What Is VoIP?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is technology that lets you make and receive phone calls over your internet connection instead of traditional copper phone lines. Instead of a physical analogue signal, your voice is converted into digital data packets and transmitted over the internet.
For businesses, this means your phone system no longer depends on expensive BT landlines or outdated ISDN circuits. You can make calls from a desk phone, a laptop, a mobile app — or all three simultaneously.
How Does VoIP Work?
When you speak into a VoIP phone, a process called a codec converts your voice into small data packets. These packets travel across your internet connection to the recipient, where they're reassembled and played back as audio — all in real time, with no noticeable delay on a good connection.
- Your voice is digitised by your VoIP device or app
- Data packets are sent over your broadband connection
- Your VoIP provider routes the call to the destination
- The recipient's end converts packets back to audio
VoIP vs Traditional Landlines — What's the Difference?
Traditional phone lines use circuit-switching — a dedicated physical connection is made for every call. VoIP uses packet-switching, sharing your existing internet connection. This is why VoIP is significantly cheaper and far more flexible.
Why Are UK Businesses Switching to VoIP?
- PSTN switch-off 2027 — BT is switching off all analogue lines. Every business must switch to VoIP anyway
- Cost savings — most businesses save 30–50% vs their current phone bills
- Features — AI receptionist, call recording, MS Teams — features that traditional systems can't match
- Remote working — staff take calls on their mobiles from anywhere using the app
- Scalability — add or remove users in minutes, no hardware needed
Is VoIP Reliable?
Modern business VoIP is extremely reliable when paired with a good broadband connection. Telexico's platform runs on enterprise-grade infrastructure with 99.99% uptime. Our Assure X failover product automatically routes calls via 4G if your broadband drops — so you're never unreachable.
What Do I Need to Use VoIP?
- A broadband connection (FTTP full fibre is ideal, but standard FTTC works fine for most businesses)
- A VoIP-enabled device: desk phone, computer softphone or mobile app
- A VoIP provider like Telexico to manage your numbers, routing and features