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:
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    Ooma 2602 IP Phone Product Image
    0

    Ooma 2602

    2-line phone with 5-way
    voice conferencing.
    BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE

    https://office.ooma.com/signupv3?source=ooma&country=CA&cart_skus=3405:1;3400:1;69:1&num_users=1&offer=2X2602_CA
    $74.99
    Save: $75
    Ooma 2603 IP Phone Product Image
    0

    Ooma 2603P

    Features advanced HD audio, noise reduction, 5-way conferencing.
    BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE

    https://office.ooma.com/signupv3?source=ooma&country=CA&cart_skus=3437:1;3432:1;69:1&num_users=1&offer=2X2603_CA
    $109.99
    Save: $110
    Ooma T34W Wifi IP Phone Product Image
    0

    Yealink T34W

    Features high-performance Wi-Fi & HD audio, supports USB headsets, 5-way conferencing.

    https://office.ooma.com/signupv3?source=ooma&country=CA&cart_skus=4879:1&num_users=1&offer=NXT34W_CA
    $159.99
    Ooma T31W Wifi IP Phone Product Image
    0

    Yealink T31W

    Features flexible Wi-Fi comms with smart noise filter, 5-way conferencing.

    https://office.ooma.com/signupv3?source=ooma&country=CA&cart_skus=4861:1&num_users=1&offer=NXT31W_CA
    $99.99
    Ooma 2670W Phone Product Image
    0

    Ooma 2670W

    Features superior sound, multi-line, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 7-inch touchscreen, 12 lines.

    https://office.ooma.com/signupv3?source=ooma&country=CA&cart_skus=3851:1&num_users=1&offer=NX2670W_CA
    $329.99

    Subtotals

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    One-time activation fee: $49.95
    Due today (plus taxes) : $49.95
    Your monthly fee, for users: $
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    Essentials

    $24.95

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    • Mobile App
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    Pro

    $29.95

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      (up to 25 participants)
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    • Videoconferencing
      (up to 100 participants)
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    Pro Plus

    $34.95

    Per User / Per Month
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    100+ Standard Features
    Virtual receptionist
    Ring groups
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    One Toll-free Number
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    Mobile App
    Email Audio Attachments
    Desktop App
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    Setup
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    What features are you interested in?






    Recommended

    Essentials

    $24.95

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

    Pro

    $29.95

    Per User / Per Month
    No Contract Necessary
    • Everything in Essentials
    • Desktop App
    • Text Messaging
      up to 100 per month Need more messages? Contact Sales for complementary quote. 877-353-5185
    • Videoconferencing
      (up to 25 participants)
    • Call Recording
    • Everything in Essentials, and the features you’re interested in:
    • Also
    • And More!
    Best Value

    Pro Plus

    $34.95

    Per User / Per Month
    No Contract Necessary
    • Everything in Pro
    • CRM Integration
    • Text Messaging
      up to 400 per month Need more messages? Contact Sales for complementary quote. 877-353-5185
    • Videoconferencing
      (up to 100 participants)
    • Team Chat
    • Hot Desking
    • Call Queuing
    • Everything in Pro, and the features you’re interested in:
    • Also
    • And More!
    Most Popular Best Value

    Essentials

    $24.95

    Per User / Per Month
    No Contract Necessary

    Pro

    $29.95

    Per User / Per Month
    No Contract Necessary

    Pro Plus

    $34.95

    Per User / Per Month
    No Contract Necessary
    100+ Standard Features
    Virtual receptionist
    Ring groups
    Music on hold
    One Toll-free Number
    Digital Fax
    Mobile App
    Email Audio Attachments
    Desktop App
    Videoconferencing
    Call Recording
    Enhanced Call Blocking
    Voicemail transcription
    Caller Info Match
    Dynamic Caller ID
    Google and Office 365 Integrations
    Call Analytics
    Call Queuing
    Salesforce Integration
    Hot Desking
    Find Me, Follow Me
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    Key Calling Features
    Unlimited Calling in U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico
    i
    Unlimited calls to mobile phones and landlines in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
    Low International Rates
    i
    Minimal per-minute fee charged for outbound calls made to countries outside of the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
    911 Service
    i
    Connects 911 calls to local responders, ensuring fast emergency response.
    FREE Number Transfer
    i
    Transfer (port) your existing business phone number from your old phone company to Ooma.
    One FREE Toll-Free Number
    i
    Enable callers to reach your business from anywhere in the U.S. without paying long-distance fees.
    500 minutes of inbound calls per month 500 minutes of inbound calls per month 500 minutes of inbound calls per month
    Main Company Number
    i
    Primary business phone number that can be set up with a new account, or ported from a previous service.
    One Direct-Dial Number Per User
    i
    Unique phone number for each user that can be dialed directly.
    Easy Installation
    i
    Deploy Ooma Office in about 15 minutes without technical expertise.
    Administration and Support
    User Management Portal
    i
    Each user has their own login to the End User Portal so they can manage extension preferences.
    Multi-site Admin and Management
    i
    Whether your business has a single small presence or multiple locations across a city or state, Ooma Office can easily accommodate as many locations as necessary.
    Bulk User Import
    i
    Add many users to system at one time using easy bulk importing.
    24×7 Customer Support
    i
    Customer care agents are available 24x7x365 whenever you need assistance
    Call Management Features
    Virtual Receptionist
    i
    Greet and direct callers to the right employees or departments without picking up the phone. Answer questions like office directions and operating hours; play on hold music and promotional messages.
    Virtual Receptionist with Unique Greetings, Menus and Actions
    Analog Fax Machine Support
    i
    Analog fax machine support enables seamless faxing over traditional phone lines in VoIP systems.
    Call Park
    i
    Place an active caller on hold in a user-defined “parking spot” so other team members can retrieve the call.
    Call Park for Desktop App
    i
    Place active calls on hold in a user-defined parking spot, so they can be retrieved by other users.
    Music On Hold
    i
    Play pre-recorded audio messages or music as callers are placed on hold.
    Transfer Music
    i
    Engage callers with music while they wait for calls to be transferred.
    Extension Dialing
    i
    Extension dialing options to meet the needs for your business.
    Extension Monitoring
    i
    Monitor status of Ooma Office user extensions and perform a variety of actions with a single click.
    Call Forwarding
    i
    When turned on, all incoming calls to an extension are temporarily redirected to a specified number.
    Virtual Extensions
    i
    User extensions assigned to each user that will be making or receiving calls.
    Voicemail
    i
    Every user extension comes with a private voicemail that is automatically set up when the extension is created.
    Call Transfer
    i
    Transfer calls blindly, announce or explain the transfer, or directly transfer calls to an extension’s voice mail.
    Company Directory
    i
    Digital phonebook listing employee names and extensions for easy call routing.
    Call Logs
    i
    View history of all incoming and outgoing calls. Individual and admin views available.
    One Conference Bridge per User
    i
    Virtual meeting space for multiple participants to join a single VoIP call, enabling real-time audio collaboration.
    Forward Calls During Device Outages
    i
    Transfer calls to other active numbers or devices if outages occur.
    Virtual Fax
    i
    Send and receive faxes from anywhere using digital technology instead of an analog fax machine.
    Distinctive Ringtones
    i
    Unique ringtones that can be assigned to individual users or extensions for easy recognition.
    3-Way Calling
    i
    Connect and communicate with two other people in a single call.
    7-Digit Dialing
    i
    Call local numbers easily without entering the area code.
    Call Blocking
    i
    Block specific phone numbers from reaching any extension, individually or in bulk.
    Intercom
    i
    Users dial an Ooma Office extension and have the receiving device pick up calls with its speakerphone, creating a two-way audio call.
    Overhead Paging
    i
    Link existing overhead paging system to Ooma Office phones.
    Paging Groups
    i
    Page specific departments such as sales, customer service, inventory, accounting and more.
    IP Phone Paging
    i
    One-way voice announcement sent to multiple IP phones, allowing users to make public announcements or notifications over the phone system.
    Flexible Numbering
    i
    Assign user extensions from 1000 to 9999.
    3-Digit Extensions
    i
    Enables direct dialing to specific departments or staff using just 3 numbers.
    Enhanced Call Blocking
    i
    Stop robocalls by screening incoming calls against more than 2M known spam numbers.
    Voicemail Transcription
    i
    Every user extension comes with a private voicemail that is automatically set up when the extension is created.
    Call Recording
    i
    On demand and always-on recording enables you to easily archive and retrieve phone conversations.
    Dynamic Caller ID
    i
    Assign star codes to empower users to change their caller-ID name and number on the fly.
    Hot Desking
    i
    Users log into any unassigned IP phone to make and receive calls just as they would from the phone assigned to their extension.
    Find Me, Follow Me
    i
    Receive calls on multiple devices that ring at once or in sequence.
    Shared Voicemail Boxes
    i
    Up to 10 voicemail boxes can be accessed and monitored by multiple users.
    Call Screening
    i
    Ask callers to record their name as an extra layer of protection against phone spam.
    Mobility Features
    Desktop App for Windows
    i
    Convenient desktop app so employees can use the business phone system right from their Windows computer.
    Yes (without calling)
    Desktop App for Mac
    i
    Convenient desktop app so employees can use the business phone system right from their Mac computer.
    Yes (without calling)
    Desktop App for Google Chrome
    i
    Convenient desktop app so employees can use the business phone system right from their Google Chrome computer.
    Yes (without calling)
    Mobile App for iOS
    i
    Ooma Office application for IOS smartphones that provides access to VoIP service while away from your office phone.
    Mobile App for Android
    i
    Ooma Office application for Android smartphones that provides access to VoIP service while away from your office phone.
    Simultaneous Ring
    i
    Enable multiple phones to ring in unison, providing flexibility to answer calls from any device or location.
    Voicemail-to-Email Audio Files
    i
    Voicemail can be sent directly to a user’s email for easy, on-the-go listening with an attached audio file.
    Extension Dialing to App
    i
    Send calls from extensions to mobile app.
    Call Transfer from App
    i
    Transfer mobile calls to an extension, voicemail or personal phone number.
    Call Flip
    i
    Seamlessly transfer an active call between devices without interruption.
    Virtual Fax
    i
    Send and receive faxes from anywhere using digital technology instead of an analog fax machine.
    Team Collaboration
    Conference Calling
    i
    Participate in conference calls from anywhere at any time by dialing into a conference bridge from a desk phone, mobile phone, or from the Ooma Office Desktop App.
    Up to 10 participants Up to 25 participants Up to 100 participants
    Videoconferencing
    i
    Intuitive video meetings platform that enables teams to collaborate from wherever, whenever
    Up to 25 participants Up to 100 participants
    Microsoft Office 365 Calendar Integration
    i
    Connect Ooma Meetings accounts with Microsoft calendars to have all meetings listed in one view.
    Google Calendar Integration
    i
    Connect Ooma Meetings to Google calendar accounts to see all meetings listed in one view
    Simultaneous Screen Sharing
    i
    Ooma Meetings empowers two or more people to share screens simultaneously.
    Videoconferencing Recording
    i
    Record meetings to access or download later.
    Online Whiteboarding
    i
    Enables users to draw, present and export ideas to transform ordinary video meetings into faster, more fluid collaboration.
    Team Chat
    i
    Communicate and collaborate with colleagues in real time.
    Team Presence
    i
    Gain insights into employee availability statuses (online, offline, on a call and busy) in real-time.
    Text Messaging
    Text Messaging
    i
    Send and receive text messages from smartphones, tablets, desktops or laptops.
    100 messages per month 400 messages per month
    Bulk SMS Packages
    i
    Purchase additional SMS messages in bulk at discounted prices.
    Call us at 866-343-7929 for Quote Call us at 866-343-7929 for Quote
    Scheduled Messages
    i
    Compose and schedule text messages to be sent at any date and time.
    Messaging Templates
    i
    Store text messages for easy reuse in the future.
    One-to-Many Messaging
    i
    Send the same text message to a group of recipients individually without having to retype each message.
    Customer Engagement
    Ring Groups
    i
    Send incoming calls to specific groups like sales, customer support, accounts receivable and more.
    Caller Info Match
    i
    Identifies detailed caller background info from CRM, social media, and search engines for inbound and outbound calls.
    Contact Us Website Widget
    i
    Enables visitors to your website to communicate with your company using an easy contact form.
    Call Queuing
    i
    Deliver incoming calls to the next ready queue member in the order calls are received. If a call is not answered, the call is routed to the next available representative.
    Online Bookings
    i
    Share available calendar slots, schedule meetings, send confirmations and reminders, and update time slots from integrated calendars.
    Shift-to-Text
    i
    Empower mobile callers to easily serve themselves when they call your business.
    Auto Dialer
    i
    Seamlessly dial phone numbers so sales and accounts receivable employees spend less time dialing and more time speaking with customers and prospects.
    Integrations
    Salesforce
    i
    Boost customer experience and employee productivity by integrating Salesforce CRM with Ooma Office.
    Microsoft Dynamics
    i
    Drive employee, sales and customer support initiatives by integrating your Microsoft Dynamics 365 with Ooma Office.
    Zoho
    i
    Enhance your Zoho CRM experience with powerful cloud communications capabilities.
    Freshdesk
    i
    Grow customer relationships with pre-built Ooma Office integration.
    NexHealth
    i
    Cloud communications that help dental providers enhance patient loyalty.
    Clio
    i
    Helps law offices deliver a better client experience and capture every billable moment.
    AgencyZoom
    i
    Sell more insurance policies while enhancing the client experience.
    HubSpot
    i
    Pair powerful telephony tools with robust CRM capabilities to streamline workflows, improve productivity and deliver an exceptional customer service.
    Square
    i
    Ooma Office seamlessly integrates with Square to enable businesses to better manage communications and transactions from one platform.
    Jobber
    i
    Cloud communications that drive growth for general contracting and home service businesses.
    QuickBooks Online
    i
    Improve communications, streamline operations and deliver a superior employee and customer experience.
    Analytics
    Call Analytics
    i
    Visualize calling metrics to aid in gauging productivity and improvement opportunities.
    Call Leaderboards
    i
    Visualize phone line usage across the company to assess individual and company performance.
    Message Analytics
    i
    See messaging trends to better understand productivity and improvement opportunities.
    Fax Analytics
    i
    Visualize key metrics associated with incoming and outgoing faxes.

    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