want to go with a new number either. Switching to VoIP means choosing a new phone service provider, but can you continue using your existing landline phone number with your new VoIP service?

The misconception that you can't link your old number to a VoIP service seems unreasonable because providers understand why you would want to keep it.

So yes, you can bring your existing phone number to the new VoIP service by all means!

8. All phones are VoIP compatible

This isn't exactly a misconception but more of a misunderstanding. VoIP can work on any device, including IP phones, smartphones, cellphones, softphones, tablets, and IP handsets. However, VoIP service isn't compatible with traditional landlines.

So the answer to the question “Are all phones VoIP compatible?” is a clear no.

But, if you’re wondering if you can use a normal phone with VoIP, then the answer is yes.

This means that while traditional landlines aren't compatible with VoIP, you can still use them for VoIP services. You'll only need to connect a special Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA) to make a standard telephone work for VoIP.

9. VoIP phones work without the internet

No, they don't.

VoIP is not possible without an internet connection. VoIP phone calls are made over the internet rather than over phone lines. If the internet connection is lost or goes down, you won't be able to make phone calls.

VoIP ultimately depends on your internet connection. So if you're facing internet downtime, you'll also face VoIP downtime. This is why you need to test your internet speed and connection reliability before switching to VoIP.

10. Business VoIP is the same as CVP

Consumer VoIP (CVP) is a technology that allows people to communicate over the internet using voice and text. Apps like Skype, Facetime, and Viber are examples of CVP. These apps let you call others for free over the internet.

Business VoIP is not designed for individuals but for business corporations. It offers features such as call routing, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), and enterprise CRM sales enablement that you can't access through CVP.

Business VoIP also offers a higher level of security, more advanced features, and room for customization to meet your business's needs. Fundamentally, both are different applications of VoIP, but they work differently based on user criteria.

11. Calling through a VoIP is not reliable

This myth takes root from the early days of VoIP.

Back then, the call quality was low because the internet speed was low. As internet bandwidth increased, VoIP call quality improved dramatically. The sound quality of VoIP calls is better than that using a landline phone.

However, the reliability of your VoIP service will depend on your internet service provider. The SIP protocol provides error-correction capabilities, such as TCP or UDP. So your VoIP call is just as good as your internet connection. But we don't have to worry about it anymore, right?

High-speed internet is everywhere, and so is reliable VoIP calling!

12. VoIP is only an application software

VoIP itself is not limited to application software. Still, a mobile app is definitely a benefit of VoIP because you can take and make calls from anywhere without being bound to your desk phone.

VoIP is versatile because it allows the option of having a hard phone, a software-based phone, or both at once!

13. VoIP numbers can’t receive text messages

Texting is essential for your business as it allows you to communicate with customers and clients quickly and easily. You have a VoIP phone system that can securely handle all your voice communication. But can VoIP numbers receive text messages?

The answer is yes!

Just as VoIP lets you make calls over the internet to any landline, mobile, or VoIP phone, it can do the same for texts. VoIP texting uses a virtual number to send and receive text messages. To use this service, you only need a VoIP app that supports SMS and MMS messaging.

Vibes - the globally trusted providers of VoIP services

Vibes helps brands connect and activate their consumer experiences across the global enterprise scale's marketing, loyalty, and servicing lifecycle.

As the leading mobile marketing platform with 20+ years of mobile mastery, Vibes is the most trusted provider for several global brands and enterprises.

Vibes is the most advanced solution for VoIP services with top-tier security, connections, reliability, and integrational services. Ready to get your VoIP running? Book a Demo with the world's leading brand and experience quality communication!

Meta description: VoIP service is the next big wave in business. Find out the answers to frequently asked questions and typical misconceptions regarding VoIP services.