Who Are the Best UK VoIP Providers in 2019?

October 28, 2019 | by Jamie Baker

VoIP is booming. Faster, more robust and reliable internet connections are ensuring VoIP can finally be used to its full potential. And more advanced software and hardware powering these VoIP systems means the technology is rapidly replacing analogue as the default option for UK businesses.

In Advice Guide, phone system, voip, BT, cordless voip, telecoms industry

VoIP connectivity for small businesses

September 16, 2019 | by Jamie Baker

If you’re working in the modern business world, you’re part of the connected generation – whether you like it or not. But if we’re all in the era of connectivity, why do so many of us favour not picking up the phone?

In Advice Guide, phone system, voip, cordless voip, telecoms industry

Virgin Business Broadband and Phone

August 26, 2019 | by Nicola Scoon

Virgin Media Business is a popular provider for business phone and broadband services. It’s no surprise, as they offer the UK’s fastest major business broadband alongside a robust service level agreement. 

In FTTP, FTTC, Advice Guide, leased line, business fibre, business broadband, phone system, voip, Virgin VoIP

Best Phone and Broadband Deals for Business: What You Need to Know

August 22, 2019 | by Nicola Scoon

There are few services that can impact your business as much as your internet and phone line. The  right business broadband and phone deal can give you a real competitive edge. You can use technology to automate processes, work more efficiently and use systems like VoIP to conduct business calls wherever you are. 

In How To Guide, FTTP, FTTC, Advice Guide, leased line, business fibre, business broadband, phone system, voip, BT

Small Business Phone and Broadband Guide: What You Need to Know

August 19, 2019 | by Nicola Scoon

Whether you need a dedicated line with the fastest speeds possible or just want a reliable connection that’s capable of supporting voice calls over the internet, we’re here to help you find the right package for your small business.

In How To Guide, FTTP, FTTC, Advice Guide, leased line, business fibre, business broadband, phone system, voip, BT

Understanding leased line speeds and costs in the UK

August 15, 2019 | by Nicola Scoon

While you can now access high-speed internet through a fibre broadband connection, a dedicated leased line could unlock even greater speeds. It's also a powerful way to future-proof your broadband to support your growth.

In FTTP, FTTC, Advice Guide, leased line, business fibre, business broadband, phone system, voip

A guide to business phone and broadband 2020

July 30, 2019 | by Nicola Scoon

It’s 2019 and your business phone and broadband can play a critical part in the success and continuity of your business. 

In FTTP, FTTC, Advice Guide, leased line, business fibre, business broadband, phone system, voip

A comparison of the top UK VoIP providers

June 5, 2019 | by Jamie Baker

As VoIP services are becoming more popular, the list of UK VoIP providers gets ever longer. On the one hand, the competition drives the price down and increases the variety of options. On the other, with so many choices, deciding on the best UK VoIP provider for your needs can become quite tricky.

In Advice Guide, phone system, voip, BT, telecoms industry

Why you should always compare business broadband providers

June 3, 2019 | by Jamie Baker

As a nation, we’ve become quite partial to a good ol’ price comparison. In fact, research shows that more than half of shoppers use price comparison sites to ensure they’re getting the best deal.

In Advice Guide, leased line, business fibre, business broadband, office move, voip

What are the top DECT cordless VoIP phones?

May 13, 2019 | by Nathan Hill-Haimes

Digitally enhanced cordless telephones (DECT) can link back to their bases wirelessly, allowing you to move around the building as you make calls. With DECT phones, you don’t need to spend long periods stuck at your desk, and if you need to multitask, you can do it without breaking the conversation.

In Advice Guide, phone system, voip, DECT, cordless voip

Which are the top 5 business VoIP softphones?

May 8, 2019 | by Nathan Hill-Haimes

A good VoIP softphone can provide all sorts of benefits to your business. Usually much cheaper and more accessible than using a hardware-based system, it can be accessed via the cloud will be fully scalable to the evolving requirements of your business.

In Advice Guide, phone system, voip

What are the top 5 business VoIP phones?

March 11, 2019 | by Jamie Baker

VoIP telephony is most commonly associated with companies that have large sales teams or busy offices with lots of outgoing calls. But thanks to the cost-efficiency and increased productivity modern VoIP providers systems provide, businesses of all shapes and sizes are realising the benefits of using voice over IP for their communications.

In Advice Guide, phone system, voip

5 reasons to switch to a VoIP phone system

March 4, 2019 | by Jamie Baker

Even if you already have a VoIP phone system setup, with rapidly changing technology, it may have become outmoded. Upgrading to a new state-of-the-art VoIP package can offer an all-encompassing service to further enhance your communications and reduce costs.

In Advice Guide, phone system, voip

Who Are The Top 5 UK Business VoIP Providers

January 26, 2019 | by Nathan Hill-Haimes

Whether you’re starting a business or looking to refine your existing processes, deciding to invest in a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) package as part of your communications infrastructure can help save you time and money. With many options currently available on the market, finding the right VoIP providers for your company may seem challenging – but this does not need not be the case with Amvia. 

In order to help you make an informed decision, we have selected five of our favourite providers and given some essential pros and cons for each.

Ring Central 



This company is specifically geared towards providing services for offices and small businesses. Ring Central is an affordable, reliable platform that uses cloud-based services and a flexible pricing plan to produce an end-to-end service for all users. 

Pros: The platform is known for being stable and simple to set up, requiring little assistance from an initial installer and minimal ongoing maintenance. This includes app-based functionality for mobiles and smartphones and a cost of £8 per month for a basic subscription, making it well within the price range of any start-up or small business. 


Cons: Given that the platform is predominantly for smaller companies, the system can struggle when put under heavy use. Additionally, a large amount of the system's customisation is done through deploying automatic wizards, making it easy to set up, but unintuitive to customise once it is up and running. 


In a sentence: Perfect for smaller, budget-conscious businesses. 



Skype



The one piece of software on this list that’s probably on your computer already, Skype is a truly affordable and flexible VoIP tool - albeit one that doesn’t have the masses of functionality available with other platforms. 

Pros: Skype’s integration into Chrome and Android software means that your existing contact data can be easily migrated to the system. The app is also straightforward to use, with a simple ‘tap and go’ nature that makes it perfect for when you need to make a quick call and don’t want to deal with the hassle of setup and invites. The ‘business’ version of the software can also easily integrate with your existing office infrastructure and email platform – saving you time and money.

Cons: If your business needs a dedicated VoIP platform, this may not be it. Skype is predominantly designed and marketed to everyday consumers who often do not hold the same standards for quality and reliability as professionals. And even going for the business version of the software may leave you feeling a little underwhelmed with its limited functionality. 

In a sentence: Useful if it fits your bill or as a stopgap on the way to a fully-fledged solution. 



Vonage



For those that are truly tech-savvy, Vonage’s mobile app and API integration make it a solid choice for businesses who know exactly what they need from a platform or are looking to scale in the near future.

Pros: Vonage is known for its focus on providing high-quality, clear audio and offering a suite of business options for advanced users. While they may be a little more expensive than other platforms, you definitely get what you pay for – giving users advanced data-reporting and admin functionality to help ensure that the system is deployed as required. 

Cons: One of the biggest drawbacks of the platform comes from the fact that – unlike almost all of its competitors – Vonage does not have video conferencing as a standard part of its base-level package. This can be especially frustrating if your business is highly networked or if you need to regularly hold conferences. 

In a sentence: If you’re a small business that knows what they’re looking for, this may be the right pick for you. 



Intermedia



Pushing integration and ease of use, Intermedia is steadily carving itself a niche in the market as a well rounded service provider for companies of all sizes. 

Pros: Simple to set up and maintain, Intermedia’s platform lets its users hit the ground running and keep going with relative ease. The system’s built-in hostpilot console allows your administrators to manage the system with minimal effort and internally track issues. The platform has also taken part in a recent drive to add functionality to the system, with web apps, mobile controls, file sharing, and cloud backups forthcoming. 

Cons: Despite the promise of additional functionality, some of it has taken its time coming to the system. There is also no guarantee of when this functionality will arrive and how stable it may be. Many observers have also noted that their Apple client only works with iPhone handsets and not with tablets, forcing users to find a temporary workaround while the company works to resolve the issue. 

In a sentence: A little more expensive than other providers, but absolutely worth it if you’re willing to make the commitment. 



Mitel



A solid all-in-one platform, Mitel’s sliding scale of user packages means that all your business needs can potentially be found under one roof – even if it’s a little costlier to access them.

Pros: The Mitel system bundles a number of useful tools such as VoIP messaging, a smartphone app, and comprehensive collaboration functionality under one roof. Depending on which of the three pricing bands you choose, your business can gain access to a wealth of market leading integrated functionality, letting you control exactly how you want employees to access the system.

Cons: High-utility tools like speech-to text transcription for mailboxes is hidden under higher price-points. While the system’s tools are often highly advanced, there is a risk of them only being deployed in highly specific ways – running the risk of per-user pricing ending up at the higher end of the scale.

In a sentence: Seek it out if you’re happy to pay a little extra for a great deal of useful tools.



To learn more about our current range of packages and offers, you can call us on 0333-733-8050 or click below to visit our site and make an online comparison of VoIP providers.

In How To Guide, Advice Guide, phone system, voip

BT VoIP Phone System Guide

January 26, 2019 | by Nathan Hill-Haimes

If you're thinking about signing up for a BT VoIP phone system, take the time to read Amvia's unbiased review to obtain a rounded picture of the services and functions offered.

In How To Guide, Advice Guide, phone system, voip

10 Key Benefits Of A VoIP Phone System For UK Businesses

January 23, 2019 | by Nathan Hill-Haimes

There are so many advantages for businesses making the switch to a VoIP phone system, that it really is difficult to list them all. At present, 700,000 traditional UK landline consumers are switching to VoIP on a monthly basis, so it's clear that these systems are popular for a lot of reasons. However, if you're looking around for a new phone system, here's Amvia's roundup of ten of the key benefits of a VoIP phone system to help you make your decision:

10 benefits of VoIP systems for business



1. Saves your business money



Affordability and cost savings are probably one of the main reasons for the big switch to VoIP. Financial benefits accrue whether you opt for your own in-house system or choose a cloud provider. However, it has to be said that cloud providers will save your business more cash over the short-to-medium-term. From an operational perspective, these systems will continually offer cost savings for any calls, whether at local, national or international rates. 

2. Offer a streamlined service



Using just one carrier for voice and data connectivity means making the utmost advantage of a streamlined service that links all available technologies, therefore, providing greater efficiencies.

3. Easily scalable



Because VoIP systems just use internet connections, they are remarkably easy to scale and can offer unlimited numbers of connections. This means business organisations experiencing growth or contraction will find it is a simple matter to add or delete user accounts. 

4. Boosts productivity 



VoIP systems can boost worker productivity enormously. Because employees don't need to be located in just one place to answer phones, they can use mobile devices as an extension, making it easier to move around the workplace or work remotely. Recent stats show that VoIP systems can:

- save 43 minutes daily due to greater messaging efficiency
- save mobile employees up to 55 minutes each day
- provide a 20% uplift to productivity when workers are given the opportunity to work remotely

5. Offer greater flexibility



Connecting branch offices, subsidiary businesses and remote workers into just one VoIP network makes any business much more flexible. All team members can take advantage of free internal calls and all the added functions associated with the VoIP network. 

6. Feature rich



VoIP systems offer lots of functions and features. Many of them can be networked with business CRM packages, while employees will find team working and collaboration is much easier with all the conferencing facilities offered by VoIP. Messaging via computers and mobile devices makes it an easy matter to exchange documents and text via the system, while sophisticated call attendant and voicemail features ensure no calls are lost. 

7. VoIP is easy to set up and maintain



VoIP systems are really easy to install and usually just need an internet connection and all relevant telephones or devices. Once the software is in place, regular updates ensure the system is maintained at the highest levels, so it's rare for businesses to require any regular maintenance or engineer support.

8. Useful for monitoring customer service teams and staff training



It's an easy matter to monitor calls with VoIP systems, so keeping tabs on the messages imparted by trainees and new hires can be carried out by just one supervisor. Recording calls is also an easy way to create staff training manuals, as all recordings can be quickly transposed into text via the VoIP system. 

9. No need to invest in new phones or other hardware



You won't need to invest your cash into an entirely new hardware upgrades when you opt for VoIP. Most systems work just as well with existing headsets or phones. 

10. VoIP meets all your business requirements


And, finally, the high tech used for communicating in the contemporary business world is all bundled in one service when you opt for VoIP. Workers can text or instant message, video call, or send files of any kind utilising your new VoIP system. 

One additional great benefit offered by many VoIP suppliers is the option to try before you buy. You can take a free trial of some available systems, or opt for the first month free with other popular suppliers.

Amvia are specialists at sourcing the best VoIP systems tailored to our client needs exactly. We tailor all our VoIP solutions to customer requirements, to ensure you obtain the right levels of service and functionality needed by your organisation. Take the time to browse our website for more information, or get in touch with us to discuss your needs with one of our knowledgeable advisors.

In How To Guide, Advice Guide, phone system, voip

Mitel VoIP Phone System

January 23, 2019 | by Nathan Hill-Haimes

Fully understanding your hardware options is essential when it comes to deciding the kind of VOIP phone system you or your business should go for. And with so many makes and models on the marketplace, highlighting a good ‘jack of all trades’ option is always helpful.

So, what is a Mitel VOIP system and what are the pros and cons of deploying one through your business?

What is VOIP



Simply, voice over internet protocol (VOIP) systems use the internet rather than landlines to carry calls – turning analogue phone calls into digital information for fast and efficient transmission. While this requires a reasonably fast internet connection and can be a little more demanding to set up than conventional phone service, the benefits are often not only profound but long-lasting. 

Going through VOIP lets you enjoy a cheap, flexible service for small businesses and scalable discounts to larger, established firms - lowering the cost of communicating with your employees, partners and clients and bringing easy-to-use features to your employees’ work. While choosing a provider can play a major role, deciding the physical VOIP compliant hardware is also a must. This is why we often recommend deploying a Mitel VOIP system to our customers – combining affordability and functionality into one unit. 

What is the Mitel System? 


Mitel is a well-respected, innovative hardware provider for VOIP technologies – with their range of phones and comprehensive VOIP service provision earning them a $1.3bn in global revenue, they have a leading market share in Europe, and well over 1600 applications and patents to their name. 

The Mitel VoIP phone system range includes affordable entry-level handsets to sophisticated speakerphones, docks and headsets with a range of different options. The system is controlled through the Mitel MiCloud platform that empowers you to give your system-users distinct profiles and privileges, helping you provide controlled and tiered access to your system. 

In How To Guide, Advice Guide, phone system, voip

What Is A VoIP Phone System?

January 22, 2019 | by Nathan Hill-Haimes

A VoIP phone system, or Voice Over Internet Protocol voice system, is a type of telephony system which utilises an internet connection in order to facilitate telephone calls. In the past few years it has emerged as a viable, and in some cases more effective, alternative to traditional telephony systems. 

In How To Guide, Advice Guide, phone system, voip

5 Best Business VoIP Phone System Options

January 22, 2019 | by Nathan Hill-Haimes

Amvia excel when it comes to advising business organisations about the best business VoIP phone system most suited to their requirements. We're sector leaders in the arena of UK telephony and are pleased to offer the following review of the top five business VoIP phone systems available at the moment, in no particular order. 

In How To Guide, Advice Guide, phone system, voip

What are the advantages of VoIP for businesses?

January 21, 2019 | by Nathan Hill-Haimes

Increasing numbers of UK businesses are switching their telephony to VoIP providers, because it really is the future for communications and offers organisations of all sizes lots of valuable benefits. Modern communications methods are changing, and businesses can't just rely on telephone calls nowadays, and that's why VoIP is such an excellent and comprehensive solution. 

Amvia work with any sort of business to streamline and simplify telecoms so they complement requirements exactly. If you're wondering exactly what are the advantages of VoIP, take the time to read through our brief update below. 

Benefits of VoIP for business users



1. Saves your business money

In How To Guide, Advice Guide, phone system, voip

List Of VoIP Providers

January 18, 2019 | by Nathan Hill-Haimes

There are over 50 UK VOIP providers, so if you are looking to understand who the major UK VoIP providers are you're in the right place. In this article you'll find a list of VOIP providers with the best technology and expertise in the UK.

In How To Guide, Advice Guide, phone system, voip

How Much Bandwidth Do I Need For VoIP?

January 7, 2019 | by Nathan Hill-Haimes

Businesses throughout the UK are replacing old legacy phone systems and replacing them with voice over IP (VOIP phone system)telephone systems.

In Advice Guide, phone system, voip

VOIP Provider Comparison

September 17, 2018 | by Nathan Hill-Haimes

If you are looking to make a VoIP providers comparison then you're in the right place.

As businesses decide to move away from traditional ISDN services, there are a multitude of VoIP providers helping businesses make the switch.

This is a sector with a low barrier to entry which means providers of all kinds are flooding onto the market. If you’re a business trying to find the right VoIP solution, it can feel daunting due to the sheer number of options.

In this guide we review the leading providers, investigate the pro's and cons, so that you can make the best choice of VoIP provider for your business.

In How To Guide, Advice Guide, phone system, voip

Virgin VOIP & Your Business

September 13, 2018 | by Nathan Hill-Haimes

Last year, Virgin Media announced a relatively tentative move into the VOIP space as it started a limited deployment of its VOIP technology to replace its existing line rental services. At first the scheme is being kept to those areas where it has already deployed its fibre-to-the-premise (FTTP) technology. 

In How To Guide, voip, Virgin VoIP

Choosing The Best Business VOIP Providers

September 12, 2018 | by Nathan Hill-Haimes

Landlines? Where we’re going we don’t need landlines, we need voip providers. More and more businesses are casting their eyes forward to a world beyond hardwired telephone lines to business voice over internet protocol (VOIP) offering integrated communications including voice, video, instant messaging, mobile and cloud applications.

In How To Guide, voip

The BT VOIP Phone Switch

September 10, 2018 | by Nathan Hill-Haimes

BT’s announcement that it will be switching off its ISDN and PSTN services by 2025 is a bit of a landmark moment in telephony services. This has been the fundamental technology underpinning landlines for decades and its end is just part of our further transition into a fully digital age. So, what does this mean for businesses? 

In phone system, voip, BT

BT Cloud Phone Arrival Means Analogue is Dead

September 6, 2018 | by Nathan Hill-Haimes

Towards the end of last year, BT announced it would launch it's VOIP phone system BT Cloud Phone and soon be switching off its PSTN and ISDN services. By 2025, it will have moved to an all-IP service which means businesses still using traditional technology will have eight years to find an alternative. The chances are, though, that most won’t wait that long.


In phone system, voip

VoIP Phone Line

May 16, 2018 | by Nathan Hill-Haimes

Phone lines have been with us for quite a while, over a century in fact, so it’s no surprise VoIP phone lines are appearing as an alternative. By 2025, phones lines as we know them will be gone, replaced with a digital alternative that is far more glamorous. The name of this alternative? Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP for short.

In Advice Guide, phone system, voip

UK VoIP Provider Comparison

May 15, 2018 | by Nathan Hill-Haimes

VoIP providers enable you to use your phone system over your internet connection instead of using a traditional phone line, ISDN or PSTN. If your business is considering a voice over IP telephone system then read on, in this in depth UK VoIP provider comparison.

In Advice Guide, phone system, voip

VoIP Phone System For Business: The Essential Guide

May 14, 2018 | by Nathan Hill-Haimes

VoIP, known more commonly as internet telephony, or voice over IP, is a way of making phone calls without using a phone line. If you want to use VoIP you'll need a VoIP phone system for your business. If you're looking to find out how business voip works, then read below, as we explain everything you need to know.

In Advice Guide, phone system, voip
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