How to Use Multiple VoIP Phone Lines Efficiently

Not that kind of line

Before we reveal the secrets behind using multiple VoIP phone lines efficiently, it’s best to clarify exactly what ‘line’ means in the world of cloud telephony. Whereas in the traditional sense of the word this meant the physical cable that connects a phone system to the phone network, a VoIP phone line can be interpreted in various ways, such as the number of simultaneous incoming/outgoing calls a system can handle, an extension, or a phone number – which is the closest interpretation of all.

The reason for the term ‘line’ being seen as something else in the world of virtual phone systems is simple: voice traffic comes through the internet, meaning that aside from hooking up the necessary devices to the web – which is often unnecessary since it is installed already – no additional wiring is required to operate such a system.

Multiline features that make VoIP systems more efficient

One system with multiple phone numbers

VoIP has many advantages over traditional phone systems but one of the biggest reasons many businesses prefer handling calls through the internet is a centralized phone system manager. Being able to modify certain settings in one place with just a few clicks is a huge asset, but VoIP also allows users to utilize multiple phone numbers and direct calls to a central number. This is mostly beneficial for companies with domestic or international branch offices as callers are able to place calls for local fees, whereas the business itself can initiate calls from phone numbers that clients are more likely to answer as they would appear to originate from the same territory with a similar area code.

Splitting the line into extensions

Since they exist in the cloud, virtual phone systems can house an unlimited number of extensions, each of which can be assigned to an employee or even entire groups. In fact, multibranch businesses adopting VoIP systems for the first time but that don’t operate in other countries could simply rely on a single phone number and assign an extension to every branch office. Combine this with extra functions like the auto-attendant and the fully customizable interactive voice response menu (IVR) and you will ensure callers can direct themselves to the right person without holding up the next in line.

Moving calls

While businesses can do everything they can to direct callers to the person or department they are looking for, there may be instances when there is nobody to answer the call or another colleague or different department is required. Thankfully, VoIP systems can be set up to forward calls to other phone numbers in cases where the person who’s supposed to take the call isn’t available. However, there is also the option to forward calls manually within such a system, allowing employees to continue the conversation on another device or let someone else take over the call.