What Is Non-Fixed VoIP?

What is VoIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), also known as “IP telephony,” is a technology primarily used to deliver voice communications in packets of data over the internet. With non-fixed VoIP, you can communicate on a phone through an internet connection instead of through physical wiring (like a landline). This lends itself well to small businesses without physical locations. Instead of communicating through a desk phone or another type of phone tied to a particular location, you can make and receive calls from anywhere through a mobile phone, computer or tablet. 

Non-fixed VoIP systems offer additional flexibility by being able to provide multiple non-fixed VoIP numbers to use on different devices. When you have multiple non-fixed VoIP numbers set up, you can digitally connect them to form a virtual phone system for your business. This way, you can build a communication infrastructure for your operations without physical setup costs, which may be cumbersome for new or small businesses. There are a number of pros and cons to weigh when determining the best business phone systems for VoIP services for your business, employees and customers.

What is a non-fixed VoIP phone number?

A non-fixed VoIP number is often referred to as a “virtual phone number.” They can be assigned to a specific user or device as opposed to a physical address, which is required for fixed VoIP lines and landlines. 

All you need to get a virtual phone number is an email address and sometimes a payment method, which might be all your business has in place at first. This low barrier to entry makes a virtual phone number far easier to obtain than a fixed VoIP number or a traditional landline. Even better, in some instances, non-fixed VoIP phone numbers don’t require payment, making them even simpler to get and use. 

What’s more, non-fixed numbers can be created with any area code, which can give callers on the other end the impression that you have a local presence. The familiar local area code increases the likelihood that a customer or sales lead will answer your call. [Find out more reasons why VoIP makes sense for businesses.]

“This service is usually set up and connected to mobile apps or desktop software and is functional anywhere you have an internet connection,” said Rocco Tironi, a senior voice engineer at Planet Networks.

What is the difference between a fixed VoIP and a non-fixed VoIP system?

The biggest difference between a fixed VoIP and a non-fixed VoIP system is the requirement of a physical address for the fixed option. 

“A non-fixed VoIP system commonly refers to a cloud-based voice solution that is not restricted to a single device,” said Blake Haydon, vice president, technical sales and lifecycle management at AT&T Business. “This system is most often used as an application on a mobile device, desk phone or any device a user requires access.”

“In contrast,” Haydon notes, “fixed VoIP systems are typically on-premise solutions that are tied to a specific physical address, with phone numbers associated directly with a device, such as a desk phone.”

Both allow calling through the internet, but you still need an actual location for fixed VoIPs. In contrast, businesses with a non-fixed VoIP phone number or system don’t need to be tied down to a specific location. You might find this flexibility helpful if you’re self-employed and want to be able to work from anywhere.

Non-fixed VoIP calling also differs from fixed VoIP in the way the phone number is assigned. In a non-fixed scenario, your VoIP number, or “virtual number,” is assigned to you and can be used to make and receive VoIP phone calls from anywhere in the world as long as the user has a decent internet connection. With a fixed VoIP service, your phone number is assigned to a physical location — think of a traditional landline phone setup. 

As far as the person on the other end of the line is concerned, both VoIP calling options provide clear and reliable communications as long as there is a strong internet connection to support the non-VoIP side of the call. 

Overall, non-fixed VoIP systems can offer several advantages over fixed systems for small businesses, depending on their needs. 

“These systems allow for flexibility to bring your business with you anywhere in the world,” said Tironi. There is minimal hardware setup needed. Generally, a mobile phone, tablet or computer is all that is needed and because of this, the cost can be significantly less compared to a fixed VoIP setup.”

Who typically uses a non-fixed VoIP?

Call centers, managed service providers, messenger apps and businesses with remote workforces all frequently use non-fixed VoIP systems to make phone calls. So do many small and new businesses; these companies don’t typically need to spring for a physical or wired phone system. 

“A non-fixed VoIP system can be especially beneficial for certain types of users,” Tironi said. “Remote workers, employees who travel and are not tied to a specific physical location, and budget conscious people will all get a lot from a non-fixed VoIP system. Real estate agents, sales people, field workers and remote call-center employees are a few examples”.

The ability to quickly build an international customer service and support team without paying the significant overhead for multiple office buildings and business phone systems across the globe makes this flexible option incredibly useful and cost-efficient. This prospect might not be top of mind for your business at first, but non-fixed VoIP introduces this possibility without huge price tags.

The option to spread your staff across the country or worldwide also increases the speed at which you can build and staff a large virtual call center without relying on job applicants in one location near a physical office. 

Messenger apps that use the internet to connect phone calls and send both MMS and SMS messages also use non-fixed VoIP to handle voice communications. Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Google Voice and Skype rely on non-fixed VoIP numbers to handle voice communication from within the app.

What are the pros and cons of non-fixed VoIP numbers?

Non-fixed VoIP numbers are easy to attain, move and set up through any number of VoIP service providers. Their low barriers to entry and flexible features have made them equally useful for small businesses and for scammers engaged in fraudulent activities. Here are the biggest pros and cons of this kind of phone system.

Pros

• You can call from anywhere. These phone numbers are not tied to a specific address and can therefore be assigned with any area code to provide the appearance of a local presence. This means your call recipient will always see a local number on their caller ID when you contact them, regardless of where you are.
• You can set them up quickly. Beyond the simplicity of getting your first number, it’s also very easy to add and remove additional virtual phone numbers. Companies with seasonal businesses or those adding new employees can easily expand their virtual call centers and sales floor capabilities at a moment’s notice without worrying about committing to a long-term contract for phone services or other costly overhead required with a physical office.
• They come with lower initial costs. Unlike fixed VoIP systems, non-fixed systems typically come with significantly lower initial setup costs, according to Haydon. This can make them attractive to SMBs looking to minimize upfront investments into extensive hardware installations or dedicated infrastructure.
• Rearrangements are easy. Changing the assigned user with a non-fixed VoIP number is very easy. This means HR professionals and managers can quickly reassign phone numbers to new users and devices as such need arises. 
• They offer substantial flexibility between devices. Non-fixed VoIP systems also offer the ease and flexibility of transferring a non-fixed number between devices, Haydon notes. This allows for users to maintain seamless communication between mobile phones, VoIP-enabled desk phone systems or any other supported device. Multiple devices can also be registered at the same time to the same non-fixed number, allowing users to maintain consistent communications regardless of device. 

Cons

• Scammers use them a lot. The biggest knock against non-fixed VoIP numbers has nothing to do with the technology itself. It’s that these numbers are both too easy to get in some situations and don’t require the level of personal information that could be used to identify the owner in the case of fraud or other crimes. Additionally, due to their frequent use for robocalling and other phone-based scams, many spam blockers will filter or flag virtual phone numbers to protect users on the other end.
• They’re bad for emergency situations. When you call 911 with a non-fixed number that’s not tied to a physical address, your call may not be routed to the correct emergency dispatch center. Because non-fixed VoIP calls cannot be easily traced, getting emergency services, such as the fire department or police, to your location may be difficult. If your company uses non-fixed VoIP numbers, it’s important to let your staff know to always use their personal numbers on their mobile phones to contact emergency services.
• You can’t use them in all situations. Many organizations consider these numbers unreliable for official communication. That means you may not be able to use your virtual phone number as a key point of contact on an account for anything significant, such as banking and other business services. 
• Risk of theft. As non-fixed VoIP systems are linked to mobile devices, they can be significantly easier for connected devices to be misplaced or stolen, Tironi notes. This could pose significant security risks, allowing anyone who is able to access a device to be able to access an organization’s business phone system. 
• Regulatory challenges. The majority of the perceived disadvantages for non-fixed VoIP systems have largely been mitigated, according to Haydon. He notes, however, regulations could still pose a challenge: “Specific business use cases and regulatory requirements may necessitate the use of fixed VoIP systems, which often provide more robust solutions for compliance and reporting, critical for industries that are heavily regulated.”

Multiple VoIP and business phone services and systems offer both fixed and non-fixed VoIP services. As you consider the best business phone systems for your needs, consider how your business is set up and what elements of a phone system best fit your needs. 

Keep in mind, though, that some services will offer a hybrid fixed and non-fixed system, allowing for businesses to maximize their coverage. 

“This is a common setup for many small businesses,” Tironi notes. “This allows businesses to take their in-office sales, support, billing and all other types of calls wherever they are.” 

Haydon agrees, though he noted that creating a hybrid system “requires careful design considerations.” 

“Businesses often face the decision of whether to replace their fixed system with a non-fixed VoIP system to meet the needs of mobile or traveling employees without the complexity of integrating both systems,” said Haydon. “However, integration can be achieved and is sometimes necessary due to specific business requirements. When properly designed, this hybrid approach can extend VoIP functionality seamlessly from an established office setup to mobile devices, ensuring continuity and flexibility in communication.”

What are the pros and cons of fixed VoIP numbers?

Still not sold on a non-fixed VoIP number for your business? Fixed VoIP phone numbers provide a few very strong advantages over their fully virtual counterparts with minimal added expense. In fact, their requirement to be tied to a physical location brings several valuable benefits, although some cons do remain.

Pros

• Authenticity: There is a higher level of trust associated with a phone number tied to a physical location. Fixed VoIP phone numbers can project credibility and will have an easier time bypassing spam filters designed to block unwanted phone calls.
• Location services: Fixed VoIP phone numbers are assigned to physical locations with specific addresses. This means any emergency calls made to 911 will be routed to the correct call center for proper dispatch. It also means calls can potentially be traced in fraud cases, which are a realistic prospect for small businesses. Payment fraud is particularly common.
• Advanced features: Fixed VoIP phone numbers and service providers can include more options for special features, such as audio and video conferencing, SMS and MMS, and online faxing. Although your business might not need all the services that come with a full-scale phone system, these features are beneficial for companies of all ages and sizes. They make it easier to communicate with clients while tracking their progress and results more efficiently.

Cons

• Physical address: Your phone number’s area code must match your company’s physical location. While many virtual businesses may be able to use the home address of the company’s owner or a P.O. box as their physical address, some financial institutions and other companies will not accept a P.O. box as a physical address.
• More expensive setup: These systems require more time to install and are therefore typically more costly to set up. In comparison, most non-fixed VoIP services don’t have any setup fees and will allow you to bring your old desktop phone equipment if possible.
• International calling cost: While not the case with every provider, long-distance and international calling typically cost more with fixed VoIP. However, in many international calling situations, a fixed VoIP number or traditional landline is the only way to reach callers in other countries due to strict spam blockers designed to protect end users from scams. For companies that handle both international and domestic calls, it can make sense to use both fixed and non-fixed VoIP numbers, depending on the specific situation.

Why does VoIP matter?

Communication is paramount in a small business. Whether you’re keeping in touch with employees or reaching out to customers, it’s important to have open, reliable lines of communication. For many companies, that means relying on non-fixed VoIP to talk via phone regardless of location. Whether you ultimately decide to go with fixed or non-fixed VoIP, make sure everyone on your team knows proper phone etiquette. That’s essential for small businesses regardless of which phone system you choose.

Jeremy Bender contributed to this article.