Answering Your Questions About Cloud-Based
Phone Systems
Are you interested in cloud phones for your business?
Cloud-based phone systems used to be the alternative to large-scale, on-premise PBX systems for businesses. However, with technological advances and a shift to remote/hybrid work environments, cloud-based phone systems have become increasingly popular with companies looking for flexible and dependable business communications solutions.
Likewise, since they have low startup costs and require minimal on-site equipment, cloud-based phone systems are perfect for small and medium-sized businesses. Cloud-based phone systems additionally include maintenance, security, and support services, which can be lifesavers for companies without a dedicated IT team or internal resources.
In this article, we answer commonly asked questions about cloud phones, including how much they cost, how they work, and how they compare to other types of phone systems.
What Is a Cloud-Based Phone System?
A cloud-based or hosted VoIP phone system relies on your existing broadband internet connection to make and receive phone calls. Compared to an on-premise phone system, the main hardware components, besides the physical phone handsets, are located off-site and owned by a third-party company.
Think of cloud-based phone systems as a service rather than owning a phone system. Instead of paying for the hardware, software, and licensing fees up-front, your phone system provider typically rolls your equipment fees, security, support, and maintenance into a simple monthly fee. Cloud phones are quick to deploy, easy to move, and support remote or hybrid workplaces.
Cloud phone systems require minimal on-site equipment. A smart solution for small and medium-sized businesses, cloud phone systems typically have lower startup costs and fewer unexpected maintenance fees than on-premise phone systems.
Cloud Phone FAQs
1. Do cloud-based phone systems have decent sound quality?
Ultimately, your cloud phone’s sound quality will depend on your service provider and internet connection. Call quality isn’t easily controlled over a public internet connection but has improved dramatically over the years—issues with voice quality, jitter, and dropped calls are less common than they used to be.
A dedicated fiber connection can help improve an existing cloud phone connection and avoid voice sound quality issues.
2. If I lose my internet connection, will my phone still work?
Cloud-based phone systems have a call forwarding feature that forwards calls to an alternate number, such as a mobile phone, in the event of a power disruption. While your physical handset may not work, you will still be able to make and receive calls.
Please get in touch with us to learn more about cloud phone features.
3. How much does a cloud-based phone system cost?
Since the provider is responsible for most system hardware, maintenance, and security, cloud-based phone systems have minimal up-front costs. Your cost will usually be a monthly recurring fee, based on your feature set and number of users. Cloud-based phone systems typically have contract agreements.
Additional costs you may incur while implementing a cloud-based phone system include internet/bandwidth-related fees, ethernet cables, and POE switches.
4. Is support included in a cloud phone system package?
Your system support, maintenance, and security are typically included in your recurring monthly fee with a cloud-based phone system. Additionally, your provider keeps your phone system’s applications current and manages most of your phone system administration.
5. How do cloud phones work for remote companies and remote workers?
Since the system is hosted off-site by the provider, cloud phone systems are typically more adaptable for remote and hybrid companies. Cloud phones allow you to easily route calls to other locations, and you’ll have a single provider for the entire company.
Remote workers only need an internet connection and a small amount of hardware.
6. Can I choose which phone I want?
Cloud phones are available based on the features you need and your budget. We’ve provided an overview of our favorite VoIP phones here. Contact us to learn more about the cloud phones available for your business.
7. Do I need to keep my old analog phone lines?
You may need to keep some dedicated traditional analog lines with your local provider. For example, fax, security alarms, fire alarms, elevators, modems, and credit card machines.
8. Can cloud-based IP phones connect through my existing cabling?
Your cloud phone will require an ethernet connection. For the best call quality, we recommend a dedicated connection. You have the option to run the connection through your computer, as long as you’re using a gigabit handset.
If there’s no computer or ethernet port where you need to place the phone, you will need to run and terminate cabling to each phone.
9. How much bandwidth do I need to support a cloud-based phone system?
Required bandwidth will depend on how many phones will be in use at the same time. Our baseline suggestion is 30-60K per call. You’ll also need to factor in additional bandwidth usage, including internet, security, and mobile devices.
10. Do I own the phones?
Most cloud phone providers lease phones on a monthly basis. Unless explicitly stated or negotiated as part of your contract, you will not own the phones.
What Types of Cloud-Based Phone Systems Does High Touch Support?
High Touch partners with Avaya and Nextiva to offer best-in-class cloud-based phone systems. Our comprehensive range of solutions allows us to provide products that fit nearly all customers’ budgetary and functionality requirements.
We Improve Communications.
Are you interested in learning more about cloud phones for your organization? Do you have a question we didn’t get to in this FAQ? Contact us to learn more about phone systems for your business.