VoIP on NBN for Small Business Owners

We discuss the Pro’s and Con’s of switching to VoIP for Your Small Business

The National Broadband Network (NBN) is providing reliable and fast internet connection across Australia. Apart from the basic internet package, the service also includes an option to switch your current landline system to a VoIP landline connection. For small business owners, this could be a good option as it works out to be more cost effective. More on that below.

What is VoIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a way to make calls using internet data over the NBN connection. The landline service offered along with NBN is optional but can be used to replace the existing landline at your premise.

For NBN users, VoIP is available in two formats, UNI-D and UNI-V. The UNI-D is a connection that is available with co-axial and wireless NBN systems while the UNI-V is a superior connection that comes with a fibre optic cable connection. The key difference between the two is the bandwidth that is dedicated in UNI-V along with the facility of a battery back-up during a power outage.

Pros of switching to VoIP

As mentioned above, VoIP uses an internet connection instead of a dedicated line to make calls to other landlines and mobiles across Australia. Using data over the NBN line can be cost-effective compared to paying a separate bill for the phone connection.

For business owners, switching to VoIP can help them use advanced features such as softphones, group voicemail, smartphone apps and call forwarding. Since the internet and phone line comes from the same service provider, it gets easier to manage. Also, VoIP connections can be easily upgraded and have remote tech support for lesser downtime.

VoIP on NBN could replace your landline and save you money

Cons of switching to VoIP

If your VoIP connection falls under the UNI-D type, you will not have a battery back-up, which means your landline will stop working when the internet connection is down. Also, UNI-V has dedicated bandwidth and call quality is measurable in performance. For UNI-D, the quality of the call will largely vary as per the connection and the traffic in your NBN line.

If you plan to install multiple handsets, you will need to put a dedicated primary handset connected to the modem-router and purchase secondary wireless handsets. You will need to talk to your service provider whether your current modem is compatible with VoIP. If not, you might incur an additional cost to purchase a new modem. Also, research whether the emergency services, security alarms and EFTPOS machines connected to your current landline will work with NBN’s VoIP connection.

It depends on how you run your small business.

How to look for a VoIP provider?

Every NBN provider such as Harbour ISP, Vodafone, Tangerine and Westnet offer separate plans for a VoIP landline service. The price of each plan will differ depending on the services you need. These include –

1. Connection with home and mobile calls across the country
2. The type of contract you purchase. Generally, a long-term contract can get you a free handset or modem but might attract penalties for early disconnection. A no lock-in plan is safer but will have an additional setup fee.
3. The need to port your existing number.
4. Get a compatible phone and signup for additional facilities such as a separate voicemail service.

Wrap Up

So what do you think? If you’re wanting to save money and streamline your service providers, consider VoIP on NBN. In todays fast paced, digital age, services provided over internet connections are growing in popularity and accessibility.

John Wilson

John Wilson is a branding and website design expert. He boasts over 10 years of digital marketing experience. He loves to share his expertise and insights on all things digital marketing by keeping this blog up to date.