What You Need to Know about a Business Phone System in Sydney
Business phone systems have always been a little different to a home phone. For one, businesses need to be able to manage multiple incoming and outgoing calls at the same time. This reduces the risk of customers not being able to get hold of you because the line is constantly busy. But more sophisticated phone systems have often been out of reach to small and medium businesses who have had to settle for more affordable systems with fewer features.
With more widespread adoption of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, this is changing.
Why Use VoIP for Business
Aside from a limited number of special services, Australia’s copper line network is being shut down. This is happening in stages, usually within 18 months of the nbn™ or other fibre connections being installed in an area. This means that businesses will eventually only be able to make or receive calls–and connect to the internet–using mobiles or a combination of nbn™ and VoIP. In a main centre like Sydney, many businesses would already have had to switch to a VoIP phone system. If you’re looking at new phone systems for your Sydney business, make sure they are nbn™ compatible, even if your location doesn’t yet have nbn™ access.
VoIP isn’t new, and many of us already use it regularly without even realising it. Skype, Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams–even WhatsApp calls–all use VoIP technology in some way. And there are many benefits to using VoIP in your business:
- It’s affordable, with different types of VoIP phone systems and plans available. And both your business internet and phone system can share the same nbn™ connection.
- It offers more features. With low-cost hosted PBX systems, even small businesses have access to features such as line hunt groups, auto receptionists, call forwarding, music on hold, and more.
- It’s more flexible and scales more easily. You decide which phone system is best for your business, but you’re also always in control of how many active lines you have. As your business grows, it’s easy to activate more lines and add new handsets.
- It’s easy to install, set-up, and maintain. Many VoIP phone systems are almost plug-and-play in simplicity, making self-installation possible. Your current business numbers can also be ported to your new VoIP system, so there’s no interruption to your business either.
Is VoIP Reliable
VoIP is very reliable as long as you have a good quality internet connection. For many businesses, an NBN50 business internet connection is sufficient for both normal internet activity and VoIP calls. Power outages can affect your business VoIP phone system, but this can be mitigated through the use of battery packs, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and 4G backup.
What Do I Need for a VoIP Phone System
The main requirement for a VoIP phone system is an active nbn™ internet connection, preferably one with a theoretical maximum download speed of 50 Mbps or higher. You also need a VoIP provider, and while your internet and VoIP provider don’t need to be the same, there could be some value in using the same company. Pair a Business One Voice Plan or Business One Commander Phone Plan with a Business One Broadband plan through Commander and your first line is free.
Additionally, you need to decide on the type of VoIP phone system your business needs:
| Basic Voice System | Hosted PBX System | SIP Phone |
|---|---|---|
|
A basic business phone line that uses the nbn™ for making and receiving phone calls and faxes, and can also be used for EFTPOS devices. Analogue handsets and devices must be connected to a business modem or an Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA). Features may include1: • Caller ID One basic voice plan is equivalent to one active phone line in your business. The number of concurrent calls–incoming and outgoing–you need to support decides how many plans you sign up for. |
Similar features and benefits as a regular PBX system, with lower upfront and ongoing costs. The PBX system is hosted and maintained off-site by your VoIP provider. Calls can be made and received using VoIP handsets, computers (softphone feature), and mobile phones. Features may include2: • Line Hunt Groups One phone plan is equivalent to one active phone line in your business. The number of concurrent calls–incoming and outgoing–you need to support decides how many plans you sign up for. Minimum is one, with no upper limit. |
Basic VoIP lines for an IP-enabled on-premise PBX. The features you have access to are those already supported by your current PBX. One channel on the SIP system is equivalent to one phone line, and you need a minimum of two channels. You can add and remove channels as needed, and numbers for extensions are available in 10, 50, and 100 number ranges. |
| Learn more about the Commander Business One Voice Plan | Learn more about the Business One Commander Phone Plan | Learn more about the Commander Business One SIP Plan |
1 Available features depend on what is supported by your desk and cordless handsets.
2 Some features not included as standard but are available as optional extras.
If you intend using the softphone feature, your VoIP provider will supply the software necessary to enable calls using your computer. There are some great headsets available which will be compatible with your new phone system.
Battery back-up and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) are also recommended to ensure your phone system can work during a power outage. Your VoIP provider will be able to advise of any new cabling requirements, though this is not always necessary.
Find a Business VoIP Specialist Near You
We have Commander Centres staffed by VoIP specialists ready to help you find the perfect business phone system in Sydney:
| Sydney West | Sydney North | Sydney South |
|---|---|---|
|
Suit 13 |
Suite 3 |
2A Gymea Bay Road |
| 02 8865 8866 | 02 9059 6888 | 1300 747 888 |