One other consideration a business would use to evaluate communications solutions would be the choice between a fixed VoIP number and non-fixed VoIP number. The former costs more money and is associated with complexities in the setting up process. It still possesses some benefits that an organisation needs to operate, however.
Advantages of Fixed VoIP Number
1. Trustworthiness
Tied to a physical address, the fixed VoIP number adds more credence to the business. As compared to the non-fixed VoIP numbers mainly targeted by scammers, fixed numbers are useful in the promotion of greater customer checks on the authenticity of the company, especially for those firms handling regulated sectors like finance, wherein building trust with customers can be very hard.
2. Security
Fixed VoIP numbers guarantee security because they connect directly to a registered address. Non-fixed numbers are accessed from any internet connection; therefore, the chance of being misused rises. When dealing with sensitive information companies, the fixed VoIP number extra layer security is an added guarantee against such attacks as data breaches.
3. Easier Compliance with Regulations
As in other heavily regulated industries, including finance and healthcare, emergency response also relies on location data accuracy. Fixed VoIP numbers help businesses easily comply with all the requirements, making the cost of compliance low and administrative burdens low.
4. Business Professional Image
With a fixed VoIP number, it is easier to present a stable and established impression. A fixed number helps companies look less like a temporary operation. This can be particularly important for small businesses looking to establish authority and trust in their market.
5. Greater Control for Administrators
Fixed VoIP numbers can guarantee better control over caller IDs and databases over caller names to enable businesses to ensure that their identity is consistent on all calls. The need for maintaining a professional brand image and having precise control over how the business presents itself to clients and partners is very important.
6. Support for Emergency Services
Exact location is a must-have in emergencies. Fixed VoIP numbers provide accurate location information, and this makes it possible to have a quicker response time in cases of crises. This is missing for non-fixed numbers; therefore, fixed VoIP is very useful for industries whose data on location can be termed as a matter of life or death.
Drawbacks of Fixed VoIP Numbers
1. More Costly
Fixed VoIP numbers also require relatively high setup and subscription fees in addition to the expense of address verification for higher-security access. For companies catering to overseas clients, fixed VoIP numbers frequently translate to costlier long-distance calls-however, non-fixed numbers represent a saving grace.
2. Complex Porting Procedure
The transfer of a fixed VoIP number from one place to another can be quite hectic, especially for growing businesses and those changing locations. This is because the porting process is very slow, leaving behind the inflexibility required by the businesses in such cases.
3. Slower Setup
It takes more time to set up a fixed VoIP number as against the prompt setting up for non-fixed numbers. Verification of the physical address and more regulatory compliance requirements extend the time taken to set up, making it inconvenient for businesses that need to access immediately.
4. Geographic Limitations
The fixed VoIP numbers are directly associated with a specific location, hence quite limiting to access the business market. Some clients might be sceptical about communicating with a company that they view as "not local," which may hinder outreach and expansion in areas beyond the business's core location.
Selection Between Fixed and Non-Fixed VoIP Numbers
Depending on the priorities of the business, a fixed VoIP number can be selected. Organisations that require greater security, credibility, and adherence to regulations can invest in fixed VoIP numbers. When cost efficiency and flexibility top the list, then non-fixed numbers are a better option for them.
