What Are Cloud Calls and What Is VoIP?
Cloud calls, also known as internet calls or hosted calls, use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology to connect people over the internet instead of traditional landlines. With VoIP, your voice is turned into digital data, sent securely over your broadband, and then delivered as a clear phone call to the person you are speaking to. For many UK businesses, cloud calling and VoIP are now the preferred way to handle everyday communication.
The Basics: How VoIP and Cloud Calls Work
With a traditional phone system, your call travels along copper wires and is managed by on-site phone equipment. In contrast, VoIP uses your existing internet connection. When you speak, your voice is converted into tiny data packets. These packets are securely transmitted over the internet to your VoIP provider’s data centre. From there, the provider sends your call to the recipient, whether they are on another VoIP phone or a regular landline.
The result is that you can make and receive calls on a desk phone, a mobile, a laptop, or even a tablet—wherever you have an internet connection. The process feels the same as a standard call, but it happens in the cloud using digital technology.
Why Are UK Businesses Switching to VoIP and Cloud Calling?
Flexibility and Mobility
VoIP lets you answer business calls from any location. Whether you’re at your desk, working from home, or out meeting clients, you can stay connected with the same business number. Calls can even ring multiple devices at once, so you’ll never miss important conversations.
Cost Savings
Cloud calling removes the need for expensive phone lines and on-site PBX hardware. You pay a simple monthly fee, often with free or discounted UK calls included. There’s no more worrying about maintenance costs or surprise repair bills. Everything is managed online, so software updates and new features arrive automatically.
Easy to Scale
If your business grows, adding new users or extra lines is simple. Just contact your provider or use their online portal to add new accounts. There’s no need for costly installation work or extra wiring. Likewise, if you scale down, you only pay for the services you use.
Advanced Business Features
Modern VoIP and cloud phone systems give small businesses the tools they need to compete with larger firms. Features like call forwarding, voicemail to email, call recording, auto-attendant menus, and CRM integration are often included as standard. These tools help your business respond quickly and sound more professional to clients.
Reliable and Secure
UK VoIP providers use secure, local data centres and strong encryption to keep your calls private. If your internet goes down at the office, calls can be instantly redirected to mobiles or another site. High reliability and regular security updates give you peace of mind that your communications are always protected.
How Does a Cloud Call Actually Happen?
- You dial a number using your chosen device—desk phone, smartphone, or laptop.
- Your voice is converted into digital packets by your VoIP app or handset.
- These packets travel securely over your broadband to your provider’s data centre.
- The provider delivers your call to the recipient, where the data is reassembled into clear audio.
For the user, the call feels instant and natural. All the complex technology works in the background.
Everyday Uses of VoIP and Cloud Calling
- Your sales team can answer business calls on their mobiles when visiting customers.
- Remote staff can join meetings and speak to clients using their home broadband.
- Missed calls can be picked up as voicemail in your email inbox, so nothing slips through the cracks.
- Calls can be easily transferred between colleagues, even if they’re in different locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my current business phone number?
Yes, most VoIP providers support number porting, so your existing contacts can still reach you.
Is VoIP call quality reliable?
With a good broadband connection, call quality is excellent. Most users notice clearer calls and fewer dropouts than with old landlines.
Do I need new equipment to use VoIP?
Not necessarily. Many businesses use existing computers and smartphones, or you can choose dedicated VoIP handsets for a more traditional feel.
What happens if my internet goes down?
Calls can be automatically routed to a backup device, such as a mobile, to keep you connected.
How The Unite Group Supports Your Move to VoIP
At The Unite Group, we help UK businesses adopt VoIP and cloud phone systems with confidence. We guide you through selecting the right solution, handle setup and training, and provide ongoing support so you always get the most out of your communications. Our goal is to keep your business talking, wherever and however you work.
Get Started with Cloud Calling
If you want to future-proof your business and unlock the flexibility of VoIP, now is the perfect time to learn more.
Contact us for a free review of your current phone setup, or explore our communications services for practical advice and the latest solutions.