How does internet phone service work?

Internet phone systems use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to deliver voice communications and other multimedia through the internet. When you make an internet call, your voice is transmitted from the phone and is then digitized into data packets. Each data packet is sent over the internet to a specific destination and reconverted back to voice to complete the call. A VoIP internet call sounds exactly like a traditional landline call, thanks to advancements in digital and telecommunications technology.

How is VoIP used?

With Voice Over Internet, phone calls can be routed through any internet connection, even Wi-Fi®, and to other phone systems including landlines or cell phones. Did you know that the phone service that many cable companies throw into a bundle is often internet phone service?

VoIP technology can be implemented anywhere with an internet connection, allowing for a wide variety of uses.

Business woman using an internet phone provider at her work

Business

With increased internet bandwidth, businesses are also using VoIP technology into their offices. Companies of all sizes appreciate not having to maintain and house a PBX system on their premise. Plus, a VoIP system is easy to use and add new lines as companies grow. The technology is similar to VoIP (voice over internet protocol), with a few key differences:

  • Single network use: Both data and voice controls can run over a single network, which helps companies of all sizes cut down on infrastructure costs.
  • Softphones: Businesses can use the internet phone features with software on a networked computer that shows a dashboard and a dial pad.
  • Unified communications: VoIP solutions allow businesses to treat all communications under one handset. This can include phone calls, fax, voicemail, videoconferencing and more.
  • Dual-mode phones: As the workforce becomes increasingly mobile, voice over internet protocol technology has bridged the gap between smartphones and desk phones with Wi-Fi® networks. This simplifies communications with fewer devices to manage, and less maintenance and upgrades to plan and execute.

Two reasons to get an internet phone system

Business owners cite two major reasons why they switched from traditional landline phones to VoIP: affordability and more features.

Internet phones reduce traditional phone bills - cutting cord image

VoIP reduces monthly phone bills

Saving money on expensive phone bills may be the biggest reason business owners switch to VoIP. In general, internet phone services like Ooma cost far less compared to traditional landlines.

For business, you don’t have to pay for a lengthy or costly installation process, either. Most of the systems include a do-it-yourself setup, meaning you pay less and can have your phone service up and running in minutes.

VoIP service offers more features

You still get all the features you love like voicemails, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Blocking—but it generally costs much less than landline phone service. The good news is that VoIP phones offer more options than traditional landline phones.

Here are a few features you can expect with Ooma’s VoIP technology:

  • Mobile apps for iOS (Apple) and Android devices
  • Low international calling rates
  • Call Blocking
  • Virtual Receptionist for business accounts
  • Set up Ooma yourself—no need to wait around for a technician

    Ooma makes it easy to set up internet phone service. So easy, that most business customers can begin making calls within 15 minutes of setting up their phones. Chances are great that you’ll be able to keep your phone number. And you don’t need to buy new phones, although nobody will judge you if you want some shiny IP phones to go along with your brand-new service.

    Ready to compare Ooma internet phone service costs and features?

    All Ooma plans come with:
    Real time customer support
    Fast internet calling
    Easy phone management
    Because you chose
    Billing cycle: monthly
    Recommended

    Essentials

    $19.95

    Per User / Per Month
    No Contract Necessary
    • Essentials includes:
    • 50+ Standard Features
    • Unlimited Calling in US, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico
    • Virtual Receptionist
    • Mobile App
    • 50+ Standard Features, and the features you’re interested in:
    • Also
    Most Popular

    Pro

    $24.95

    Per User / Per Month
    No Contract Necessary
    • Everything in Essentials
    • Desktop App
    • Text Messaging
    • Videoconferencing
      (up to 25 participants)
    • Call Recording
    • Everything in Essentials, and the features you’re interested in:
    • Also
    • And More!
    Best Value

    Pro Plus

    $29.95

    Per User / Per Month
    No Contract Necessary
    • Everything in Pro
    • CRM Integration
    • Videoconferencing
      (up to 100 participants)
    • Hot Desking
    • Call Queuing
    • Everything in Pro, and the features you’re interested in:
    • Also
    • And More!

    Essentials

    SELECT PLAN
    Call Management Features
    • Virtual Receptionist
    • Call Park
    • Ring Groups
    • Music on Hold
    • Transfer Music
    • Extension Dialing
    • Extension Monitoring
    • Call Forwarding
    • Virtual Extensions
    • Voicemail
    • Call Transfer
    • Flexible Numbering
    • Company Directory
    • Call Logs
    • One Conference Bridge per User
    • Forward Calls During Device Outages
    • Virtual Fax
    • Distinctive Ringtones
    • 3-Way Calling
    • 3-Digit Extensions
    • 7-Digit Dialing
    • Call Blocking
    • Intercom
    • Overhead Paging Support
    • Paging Groups
    • IP Phone Paging
    Setup
    • Easy Installation
    • User Portal
    • Bulk CSV Upload for IP Phones
    • Analog Fax Machine Support
    Mobility Features
    • Mobile App (iOS and Android)
    • Simultaneous Ring
    • Voicemail-to-Email Audio File
    • Extension Dialing to App
    • Call Transfer from App
    • Call Flip
    • Virtual Fax
    Calling Features
    • Unlimited Calling in U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico
    • Low international rates
    • 911 Service
    • FREE Number Transfer
    • (includes 500 minutes of inbound calls per month)
    • Main Company Number
    • One Direct-dial Number per User

    Pro

    SELECT PLAN
    • Everything in Essentials
    • Desktop App
    • Text Messaging
    • Videoconferencing (up to 25 participants)
    • Call Recording
    • Enhanced Call Blocking
    • Voicemail transcription
    • Caller Info Match
    • Dynamic Caller ID
    • Office 365 and Google Integration
    • Analytics
    • Analytics User Leaderboard

    Pro Plus

    SELECT PLAN
    • Everything in Pro
    • Call Queues
    • CRM Integration
    • Videoconferencing (up to 100 participants)
    • Microsoft 365 Integration
    • Advanced Call Management
    • Ooma Meetings Recording
    • Hot Desking
    • Find Me, Follow Me
    • Digital Call Deflection
    • Call Screening

    What features are you interested in?





    Recommended

    Essentials

    $19.95

    Per User / Per Month
    No Contract Necessary
    • Essentials includes:
    • 50+ Standard Features
    • Unlimited Calling in US, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico
    • Virtual Receptionist
    • Mobile App
    • 50+ Standard Features, and the features you’re interested in:
    • Also
    Most Popular

    Pro

    $24.95

    Per User / Per Month
    No Contract Necessary
    • Everything in Essentials
    • Desktop App
    • Text Messaging
    • Videoconferencing
      (up to 25 participants)
    • Call Recording
    • Everything in Essentials, and the features you’re interested in:
    • Also
    • And More!
    Best Value

    Pro Plus

    $29.95

    Per User / Per Month
    No Contract Necessary
    • Everything in Pro
    • CRM Integration
    • Videoconferencing
      (up to 100 participants)
    • Hot Desking
    • Call Queuing
    • Everything in Pro, and the features you’re interested in:
    • Also
    • And More!
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    Customer feedback about VoIP

    When researching VoIP service providers, find out what customers say regarding their experiences. For example, PC Magazine surveys its readers every year and Ooma has won the Business Choice Award for Best VoIP System for 10 years running. The survey asks readers about overall satisfaction, installation, cost, reliability, ease of use, tech support, call quality, system management, mobile support and likelihood to recommend. See what other reviewers say about Ooma:

    Frequently Asked Questions