FAQs

5 Informative FAQs for Portable VoIP Phones (UK)

Here are five frequently asked questions about portable Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones, with a focus on the UK market:

1. What makes a VoIP phone “portable” and what types are available in the UK?

A portable VoIP phone is a wireless handset that allows you to make and receive calls over the internet without being tethered to a desk. It achieves portability primarily through two technologies:

• DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications): The handset connects wirelessly to a dedicated base station that is plugged into your internet router. This is excellent for stability and mobility within a building (e.g., in a large office or warehouse).
• Wi-Fi Phones: The handset connects directly to your existing Wi-Fi network, similar to a smartphone.
• Softphones: The most portable option is using a mobile or desktop app (called a ‘softphone’) provided by your VoIP service, which allows you to use your business number on your personal smartphone or laptop anywhere you have an internet connection.

2. How does the UK’s 2025/2027 switch-off affect my need for a portable VoIP phone?

The UK’s traditional copper-wire telephone network (PSTN and ISDN) is scheduled to be switched off, with the final deadline currently set for January 2027. This means all traditional landline services will cease to work. Portable VoIP phones are a fundamental part of the solution, as they are fully digital and use your broadband connection, ensuring your business or home communication is future-proof and compliant with the new national digital network.

3. What do I need to get a portable VoIP phone system working in the UK?

You require three core components:

• Reliable Broadband: A stable, high-speed internet connection is essential, as call quality is dependent on network performance.
• VoIP Service Provider: You must subscribe to a VoIP provider plan (e.g., from companies like BT, Gamma, or RingCentral). This service gives you a dedicated phone number, manages your calls, and connects you to the wider national and international telephone networks.
• VoIP Hardware: This could be a dedicated DECT handset/base system or a Wi-Fi-enabled handset.

4. Can I use a portable VoIP phone to call the UK emergency services (999/112)?

Yes, but with important caveats. UK telecommunications regulations require all public voice service providers to ensure access to emergency services. However, unlike traditional landlines where your address is physically tied to the line, a portable VoIP phone relies on the location you registered with your provider.

• Crucial Step: You must accurately register and update the physical location of your VoIP service address with your provider.
• Reliability: Emergency calling will fail if your internet connection is down or if there is a power cut without a backup power source (like a UPS) for your router and phone. It is strongly recommended to always have a charged mobile phone available as a backup.

5. What are the key business benefits of using a portable VoIP phone over a traditional one?

For UK businesses, the advantages are primarily centered on flexibility and efficiency:

• Increased Mobility: Employees can take and transfer calls while moving around the premises, improving customer service and efficiency in dynamic workplaces.
• Lower Costs: Significantly reduces line rental fees and often offers much cheaper rates for domestic and international calls.
• Unified Communications: The phone number is tied to the user, not the desk. You can use your same business number on your desk phone, laptop, or mobile app, making it perfect for hybrid and remote working models.
• Feature-Rich: Access powerful tools like auto-attendants (virtual receptionists), voicemail-to-email, call recording, and integration with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software.