Business VoIP systems

What is a VoIP phone system?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. In simple terms, a VoIP phone system is a telephone service that uses a broadband connection instead of a landline.

VoIP phone systems offer all the functionality of a traditional telephone without the associated hardware. VoIP systems are simple to install, easily scalable, and have many more features than an analogue phone line.

A VoIP phone system enables calls from various devices, including laptops, smartphones, and physical desk phones.

How does a VoIP system work?

VoIP calls are made using a VoIP desk phone, smartphone, or laptop. These devices convert analogue audio signals into digital data.

During a phone call, digital data is transmitted over a broadband connection to the receiving end of your call. Here, the signals are converted back to analogue and are heard through their phone.

The important point is that a VoIP system requires a reliable internet connection and doesn’t rely on copper telephone cables.

Is there a minimum internet speed needed for VoIP?

To maintain high-quality phone calls, a VoIP phone system for businesses needs a reliable broadband connection with the following minimum specifications:

• Download speed – Above 0.1 Mbps per user
• Latency – Below 150 ms

All modern business broadband deals are sufficient to support a VoIP phone system.

For more information, visit our business broadband speed guide.

Top VoIP Providers for businesses

There are many different business VoIP providers in the UK. Our experts have summarised the top five VoIP providers for small businesses:

• BT Cloud Voice – An additional extra on BT business broadband deals. BT also offers enterprise VoIP services for larger UK businesses.
• bOnline VoIP – Simple phone systems offered alongside bOnline business broadband deals, perfect for small business broadband customers.
• Ring Central – A global VoIP provider offering an all-in-one business telephone system with AI-powered communication tools.
• Microsoft Teams – Small businesses already using Microsoft 365 can simply use Teams for many basic VoIP functions.
• Zoom Phone Systems – Zoom offers a trusted and scalable cloud-based phone system with a range of plans and pricing for small businesses.

How much do VoIP systems cost?

VoIP providers typically charge a monthly subscription fee per VoIP system user.

Monthly business VoIP system subscription fees per user range between £10 and £25 per month, typically including unlimited domestic calls.

In addition to the monthly fee, here are the additional costs associated with a VoIP system:

• International outbound call charges – Call charges are levied in pence per minute of the call. VoIP system providers typically have an international call list that defines your outbound call charges depending on where you are calling.
• International inbound call charges – Similarly, inbound call charges are levied in pence per minute and are typically charged for receiving international calls.
• Additional number costs – It may be necessary to register additional numbers not associated with a specific user. This is common, for instance, when you need a number for an automated menu for incoming callers. Additional numbers will usually incur a flat monthly fee.
• Premium features – There are separate charges for premium features such as large-capacity conferences and physical device rental in VoIP phone system packages.
• Hardware costs – Businesses can choose to have dedicated VoIP-enabled desk phones for an additional monthly charge per user.
• VAT – VoIP pricing for businesses is typically quoted net of VAT. VoIP system bills will usually include a VAT charge of 20%.

💡 Often, the cheapest way to purchase a VoIP package is to combine it with your business broadband contract. The cheapest business broadband prices occur when bundling multiple products.