What is a hosted VoIP phone system?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, which simply means making phone calls over an internet connection rather than over traditional copper phone lines. A hosted VoIP system runs in secure data centres rather than in a box on your office wall, so there is no on site phone system to maintain, repair or replace.
Your team can make and receive calls on desk phones, on a mobile app or on a computer, all using your business numbers. Calls can be transferred between people wherever they are, and changes such as adding a new starter or changing opening hours can be made quickly without an engineer visit.
The PSTN and ISDN switch off
The UK's traditional analogue phone network, known as the PSTN, and ISDN digital lines are being retired and replaced with digital, internet based services. BT has set 31 January 2027 as the deadline for completing the move, after an earlier target was pushed back to give customers more time.
If your business still uses traditional phone lines or ISDN, now is the time to plan the switch. It is not only phones that are affected. Alarm systems, lift emergency lines, card payment terminals, franking machines and door entry systems sometimes use phone lines too, so it is worth checking anything plugged into a phone socket. We can help you identify what you have and plan the move, so nothing stops working unexpectedly.
Features that help small teams sound professional
Call queues and hunt groups
A hunt group rings a set of phones, either all at once or in turn, so calls are answered by whoever is free. A call queue holds callers with a message or music until someone is available. Together they mean fewer missed calls and customers reaching the right person.
Mobile and desktop apps
The apps turn a mobile or computer into a business extension. Staff working from home, on the road or on site can take calls on the business number without giving out their personal mobile number.
Voicemail to email and call recording
Voicemails are emailed as audio files, so they can be picked up from anywhere and forwarded to the right person. Call recording helps with training, resolving disputes and meeting regulatory requirements in some industries. If you record calls, you need to tell callers and handle recordings in line with UK data protection law, and we can help you set up suitable announcements.
Keeping your numbers
In most cases you can move your existing geographic and non geographic numbers to the new system through a process called number porting. We manage the transfer with your current provider and arrange the switch at a sensible time.
Team plans for whole companies
Virtual Voice Office offers team plans designed for businesses that want every member of staff on the same system, with features such as call queues, hunt groups and reporting. Plans and pricing are shown on the Virtual Voice Office website, and the team will help you choose the right mix for your business.
Your network and broadband matter
VoIP call quality depends on your internet connection and office network. Poor WiFi, a congested connection or a badly configured router can cause choppy calls. Because we also look after networks and WiFi and provide business broadband through our sister brand Cyber Fibre, we can make sure the whole path from desk phone to internet is set up properly, including prioritising voice traffic and adding a 4G or 5G backup connection if needed.
Phones as part of your business continuity plan
With a hosted system, your phones are not tied to your office. If you cannot get into the building because of bad weather, a power cut or another problem, calls can be answered on mobiles and laptops instead. That makes hosted phones a useful part of any business continuity plan.
Is VoIP right for your business?
Hosted VoIP suits most small and medium sized businesses, particularly those with staff who work from home or move between sites, those with more than one office, and those whose old phone system is reaching the end of its life. Before recommending it, we check that your internet connection and network can carry calls reliably, and we look at anything else that currently uses a phone line. If your connection needs improving first, we will tell you.
Local support for your phone system
Virtual Voice Office is run from the North East by the same team as Cyber Fits. When you need a change or something is not working, you speak to people who know your setup. Visit the Virtual Voice Office website to see plans, call 0191 543 3488, or contact Cyber Fits if you would like to talk about your phones alongside your IT.