Making calls over the internet isn’t just something we'll do in the future. Loads of businesses are doing it right now. So let’s debunk a few myths ...
1. Calls over the internet aren’t as good as those made over a normal phone line
The call quality is just as good. But we would say that, wouldn’t we?
This is because we connect your phones to the BT Cloud Voice service through our IP network, and we prioritise your voice data to make sure that you get the best service possible. We'll also assess your needs to make sure that you've got the right type of internet connection from the start.
2. The calls might drop out
We proactively monitor all of the Cloud Voice components and fix potential problems before they occur. Plus, we run multiple data centres so if we ever have a problem at one, everything switches over to another without you even realising.
3. I won't have enough bandwidth for data and voice
We'll always check first to make sure that you have the right type of internet connection. If you don't, it's not a problem: we have a range of internet connection options and there's bound to be one that suits you. We'll give priority to your voice traffic, so you'll get great call quality while still being able to do all the things you'd normally do over the internet.
4. It won’t be able to do everything my phone system can
BT Cloud Voice has all the features of a traditional on-premises phone system, so you’ll still be able to use call forwarding, call transfer, hunt groups and more, just as you do now. And because it's hosted in the cloud, it's completely flexible so it can grow alongside your business.
5. I won’t be able to use my old handsets
It may be possible to use your existing analogue phones, but you’d need an analogue terminal adaptor to connect to the service. To get the most out of BT Cloud Voice, you’ll need an IP phone that’s specifically configured for BT Cloud Voice. We’ve got loads to choose from.
6. It won’t work with my mobile
It will! With Mobile Twinning, both your desk phone and your mobile ring at the same time when there’s an incoming call, helping you to make sure that no important calls are missed. And our mobile app lets your mobile (and laptop) act as an extension of your desk phone so you can work wherever you are.
7. It won’t be any help to me when I’m working from home
You can manage your calls from home in exactly the same way as you would from the office (using our app for mobiles or our BT Cloud Voice app on your laptop). You'll also have 24/7 access to your own online portal so you can change your set-up and manage your calls, whenever and wherever you need to.
8. I won’t be able to physically see my phone system any more, so managing it is going to be difficult
You don’t need to be able to see the system, honest. BT Cloud Voice gives you more control than you have now. You can add, move, or change current settings through the BT Cloud Voice web portal. And there’s no need for separate voice and data networks, which makes it more cost efficient and easier to manage.
We have a range of optional training packages - including webcast and on-site options - to help you get the most out of the system.
9. It’s going to be expensive
Nope. The beauty of BT Cloud Voice is that it requires minimal capital investment. There's no premises-based hardware to buy and no ongoing maintenance costs to worry about. And because you can choose your user-features pack, and allocate features separately to each of your people, you’ll only pay for what you need. There are also no system upgrade costs and our Prompt Care maintenance, which aims to fix faults by the end of the next working day, is already included.
10. There won't be a calling option that suits my business
We offer three different user feature packs with a range of different features and functionalities to choose from. We also have a choice of UK and international call plans. These include bundles of minutes that you can share across your people or as a pay-as-you-go option. Plus, you'll have choice of the latest IP phones.
11. It’ll be a huge job to change from my old phone system
Actually, it can be very easy. If you’re running separate voice and data networks at the moment, you can bring these together, as Cloud Voice lets you run voice over your data network.
Your network will need the bandwidth to support this. You may already have sufficient bandwidth to carry both voice and data today, or you may need a slight increase. We can help you work out exactly what you need.
Once the service is set up, all your users need to do is plug an IP phone into the network, and they’re ready to make and receive calls. And if you’re linking remote sites or home workers, they may be able to use their existing broadband service to make calls; again we can help review whether they’ve got enough bandwidth to do this.
You can swap out your entire phone system in one go or take a phased approach and introduce it one office at a time. It's up to you.
12. It’s not future-proofed.
We know you want the latest technology possible at all times, so we’ve designed our BT Cloud Voice system to automatically refresh when an updated version is released – meaning you never have to worry about running upgrades, and you’ll always have the latest version.
