Fixed vs. non-fixed VoIP: What businesses need to know

A VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system can save you money and time, and give you a feature-rich and mobile-friendly business phone. But before you decide to get one, it’s good to understand the difference between non-fixed VoIP and fixed VoIP.

Like any other technology, VoIP has its advantages and disadvantages. This article will explain non-fixed VoIP and fixed VoIP and their pros and cons. This will help you choose the right VoIP phone system for your business.

What is a fixed VoIP phone number?

Unlike traditional landlines or mobile phones, VoIP works over the internet. By converting voice into digital packets, VoIP allows users to make and receive calls over their internet connections.

With fixed VoIP, the phone number is linked to a physical address. A fixed VoIP phone number would have an account holder and the address of a business or residence attached to it.

What is a non-fixed VoIP phone number?

A non-fixed VoIP number isn’t linked to a physical location. That’s why it’s also called a virtual number. It has all the features of a fixed VoIP number but offers more mobility and flexibility. Businesses can use it to reach customers beyond a geographical location.

Your business doesn’t need a physical address to get a non-fixed VoIP number. This makes it the right solution for remote teams and for businesses with global customers. Non-fixed VoIP numbers are easier to get. There are also free VoIP numbers but they do have their disadvantages.

Pros and cons of fixed VoIP phone numbers

Fixed VoIP numbers do come with certain advantages that make them attractive for businesses.

Pros of fixed VoIP phone numbers

Better credibility

When a phone number is attached to a physical address, the business looks credible. This is especially true for those businesses dealing only with a limited number of customers or those that have been in that location for a long time.

Easier association

With a fixed VoIP number, customers would associate the firm with that region. When you make calls to customers in the locality, they would know that it’s from a local business.

Emergency response

Since a fixed VoIP number is linked to an address, in case of an emergency, it’s easier for responders to trace the call to the physical location.

Cons of fixed VoIP phone numbers

Limited presence

Fixed VoIP phone numbers limit you to a location. If you have global customers, it would be difficult for you to build a presence.

Unsuitable for remote work

It will be difficult to use the number in case you or your team members want to work from home. This will be a major problem for businesses with remote or hybrid teams.

Expensive monthly bills

Fixed VoIP phone numbers are also more expensive for long-distance and international calls. If you have offices or customers abroad, you’re looking at higher monthly bills.

Pros and cons of non-fixed VoIP phone numbers

To understand whether a non-fixed VoIP number is the right choice for you, let’s look at its advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of non-fixed VoIP phone numbers

Easier to set up

You don’t have to call the VoIP provider and wait for installation. You can just download the virtual number and start making and receiving calls.

No need for a location

You don’t need a physical location to use a non-fixed VoIP number. You can choose one to match your customer’s location without having to set up an office there.

Remote-friendly

It’s easier to connect a non-fixed VoIP number to remotely placed employees. You can give everyone a direct number by matching their number to the company format.

Cheaper subscription plans

Non-fixed VoIP numbers typically have cheaper bills, especially for long-distance and international calls.

Cons of non-fixed VoIP phone numbers

Problems with emergency services

Since your phone number isn’t attached to a location, emergency responders won’t be able to precisely locate you.

Vulnerable to scammers

Non-fixed VoIP numbers used to be the preferred option for scammers since there was no location tied to them. But this can be solved by listing your business on online directories.

Non-fixed VoIP system: Why it is the right choice for your business

A non-fixed VoIP system is the right choice for small businesses, startups, independent creatives and anyone else who needs a flexible, inexpensive and dynamic solution. It’s easier to set up and lets you manage your work from anywhere.

You can engage with global customers to grow your business while keeping costs low. Non-fixed VoIP systems also come with advanced business tools to help your business grow.

Because it’s remote-friendly and easier to assign numbers, a non-fixed VoIP phone system also makes it easy for you to hire team members.

Chalkboard: A non-fixed VoIP phone system for modern, growing businesses

A non-fixed VoIP phone system that’s built for the demands of modern businesses. With Chalkboard, you can get your second number for work by merely downloading the app. Team members can share their numbers, which will unify business communication and increase collaboration.

Chalkboard comes with messaging and broadcast SMS, and auto-reply lets you respond to calls you may not be able to take.

Download Chalkboard and try it now. It’s the non-fixed VoIP number built for growing small businesses.