What is Fixed VoIP? A Complete Guide

Drowning in a sea of confusing phone options? Traditional lines too clunky, non-fixed VoIP too impersonal?

You just want a reliable, local-feeling phone system that works as seamlessly as the internet you already pay for.

Breathe easy! Fixed VoIP is your answer.

In this article, we’ll be digging deep into fixed VoIP. We will discuss how it works, how to set it up, its benefits, and more.

Dive in and discover the magic of fixed VoIP!

What is a Fixed VoIP number?

A fixed VoIP phone number is an internet-based line connected to a physical address. It is owned by an account owner and is attached to an actual address and an account owner. 

For instance, there is a company named XYZ that runs its business operations from Florida, USA and has a telephone number of +1-305-389-7241.

Since fixed VoIP numbers are tied to a specific location, businesses are seen as more trustworthy. Hence, they are more suited for businesses or remote teams who want fixed addresses for communication purposes.

Likewise, it differs from non-fixed VoIP phone numbers in a way that it is not linked to a physical address; fixed VoIP is associated with specific geographical locations or addresses.

👉 You May be Interested to Learn More On Fixed vs. Non-fixed VoIP Numbers: Everything Business Owners Need to Know

How does Fixed VoIP Work?

Fixed VoIP works by converting analog voice signals into digital signals, which transmit via the Internet. 

If you call from here using a fixed VoIP business phone, the VoIP app or adapter converts the analog sound wave to a digital wave. This digital data is then forwarded to the VoIP service provider with the help of the Internet. 

Likewise, on the other end, the receiving person gets the message, which is an audio message on their phone. This way, the communication moves forward.

Here, you use a stable internet connection for phone service rather than traditional PSTN or Public Switched Telephone Networks copper lines.

Fixed VoIP uses a packet-switching method. This method breaks extensive data into bits or chunks called packets. 

These packets are only sent when needed. Since smaller pieces of data are transferred at a time, not as a whole, data transfer is fast and efficient. 

Packets are roamed across the network, taking the shortest path. All the packets are reassembled at the destination in the correct order.

How to Set Up a Fixed VoIP Number?

Follow a few steps to get a fixed VoIP number for your business. And it’s simpler than setting up a traditional landline or cell phone service. 

Let’s check how you can get your VoIP number in minutes.

Step 1: Pick a VoIP Service Provider

Several service providers are in the market; you should pick one with the right features. Your ideal choice should be based on pricing, features, customer support, customer reviews, and reputation. 

Switching from one service provider to another is challenging. Hence, it would be best to look for the one that ticks all the boxes we’ve mentioned here.

Step 2: Sign Up for an Account

The second step is to complete the signup process by navigating to the website of your chosen VoIP service provider. 

This includes providing your personal information and business details. It also includes choosing a pricing plan that fits under your budget and customizing your account settings.

Step 3: Choosing a Phone Number

While continuing with the sign-up process, you’re asked to choose a business phone number. 

Depending on your chosen service provider, some allow you to port your existing phone number to the VoIP service. At the same time, some may provide you with a new one.

Step 4: Connect to the Internet

As it operates through the Internet, a stable Internet connection is required to make and receive phone calls. 

Therefore, choosing a reliable Internet service provider is essential. You must ensure your Internet has enough bandwidth to support voice calls smoothly.

Step 5: Configure Equipment

You’ll need some specific hardware to get started with the fixed VoIP phone system. Hardware like IP phones, adapters, and softphones are essential, but it largely depends on your chosen service provider. 

Step 6: Perform Test Calls

You should check out your fixed VoIP connection once you’ve set up the necessary equipment. Test all your devices and equipment so that every aspect is configured correctly before going live. 

Also, perform test calls to ensure that the audio quality is up to the mark.

Step 7: Provide Essential Training to Staff

After switching to a Fixed VoIP system, you must ensure your employees have enough skills to use the new system. You must provide them with training and knowledge to become well aware of its features, making and receiving calls, etc.

Step 8: Maintain and Update

Frequently look for updates from your VoIP service provider and keep your system software updated. This will make sure that you get all the latest updates and features. 

🤗Also Read: VoIP Level 3 Number: Why Businesses are Switching to them

Why is Fixed VoIP Important for the Business?

Fixed VoIP allows you to run your business more efficiently and improve customer satisfaction. Fixed VoIP is important for businesses due to several reasons.

• Lower costs: Landlines or a cellular network are expensive, especially while doing international calls. An Internet-based fixed VoIP phone number saves money on domestic and international telephone charges.
• Supports advanced features: Fixed VoIP provides advanced features such as call forwarding, global calling, call transfer, and call analytics, enhancing customer service quality. It allows you to handle high call volumes, improving communication efficiency.
• Robust security: Fixed VoIP systems include encryption and security protocols to protect sensitive data from all kinds of attacks and threats.

What are the features of a Fixed VoIP phone number?

With Fixed VoIP, you get a powerful business tool that isn’t costly and is jam-packed with tons of features. So, let’s get to know them:

• Call Routing: With call routing, you can route inbound calls to suitable agents, reducing customer wait times and resolving customer queries in moments. This makes sure that your customer never gets connected to the wrong agent.
• Call Analytics: Fixed VoIP provides real-time data and analytics so you can organize and track key metrics. You can get a call record like call volume, wait times, agent performance, customer satisfaction, and so on in real-time.
• Multichannel Support: Fixed VoIP allows customers to have a conversation with businesses through different communication channels, like email, SMS, voice calling, chat, and social media.
• Unified Callbox: With the Unified Callbox feature, you can get information related to calls, SMS, MMS, and voicemails from a single interface. So you don’t have to switch from one app to another to view conversations.
• Global Calling: A fixed VoIP phone number allows you to make cost-efficient international calls easily. This way, you can stay in touch with friends, family, or relatives from worldwide without worrying about heavy charges.
• And many more: Call transfer, call on hold, call notes, phone tree, voicemail, voicemail to email, etc.

What are the Benefits of a Fixed VoIP Number?

Fixed VoIP not only helps businesses respond to every customer’s queries but improves staff productivity and team chat, too. There are other benefits, which we will explore in this section.

1. Crystal Clear Voice Quality

Fixed VoIP service provides high-quality calls with clear voice quality. You won’t face any lag or disturbances during the call if you have a stable internet connection.

2. Scalability

As the business grows, it’s likely to experience a large volume of calls. As VoIP is highly scalable, with VoIP systems, you can easily tackle those issues, too. Hence, it is suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises.

3. Seamless Work Collaboration

Fixed VoIP systems allow staff to collaborate through tools like video conferencing. This allows teams to conduct video meetings to connect and work together smoothly.

4. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction

Fixed VoIP systems come with an AI-powered chatbot for customer management. It quickly deals with and quickly solves customer queries, enhancing customer satisfaction. 

5. Integration with other Services

Fixed VoIP service can integrate with other third-party tools or applications, like social media platforms and customer relationship management (CRM) tools. It streamlines business operations and communication.

What are the Cons of Fixed VoIP Numbers?

Till now, we’ve only discussed the positive aspects of a fixed VoIP system. Here, we’ll reveal some of its drawbacks. 

• Massive dependency on the VoIP Service Provider: Since fixed VoIP is managed by a service provider, you need to depend on them for everything.  All service providers don’t offer equal and reliable services; some may, and some don’t.
• Reliance on Internet Connection: Fixed VoIP needs a stable Internet connection to operate its services. So, if network disturbance occurs, it directly impacts your phone service.
• Power Outages: Similar to network disturbances, your phone service might go down if a power cut happens. 
• Decline in Quality of Service: Since fixed VoIP is an internet-based technology, it can face issues like bandwidth limitations, latency, and jitter. These all negatively affect VoIP calls, reducing quality and sudden drop calls.

👉 You May Also Like: How to fix VoIP phones Call Dropping Issue

5 Top Fixed VoIP Service Providers in 2024

Fixed VoIP service providers are suitable for both small startups and large enterprises. It moves intending to smoothen communication by capitalizing on internet-based connectivity. 

Here is a list of some of the 5 best Fixed VoIP service providers in 2024.

1. Vonage

Vonage is an American cloud communication service provider that offers fixed VoIP at cheap rates. Over 100,000 businesses trust it, it has an uptime reliability of 99.99%, and it has affordable pricing plans. 

Its fixed VoIP comes with several features like call waiting, caller ID, screen recording, skills-based routing, omnichannel support, and many integration options. 

You can contact customers through their preferred communication channels, including messaging, voice, video, etc. Additionally, Vonage offers tools and insights to the agents so that they can enhance customer satisfaction. 

2. BroadVoice

BroadVoice offers fixed VoIP cloud-based telecommunication services to businesses of all sizes. It provides a complete omnichannel experience, allowing businesses to communicate with customers through phone, SMS, video, and chat. 

Similarly, its Fixed VoIP features include unlimited International Calling, call recording, visual voicemail, auto attendant, call recording, etc.

Moreover, BroadVoice offers SIP trunking so your business can make and receive phone calls over an internet connection. Besides that, you can manage business phone activities from a single interface.

3. Nextiva

Nextiva is another renowned fixed VoIP company used by over 150,000 businesses today. With its Fixed VoIP, you can automate workflows, manage all conversations, and keep track of essential call metrics.

Nextiva allows you to route calls to suitable agents automatically, get insights into customer activities, and understand the customer’s journey. It allows businesses to expand their operations and enhance customer engagement at an affordable price.

4. Ooma

Ooma provides communications services such as fixed VoIP calling for business, home, and personal use. Ooma Office phone service offers businesses desktop and mobile apps so they can access work from anywhere at any time. 

Ooma Tello also provides VoIP home phone service, allowing customers to communicate with their families and loved ones. Not only that, but it also includes a home awareness security solution to protect the household from any accident. 

5. Cox Communications

Cox Communications is an American digital cable television and internet service provider. They offer internet services that are fast, reliable, and, most importantly, quicker than most of the 5G providers.

Cox Homelife service has features like voicemail, caller ID, and call waiting. It’s a smart home system that lets you stay connected to your home premises. You can manage and control smart home service with the help of the Cox Panoramic Wifi app.

When to choose a Fixed VoIP number for your business communication?

Fixed VoIP numbers are essential for business communication due to affordability, scalability, and various advanced features. You don’t get all these features and functionalities in traditional phone services.

Here are some scenarios where a fixed VoIP number is the right choice for your business communication:

• Globally Renowned: If your business has clients from all over the world, then you need a fixed VoIP number. It allows you to create a local presence by which international clients can call you easily.
• Affordable Solution: Traditional phone lines are way costlier for making domestic as well as international calls. If you’re looking to eliminate these high costs, a fixed VoIP number can be an ideal option.
• Extra Scalability: A fixed VoIP number can be used to meet your increasing communication demands as well.
• Enhancing Business Communication: If you’re looking to level up your business communication, then a fixed VoIP number is a great choice. It includes advanced features like call routing, call transfer, global calling, etc.

Final Words

Fixed VoIP is a kind of VoIP service related to a dedicated location. It is ideal for businesses with a permanent physical location requiring cost-effective communication services. 

Whether you own a small or a large cloud contact center, by implementing fixed, your business will drive more success, and most importantly, communication will be clean and clear.

If you are searching for a VoIP service provider with affordable pricing, 24/7 human support, and advanced features for your business, we recommend you go for KrispCall – a non-fixed VoIP phone system with enterprise-level features.

FAQ

Is Fixed VoIP reliable and secure for making and receiving calls?

Obviously, fixed VoIP is reliable and secure for making and receiving calls. Since fixed VoIP depends on broadband internet connections, it’s reliable and secure.

How much does it cost to get a Fixed VoIP number?

Usually, the cost to get a Fixed VoIP number massively relies on the service provider and the pricing plan you choose. Generally, you are charged around a $15-50 monthly fee for the basic plan.

What features are typically included with a Fixed VoIP number?

Some of the features that you’ll get with a fixed VoIP number are:

• Unified Callbox
• Global Calling
• Call Forwarding
• Call on Hold
• Call Analytics

What are the latest trends in Fixed VoIP technology?

Some of the latest trends in Fixed VoIP technology are the usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI), intelligent VoIP assistants, 5G connectivity, unified communications, etc.

Arun Chaudhary

Arun is SEO Analyst at KrispCall. He has written in extensively in the field of cloud telephony and call center solutions.