What is a VoIP cell phone?

Cell phones, and more specifically smartphones, have changed the world. They have made us more connected, allowing us to access each other via voice, text and video at any moment. Thanks to their web browsers, we have the world’s information at our finger tips at all times.

At the same time has come the rise of the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone at home and in the office. Over the years, these two emerging technologies have found a way to come together: the VoIP cell phone.

How does a VoIP cell phone work?

Before we move forward, it’s important to understand what is a VoIP phone. Simply, a VoIP phone converts audio into multiple data packets. These data packets are compressed and sent across the internet to a receiving device, where they are converted back into audio. To the person on the other end it sounds the same as a regular call. This contrasts with how traditional phones used to send audio, over outdated technology like copper wires.

VoIP cell phones aren’t actually a separate category of hardware. Instead, this term refers to any app that lets you make a phone call over the internet using a smartphone’s data network. The data can be sent over a 3G, 4G LTE, 5G or even a Wi-Fi® connection.

It’s important to draw a distinction between a VoIP cell phone call and a cellular call. Cellular calls use a separate technology, with the most recent being Voice over 5G, aka Vo5G. Previously, calls made on your cell phone used Voice over LTE, aka VoLTE. VoIP cell phone calls instead use the version of 4G LTE and 5G that you’re more familiar with, the one that lets you browse the web, make video calls and look at cute cat videos on Instagram.

What are the benefits of VoIP cell phones?

It doesn’t matter whether you’re working remotely or from home, VoIP cell phones can help you be more efficient.

The biggest advantage to a VoIP cell phone is that it allows you to separate your personal and business calls. Because our smartphones are always with us, we may be tempted to use our personal number for business reasons. However, this can erode our work life balance and, if you’re a contractor, make tax season a little more difficult.

With a VoIP cell phone, aka your VoIP business phone mobile app, you can answer business calls on your smartphone. And with the Ooma Office mobile app, you’ll immediately be able to tell your business calls from your personal calls so you can answer in your professional voice.

But that’s not all. Let’s take a look at some more benefits of mobile VoIP:

• Cheaper global calls: By connecting to Wi-Fi, VoIP calls to international numbers are far less expensive than typical cellular calls.

• Be on call from anywhere: Mobile VoIP is particularly useful for employees on the road, like consultants or sales teams, because they can answer calls to their office extension from their mobile phone.

• Enhanced features: Advanced VoIP features usually apply to mobile VoIP as well, meaning that your employees’ smartphones can support features like group chat, videoconferencing, call recording, virtual faxing and voicemail transcription.

• Cost-effective: When employees use the internet to place calls, most companies slash their phone bills by up to 50 percent.

• Happier employees: People already know how to use cell phones一they use them every day. Allowing your VoIP service to work on employees’ smartphones can reduce frustration.

• Enhanced security: Business calls often include sensitive or even confidential topics. Some VoIP providers offer encryption to ensure your calls are safe and protected.

Get started with VoIP for cell phones

The power of VoIP in your pocket can change the way you do business. Whether it’s helping you and your employees maintain a better work/life balance or giving you access to powerful tools anywhere you are, it can open up a world of possibilities.

If you’re ready to look for a VoIP business phone service that’s compatible with your smartphone, make sure it has apps for both iOS and Android as well as desktop computers. Ooma Office is one such service, allowing you to take your business calls anywhere on any device. Ooma Office starts at just $19.95 per user per month. To learn more, you can also head over to see the cost of VoIP small business phones.