What Internet Speed Do I Need for VoIP Phones

Rohan Mathew

In the modern business world, VoIP platforms are popular than any other communication channel. Do you know why? The primary reason for the popularity of VoIP platforms is that they are cost-efficient as they reduce monthly expenses from 50%-75%. Moreover, these VoIP phones offer mobility for your business and communication at a speed that is needed for business growth. Are you missing your important calls and messages? Then VoIP is your savior! 

VoIP service ensures that no calls from you clients and customer go unnoticed. Most VoIP service providers will let your customers reach you at your Facebook Messenger or your business WhatsApp while increasing the credibility of your business.  VoIP software provides you with advance calling features, excellent voice quality, and many other services. You can get rid of your outdated, traditional telephone and switch to a new way of communication.  Regardless of its popularity and convenience, most individuals still revolve around the common myths about VoIP. The most popular myth is about the internet bandwidth and the impact of other factors on your VoIP calls. Here we have busted common myths about internet speed and VoIP services.

What is the minimum speed required for your VoIP phones to function well?

According to VoIP service providers, your system needs an internet speed of fewer than 0.5 Mbps download. That is too low, right?  Do you know that streaming a YouTube video will require six times more internet speed than your VoIP service? Do you know that scrolling your social media requires an internet speed of 1 Mbps?

Therefore, if you have an internet connection that can handle your Netflix and other social media networks, it is sufficient for your VoIP too! Moreover, the VoIP internet requirement varies on the number of frequent calls you are making. For instance, if you are making 1 – 3 calls, the minimum internet speed you need is 100 to 500 kbps. The requirement for internet speed with VoIP increases with the number of calls that you are making to increase the quality of your calls. Most internet phone companies offer a free VOIP service. However, if you have no idea about internet speeds and bandwidths, you do not have to worry. Most internet providers will recommend a specific internet speed, which will run smoothly with the type of VoIP service you choose.

How can you identify bandwidth speed?

When you buy internet service, the salesperson will tell you about the speed that you will be getting. For example, if you purchase internet with a speed of 50 Mbps, you might think that this is the speed you would be getting. However, it is not the actual reflection of your internet speed.    Here is how you can identify the actual speed of your internet:

  •         Check the download speed in megabits that you can download in a second.
  •         Check the upload speed to ensure the quality of VoIP within your workplace.
  •         Identify the ping rate, which is the reaction time measured in milliseconds.

Apart from the speed of your internet, other factors affect the quality of your VoIP calls. Here we have listed and described each one:

  1.       The quality of your broadband:

The durability and the quality of your broadband play a vital role in the smooth performance of your VoIP service. Your VoIP setup can be impacted due to a consistently disturbing internet connection. We recommend you work with an internet service provider who can guarantee a high-quality and uninterrupted internet connection.

  1.       The type of codec:

Every business that uses a VoIP service uses a telephony system that liquefies the audio signals at one end and de-liquefy them at the other end. The type of codec you use will significantly impact the quality of your VoIP experience.

  1.       Having a piece of outdated equipment:

You are more likely to experience a poor VoIP transmission when you have an outdated router, inferior cable modem, and an ineffective firewall. If you want to improve and maintain the quality of your calls, ensure that the equipment you are using is updated. Working with a quality VoIP service provider can help you eliminate these issues and provide you with a real-time solution.

  1.       Voice Echo:

When IP media is transferred and converted into digital voice signals, it can create an echo problem. There are two types of echo that you might face – hybrid and acoustic echo. The best solution to fight voice echo is to work with a vendor closely monitoring and offering echo cancellation.

Are you wondering how you can choose the best VoIP service? We can help you!

Here are some tips for choosing the right VoIP provider:

  1.       Understand your requirements and pick a provider accordingly.
  2.       Once you have specified your needs, make a budget and decide how much you are willing to spend.
  3.       Last and most importantly – ensure that the VoIP service you use is safe and offers the necessary security for business communication.