VoIP System Weakness (And How to Fix Them)

Easy Solutions to VoIP Drawbacks

The benefits to a switching from a traditional landline to VoIP phone system provider is clear. VoIP provides more additional features exclusive to being internet based, grows with your company, easy call transfers and cheaper long distance calls. Here are four disadvantages to business VoIP phone systems and a viable solution that eliminates the problem completely.

1. Power Outages:  VoIP phone systems require the use a computer and are thereby vulnerable to power losses. Solution: Have a backup power supply or an emergency land-line will help avoid any phone service interruptions due to power outages. 

2. Packet Loss: Packet loss is literally the loss of data being transferred. This appears in the form of dropped calls or call static and is caused by your internet connection being overloaded with data. Solution: Perform tests on your internet connection before launching your VoIP system. Make sure that you current internet connection can handle the added call and data volume associated with VoIP. Your phone system service provider can run these tests and let you know if you need to upgrade your internet connection to a faster connection with increased bandwidth capacity.

3. Security: Using the internet means that you are more vulnerable to being hacked. Hackers can listen in (eavesdrop) on your calls. This is particularly significant if your company discusses credit card numbers or personal information via the phone. Solution: As with your computer's virus protection software, you need to develop a security plan for your VoIP system. Your VoIP service provider can help you develop and execute a security plan.

4. 911 Calls: VoIP's benefit of not having a fixed geographic location makes long distance calls less expensive but this benefit is a weakness when it comes to emergency 911 calls. A typical 911 call over a landline phone provides emergency services with your geographic location but this is not the case with VoIP calls. Solution: Either have a landline on hand for emergencies or enable enhanced 91 (E 911) which tracks the location of 911 calls made with VoIP.

As with all phone systems, there are certain weaknesses associated with a VoIP phone system. However, these weaknesses all have very simple and straightforward solutions that nullify the issues.  The savings associated with a VoIP system outweigh these weaknesses but whether or not VoIP is more economical than a PBX system or other fixed-line phone systems will depend on the communication needs of your company.