By Emma Lewis, bOnline
Whether it’s customers, suppliers or employees, staying connected is key when running a business. But call costs can soon mount up, especially if you’re on the phone a long time or tend to call abroad. You therefore might find yourself regularly wondering if there’s a cheaper way.
The answer could well lie in VoIP (short for Voice over Internet Protocol). VoIP allows you to make phone calls over the internet instead of via traditional phone lines which can save you a hefty amount of money.
What is VoIP?
Before we jump into the specifics of how VoIP can help your business, it’s worth briefly mentioning what VoIP actually is.
As mentioned, VoIP is a way of making phone calls over the internet instead of using a copper phone line or mobile. If you’ve ever used Facetime, Skype or WhatsApp to make calls, you’ve actually already used VoIP! But VoIP phone systems for businesses take this to another level.
In a nutshell, a VoIP phone system sends the sound over the internet in digital ‘packets’, so all you need is 4G, 5G or Wifi and away you go.
Why VoIP is Perfect for Businesses
Switching to VoIP is about more than just reducing your phone bills (although that’s certainly something of a bonus!) VoIP also offers a range of advantages for businesses, including:
Unlimited Free Calls
Many VoIP providers offer packages that include unlimited calls to UK numbers. For a few extra pounds a month you can also add unlimited international calls – which when you consider BT charge up to £1.55 a minute for mobile calls between the UK and America, you can see the scale of the cost savings.
Scalability
Whether you’re a small start-up or growing fast, VoIP is easily scalable to meet the communication requirements of your business. That’s because you can log in and start making calls from your smartphone or tablet, without the need for additional phone lines. This is ideal if you take on new staff or move premises.
No Worries About The Landline Shutdown
From the end of 2026, landlines in the UK are being shut down permanently. But once you’ve signed up with a VoIP digital phone package, the landline shutdown isn’t something you’ll need to worry about.
Business-Friendly Features
VoIP often comes with additional features like call forwarding and menus, hold music, voicemail and access to call analytics data at no extra cost. Plus, VoIP systems often integrate with CRM and other business apps, making customer interactions seamless.
Mobility
With VoIP, your business phone system can travel with you, as long as you have a stable internet connection. You can make and receive business calls from your smartphone, tablet or laptop, which is ideal for working on the go. No more worries about missing calls outside office hours or when you’re out and about.
How Do I Get VoIP For My Business?
Now we know what VoIP is, let’s explore the different ways you can set up VoIP for your business to get unlimited free calls.
Signing Up With a VoIP Provider with Unlimited Call Packages
The most straightforward way to get unlimited free calls for your business is to choose a VoIP provider that offers an unlimited calling plan. As mentioned, many VoIP providers offer monthly fixed-fee packages that allow you to make unlimited calls to UK numbers, and some even include free calls to international destinations.
When deciding on a VoIP provider, it’s well worth considering what features are most important to your business. Do you need video conferencing? Do you need to make international calls? What kind of budget do you have? Once you know what your business needs are, you can find a plan that includes unlimited calls while offering the extra features that help make your business run more smoothly.
Using Free VoIP Apps
If you’re looking for a free VoIP option to start you off, many no-cost VoIP apps can help you make unlimited calls. However, these are generally better for internal communications or customer conversations where both parties are fairly tech-savvy. We’ll look at some of the other things to consider around free VoIP apps in a minute.
Some of the most popular free VoIP apps include:
- Skype: Skype has been a go-to for free VoIP calling for years. Skype-to-Skype calls are completely free, and it also supports video calls, chat and screen sharing. While it’s great for internal team communication or calls with clients who also use Skype, you’ll need to pay if you want to call landline or mobile numbers
- WhatsApp: WhatsApp is a particularly popular option for free voice and video calls over the internet. It’s secure, simple to use and well-suited to one-on-one conversations or small group calls
- Google Meet: Google Meet (previously known as Hangouts) is another free VoIP service, ideal for businesses already using Google Workspace. You can make voice and video calls for free, and it integrates seamlessly with Google’s other tools like Calendar and Gmail
These apps are perfect if you need a simple, free solution for making calls, although they may not offer the same level of functionality and professionalism as paid VoIP services.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Free VoIP Apps?
No-cost VoIP apps can be convenient, but they’re not always the best choice for businesses due to certain limitations. These include lower call quality, adverts and far fewer features. Some of the free apps have also been known to be less secure, potentially putting your data at risk. It may also be difficult to get any customer support if problems do arise.
In addition, free services can be less stable or experience outages, which isn’t great if you’re relying on them for business calls. Paid VoIP options tend to provide more features, better performance and greater peace of mind.
Could Your Business Benefit From VoIP?
VoIP is an ideal solution for businesses looking to cut their communication costs while offering a professional service to customers. No matter what size or sector your business is, VoIP offers the cost savings, flexibility and features you need to grow.
By choosing the right VoIP provider and package, you can enjoy unlimited free calls and take advantage of the many other advantages that VoIP brings. Plus there’s no need for expensive extra landlines as your business grows, and no worries about the landline shutdown.
