VoIP technology transforms your voice signals into digital items to be transmitted over the web, which is again converted into analog signals at the receivers’ end. Even when you are not aware of its working or the term, you have probably made use of it at some point. You may have made a Skype call to your friend leaving overseas or joined a Zoom conference call at your workplace. All of these are VoIP phone calls. All in all, you can think of VoIP as a convenient change for a common telephone system.
Most enterprises make use of VoIP services. It is a cheaper, reliable, and more efficient solution for business communication. However, many people don’t understand what is the main distinctions between Fixed VoIP and Non-Fixed VoIP services. In this article, we will discuss the difference between these two VoIP solutions, including the pros and cons associated with each one of these.
Let us dive into more detail and see which VoIP solution is a better fit for your business requirements.
Fixed VoIP
One major difference between a common telephone system and VoIP phone services is that the latter is independent of device or location. In other words, it means that the VoIP number you get is assigned by a VoIP service provider, which can be used on any particular device. Additionally, you can also take it with you when you move to a different office location or somewhere else.
However, not all of these VoIP numbers offer the same characteristics. When it comes to fixed VoIP numbers, they are connected with a particular location where they can be used. Though you get the ability to use it on any device as needed, you are required to provide an address for that account. Without linking a physical address to the number, you will not get a Fixed VoIP number assigned to yourself.
For instance, when your business signs up with a VoIP service such as Vonage, they are required to provide a physical address to be linked with your number. However, it has its share of advantages and disadvantages.
In the section below, we summarize the different pros and cons associated while using a fixed VoIP number.
Pros
- More Authentic
Having a fixed VoIP number is more authentic and secure in general. Since it requires you to provide a physical address, hackers and scammers cannot sign up for a fixed VoIP service without a physical address. Such kinds of numbers are easier to trace, and thus hackers usually try and avoid such services.
- Easier Porting
When you are using fixed VoIP numbers, they are easier to port in comparison to non-fixed VoIP numbers. For example, your business would like to port all the numbers from your old service provider. Your company has probably spent much time gaining the trust of the customers with the old phone numbers. As a result, you do not want to change any contact information. Thus, for such instances, fixed VoIP number is a great choice.
- Access to Emergency Services
When you have fixed VoIP numbers, it makes it more convenient to get access to emergency services. Several VoIP service providers offer E911 services. However, these services can only be used when you provide a physical address for the number. When in need, this address can be used to offer emergency services by your service provider.
Cons
- Expensive
There are certain disadvantages related to fixed VoIP numbers. One of which is being an expensive service to use. As it is a fixed-line, you cannot get all the features for free, and thus, the company is required to pay more money for the same features, which otherwise could have been accessed for free with non-fixed VoIP numbers.
- International Calls
Another disadvantage that adds to the cost is pricier international calls. With fixed VoIP numbers, you cannot get a phone number in another country because you don’t have an office there. It implies that the local customers will be obliged to make international long-distance costs, which will result in more cost.
Non-Fixed VoIP
Non-Fixed VoIP numbers can be thought of as free-floating numbers, which do not have to be linked with any physical address. Your business can sign up for them online by entering only email address and bank details. Such type of VoIP numbers is more flexible in comparison to fixed VoIP numbers.
You can buy non-fixed VoIP numbers with any area code you need and in any country of your interest, without being present inside that country. For instance, Skype is a good example of non-fixed VoIP services. Such type of services doesn’t necessarily care about where people are present physically, and thus using them internationally is quite easy and convenient.
As a result of these characteristics, non-fixed services are quite popular for a business that is involved in a lot of global communication. These types of services are better suited for small businesses, which only need access to simple services where cost is easier to control.
In the section below, we summarize the different pros and cons of the non-fixed VoIP numbers.
Pros
- No Geographical Constraint
Non-fixed VoIP services are more flexible in terms of geographic constraints and are easy to get. There is no need to provide any document or physical address location. All you need to have is a credit card and email address to get started instantly. One of the best things that entrepreneurs and small businesses can make use of while starting their business and communicating with clients internationally.
- Reduced International Calling Rates
As a business, if you are involved in many international calls each day, non-fixed services allows you to get numbers in different locations and countries to make cheaper calls. Thus, businesses can decrease the expenses on their calling minutes per month. It is especially crucial for small and medium-sized businesses, who cannot afford to incur a lot of expenses.
- Inexpensive
Such type of services is generally considered to be less expensive or free as compared to fixed VoIP services. However, it is only suitable for a business that does not require any advanced features that VoIP has to offer.
Cons
- Less Authentic
As the service does not require the use of physical address, scammers and hackers can easily get access to phone numbers with stolen credit cards. They can use it for illegal activities and dispose of it when the work is done. Thus, making non-fixed VoIP numbers less authentic and secure to be used.
- No Emergency Services
With the absence of address details, there is no way you can make use of 911 services in case of an emergency. It is one of the biggest drawbacks in terms of security that non-fixed VoIP numbers have to offer.
Comparison – Which is Better?
Fixed and non-fixed VoIP services have their share of pros and cons, making them ideal for some situations and non-ideal for others. For instance, if your business is involved in many international calls, then non-fixed VoIP services would be a better fit as they tend to be less inexpensive.
However, if you believe that access to emergency services is required, fixed VoIP services are a better choice. Thus, depending upon the kind of requirements you have, choose the one that better suits your needs.