When it comes to mobile VoIP, look for a solution with a business focus. That means a clear cost structure that’s not confusing or filled with hidden charges.
Cell phone calling costs and data limits aren’t ideal for business travelers who often eat into their calling minutes or work-from-home employees. A mobile VoIP plan can help cut those costs while also improving communication and collaboration.
Cost
When you switch to a VoIP mobile phone, there aren’t the same startup costs as traditional landlines. The most significant upfront expense is likely to be upgrading your internet connection. This is especially true if your business depends on work-from-home employees who will need a reliable home broadband connection for their VoIP system.
Once you have a good internet connection, your business VoIP system should run smoothly and require little to no maintenance or downtime. This is because most of the hardware and software that runs VoIP is based in the cloud and can be updated automatically without any need for technicians to come into your office. You might also need to buy new phones for your team, depending on the size and type of your organization.
Most providers have different tiers of plans, with the highest-priced options including features that lower-tier packages may not include. For instance, some providers offer auto-replies that allow you to send a pre-written message when you’re unavailable to take calls. This is a great option for businesses that experience a high volume of customer service calls, like landscaping companies in summer and eCommerce stores during the holidays. Other features you might pay extra for are a wider array of software integrations, call recording functionality and other useful tools.
Another thing to keep in mind when evaluating a provider’s cost is their international calling rates. While domestic calling is free with most VoIP systems, international rates vary significantly. In general, you’ll pay more to call destinations outside the United States and Canada.
Finally, many providers charge a fee for professional services to set up and install their software. This can be a big added expense to consider, but a few of the best providers do away with this cost by making setup and adjustments simple. For example, Dialpad allows users to configure their mobile phone apps directly in their dashboard.
When considering a provider, look at the value your business will get from each feature offered by each plan tier. You should also compare the features that your business will use most often. For example, a large business with extensive sales and support teams will want to invest in a solution that integrates with CRMs, Slack, G Suite, and other productivity tools.
Features
When selecting a VoIP mobile phone, choose one with a subscription plan that offers value for money. You should also look at its ease of use and customer support. Check whether it supports multiple devices and integrates well with your existing project management and communication tools. It’s also worth evaluating the range of features offered, such as auto-reply, call forwarding, visual voicemail, and group broadcast SMS. These are essential for businesses that operate from a home office or travel frequently.
Another essential feature is the ability to convert voice data into digital signals that can be transmitted over your data network or Wi-Fi connection. This allows you to avoid using up your cell minutes on calls that go over long distances or internationally. It also eliminates the need for expensive cables and a landline, saving your business money in the long run.
A quality VoIP mobile phone should also allow you to connect with your team via video meetings and teleconferencing. This is especially useful for companies with remote employees and helps improve collaboration. It can also help reduce the costs of travel and time spent traveling to face-to-face meetings. In addition, it can boost employee morale by allowing them to stay in touch with co-workers without sacrificing work-life balance.
Most VoIP mobile phones come with an auto-attendant and voicemail transcription service. These essential business functions can improve productivity and ensure you don’t miss any important calls. Having your voicemails transcribed and sent to you via email can also be an effective way to manage your inbox.
Some services also offer advanced features, such as call analytics, which enable organizations to measure and analyze the performance of their customer service agents. They can then take measures to improve agent efficiency and customer experience.
Choosing the right VoIP mobile phone depends on your company’s specific needs and budget. It’s essential to find a provider that offers affordable and flexible plans that match the features of your desktop phone system. Moreover, it’s important to consider the reliability of your internet connection, as VoIP calls can be disrupted by poor service or slow connections.
Flexibility
A mobile VoIP system uses the internet to connect callers, which means that you can make calls from your cellular phone without paying for cellular minutes. This is ideal for people who want to separate their work and personal calls or small businesses trying to cut back on avoidable expenses. The best mobile VoIP phone service providers offer a variety of features that help you make business calls from any device with a network connection. You can use a smartphone, tablet, or PC to log in to your account and access all your call and message data. Some providers also offer specialized hardware to streamline communication workflows and improve productivity.
If you’re a freelancer or an early-stage startup, you’ll want to look for a mobile VoIP provider that offers affordable plans and a wide range of features. One of the top-rated options is Chalkboard, which offers a second number for your business that can complement your existing mobile phone. This allows you to keep your personal and professional contacts separate and save time searching for messages and calls on multiple devices. Other useful features include call recording and group broadcast SMS, which can be used to share marketing messages with your team.
Another option is RingCentral Office, which provides a powerful cloud-based PBX with call recording and video conferencing. This solution can be used on a mobile or desktop phone and can scale as your business grows. It also has a number of helpful features for managing customer data, including automatic call logging and integrations with project management and communications tools.
Lastly, you’ll want to find a provider that offers custom plans and flexible billing options. Ideally, they’ll offer bundled packages that support a specific number of users for a single price. This is an excellent way to save money on phone calls and other services, but check whether the bundled package includes a reliable internet connection with a minimum download speed of 2 Mbps. You should also look for a mobile VoIP provider that offers dedicated customer support and a free trial period or intro offer so you can test the service before making a commitment.
Customer Service
A mobile VoIP solution is a great option for businesses that want to save money on cell phone plans and hardware while enjoying the benefits of a business communications system. mVoIP uses a wireless data connection like Wi-Fi 4G LTE, or even 3G, EDGE, or WiMAX to transmit voice signals over the Internet. It can also be used with Bluetooth, analog cordless phones, an ATA (adapter), or a special device. The benefit of using mVoIP over company cell phone plans is that it does not come with the additional fees associated with tethering and roaming, plus you don’t have to pay for expensive add-ons like voice and text messaging.
Many mobile VoIP providers offer affordable and flexible plans with introductory pricing. Some have free trials and easy switching options to help you find the right solution for your business. They also provide the flexibility of connecting to your VoIP system with a range of mobile devices, from smartphones and tablets to desktop computers.
With the rise of work-from-home arrangements and global expansion, having a mobile VoIP system is essential for your organization to stay connected wherever you are in the world. In addition to the cost savings of lower infrastructure and recurring service costs, mobile VoIP allows employees to connect to the office PBX using their personal smartphones.
Some mobile VoIP solutions let employees use their home or office PBX on their personal smartphone by simply downloading a free app, while others offer a dedicated cellular phone that lets you make and receive business calls with a local number. In either case, mobile VoIP gives your team a unified communications experience while helping protect their privacy and improve employee productivity.
Another key benefit of a mobile VoIP system is that it can be scaled up easily with your business without the need for new cellular devices or phone lines. Most providers offer a variety of features available for all subscribers, including auto-reply, which sends a pre-written message to callers when you cannot answer. Other features include group broadcast SMS, call analytics to measure agent performance, and advanced messaging that allows you to engage with customers individually.
Read Next:
VoIP Trends to Watch: What’s Next for Business Communication
