Mobile VoIP
Throughout the years, standard VoIP has increased in reputation and is now very much a recognised name in the trade. The range of benefits that VoIP has to offer is the reason so many businesses are switching over from standard PSTN lines. However, one particular component which I think is vital to its success comes in the form of mobile VoIP or mVoIP. A product that is also gaining a substantial amount of attention.
What is mVoIP?
Mobile VoIP is an additional component for regular VoIP and uses the services of VoIP but via a mobile device providing there is data connection. Essentially, it’s an extension of mobility for VoIP.
It makes a voice call via your private PBX supplier’s service using a software application that runs off your mobile data connection.
How does it Work?
Even though the properties and functionalities are very similar, the method of using mVoIP is actually different. As it is mainly run through a downloadable application.
Several apps are available on the market to download (Prices Vary) and your details will still be the same as your service provider account.
Why is mVoIP so good?
With an impressive array of benefits, mVoIP is for sure a very attractive method to use. Below is a list of all its advantages it can bring to you and your business:
Cost – Mobile call rate generally costs considerably less. However, the amount of savings you can produce while using mVoIP depend mainly on the habits and needs and requirements of the service you are currently using.
Functionality – Everything your PBX can do, your mobile phone will too. To name but a few: Call recording, Voicemail, Voicemail to email, Call forwarding, Conference calling
Increased Productivity – If you have of VoIP’s productivity then this applies as well to mVoIP. Business can run not only outside the office but wherever and almost whenever.
Flexible – For people who travel consistently, a main issue for them would be that they are not at their desk where their VoIP system is based. However, mVoIP can erase this problem because your VoIP is basically travelling with you wherever you go via your mobile and app. Essential calls can be made and received meaning you won’t miss out on any important opportunities.
Why isn’t mVoIP so good?
Like most things in the IP and telephony advancement, mVoIP does also have its cons. The cons are definitely something to consider:
Battery – Being mobile is great however; being on your phone constantly depletes battery life. If you’re using mVoIP it is constantly connected so the more you are using mVoIP the quicker the battery dies.
Security – When running calls over data you need to make sure everything is secure. This could mean no private information is being broadcasted and all personal details are kept safe. You could say mVoIP makes you vulnerable to security risk because it’s an open public service.
Reliant – Your phone is always relying on a strong signal or at least a signal, without this the call quality will suffer. The mVoIP is based on IP networks such as 3/4G, Wi-Fi, and GPRS etc. It is the basic component of mobile telephony. If you want unlimited access and free voice calls outside your PC, you must have an Internet connection via your mobile phone or other mobile communication devices. To get the best results, data has to be running continuously which isn’t always a guarantee. Wi-Fi is also an option but hotspots are limited.
Quality – Your mobile phone will be using data services meaning there is not much guaranteeing the quality of the call will be good.
Conclusion
Personally, I believe mVoIP’s pros definitely outweigh the minor cons because the bigger picture suggests that the future for mVoIP is beginning to look very promising and there is obviously a reason why businesses are already investing into mVoIP. In a press release from Juniper Research, they stated that the total number of mobile VoIP users is expected to be 1 billion by the year 2017 (just mobile VoIP users). It is clear to see mVoIP is taking off with VoIP and it seems it is ever growing.
