Introduction to Internet Phone Services
If you’re looking to improve flexibility, reduce costs, and modernise communication, now is the time to switch to internet phone service for your business. As more organisations across Australia embrace hybrid work and digital-first operations, relying on outdated landlines can hold your team back. Internet-based phone systems, also known as VoIP, provide a smarter, scalable solution that aligns with today’s dynamic work environments.
Internet phone services, or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), offer a future-ready upgrade from traditional phone systems. By routing calls through your internet connection, VoIP eliminates costly infrastructure and delivers modern features such as mobile access, call routing, and real-time analytics.
For businesses using Microsoft 365, the benefits are amplified. Microsoft Teams Telephony brings voice, video, messaging, and collaboration into one integrated hub. When deployed by a trusted partner like DC Encompass, this transition becomes a strategic advantage—seamless, scalable, and fully supported.
Why More Australian Businesses Are Switching to Internet Phone Services
Reduce Communication Costs with Internet Phone Systems
Traditional phone systems are costly to install and maintain. Between hardware purchases, service contracts, and long-distance call charges, expenses can add up quickly. VoIP eliminates much of this overhead by using your existing internet connection and devices. Service plans are predictable, scalable, and generally more cost-effective.
Beyond operational savings, VoIP delivers value through automation. Built-in features such as voicemail-to-email, call routing, and analytics reduce manual processes and allow teams to focus on higher-value tasks.
Improve Mobility and Productivity with VoIP for Business
One of the key drivers for VoIP adoption is the ability to support remote and hybrid work environments. Staff no longer need to be tethered to the office to make or receive business calls. With cloud-based systems, your team can access the company phone network from a laptop, mobile device, or dedicated VoIP handset wherever they are.
Microsoft Teams Telephony further enhances this mobility by integrating voice calling directly into the Teams environment. Whether you’re working from home, commuting, or travelling for business, communication stays consistent and reliable.
Advanced VoIP Features That Elevate Business Communication
VoIP solutions offer a rich array of features that simply aren’t available with older systems. These include:
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Auto-attendants to professionally greet and direct incoming calls
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Call recording and monitoring for quality assurance and compliance
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Voicemail transcription delivered directly to email
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Real-time analytics and call metrics to inform decision-making
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Integration with CRM and collaboration platforms
These tools not only elevate your external communication but also streamline internal collaboration.
Comparing Traditional Phone Lines vs VoIP Phone Systems
The limitations of traditional phone lines are becoming more apparent with each passing year. They require costly infrastructure, are difficult to scale, and lack the flexibility modern organisations demand. In contrast, VoIP systems are quick to deploy, easy to manage, and designed to grow alongside your business.
Moreover, traditional systems often tie communication to physical locations. VoIP breaks this dependency, enabling businesses to remain agile and responsive in an increasingly mobile world.
How to Know If Your Business Is Ready for VoIP Transition
Before moving to internet phone service, it’s important to evaluate your current setup. A stable internet connection is essential, with approximately 100 kbps per call recommended. Most businesses already meet this threshold.
You’ll also want to consider device compatibility and internal support. Fortunately, VoIP works on most existing computers, smartphones, and tablets. If your team requires more dedicated equipment, VoIP handsets are affordable and easy to install.
For organisations looking to minimise disruption and ensure a smooth migration, working with a specialist like DC Encompass is a strategic move. They provide end-to-end support, from readiness assessment to rollout and ongoing optimisation.
Choosing the Right Internet Phone Provider for Your Business
For businesses using Microsoft 365, integrating voice capabilities into Microsoft Teams is a logical next step. This solution turns Teams into a unified communications hub—complete with enterprise-grade calling, conferencing, and collaboration features.
Your staff can make and receive calls using their existing Teams interface, eliminating the need to switch between apps or hardware. The platform supports number porting, call routing, and voicemail-to-email, all while maintaining the security and compliance standards you expect from Microsoft.
DC Encompass, a Microsoft Partner, specialises in the design, deployment, and management of Teams Telephony. Their local expertise ensures that the implementation aligns with your operational needs and compliance requirements.
VoIP Security and Reliability for Australian Businesses
VoIP has evolved into a highly secure and reliable communication method. With encrypted data transmission, geographically redundant servers, and automatic failovers, modern internet phone systems offer resilience that rivals and often surpasses traditional setups.
DC Encompass goes a step further by incorporating best-practice security frameworks into every deployment. From threat detection to data loss prevention, their solutions are tailored to the unique risk profile of each client.
Cost Breakdown of Switching to an Internet Phone System
Unlike traditional systems with unpredictable costs, VoIP pricing is transparent and easy to manage. Here’s a general breakdown:
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Setup: Often under $50 per user, with some providers offering free onboarding
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Monthly plans: Typically $20 to $40 per user, depending on features
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Optional hardware: VoIP-compatible desk phones available for $50 to $150
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Add-ons: Advanced features such as SMS or additional call routing for a small monthly fee
These savings add up quickly, especially for multi-site organisations or those with international clients.
Integrating VoIP with Business Tools and Platforms
Modern VoIP platforms are designed to work alongside your existing tools. Integrations with CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot allow for automated call logging and customer tracking. Collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and Slack can be enhanced with embedded calling features, reducing the need for separate applications.
This level of integration increases productivity and provides leadership with a holistic view of communication patterns across the business.
Illustration of a VoIP integration workflow showing seamless connections with Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Slack, CRM platforms, and cloud analytics
Real-World VoIP Case Studies from Australian Businesses
Financial Services Firm in Sydney
A financial firm based in Sydney was grappling with escalating maintenance costs and limited flexibility due to their traditional phone infrastructure. Their team was office-bound, with no viable remote work solution in place.
DC Encompass transitioned them to a cloud-based VoIP system integrated with Microsoft Teams. This enabled the firm to support a hybrid work model, improve operational efficiency, and reduce phone expenses by 49 per cent. The result was a more agile workforce, lower overheads, and an enhanced client experience.
Manufacturing Company in Sydney
A well-established manufacturing company needed to modernise their outdated phone system. The existing setup lacked scalability, was costly to maintain, and couldn’t support their growing team.
DC Encompass implemented a robust VoIP solution that offered mobile access, advanced routing features, and integration with their operations software. Within three months, the company realised a 65 per cent reduction in telephony costs while significantly improving communication across departments.
Common Myths About VoIP for Business Communication
“Call quality is poor.”
With a stable internet connection, VoIP delivers HD audio that often surpasses traditional landline clarity.
“The system is too complex to manage.”
VoIP platforms are designed for ease of use, and with providers like DC Encompass, the complexity is handled for you.
“It’s only suitable for large corporations.”
VoIP solutions scale effortlessly, making them ideal for small and medium-sized businesses as well.
“Security is a concern.”
Top-tier VoIP providers adhere to strict security standards. When paired with local expertise from a trusted partner, these systems are highly secure and compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions About VoIP and Internet Phone Services
Can I keep my existing phone number?
Yes. Most providers, including Microsoft Teams Telephony, support number porting.
What happens if my internet connection drops?
Calls can automatically forward to mobile devices or backup numbers to maintain service continuity.
Is Teams Telephony a complete phone system?
Yes. It provides full calling functionality within the Microsoft Teams environment, ideal for businesses using Microsoft 365.
Do I need to buy special phones?
VoIP works with existing devices, though desk phones can be added if desired.
How long does implementation take?
With expert support, most businesses are up and running within days.
Do I need internal IT staff to manage the system?
Not necessarily. DC Encompass offers ongoing support and monitoring so your internal team can focus on core business functions.
Conclusion: Switch to Internet Phone Service for Your Business with DC Encompass
Making the decision to switch to internet phone service for your business is about more than cost savings. It’s about aligning your communication systems with your broader business strategy, enabling flexibility, and laying the groundwork for long-term growth.
With deep expertise in Microsoft Teams Telephony and VoIP implementation, DC Encompass is uniquely positioned to support Australian businesses through this transition. Their consultative approach, technical excellence, and commitment to service make them the ideal partner for organisations ready to modernise how they connect, collaborate, and communicate.
Let DC Encompass help your business step confidently into the future of communication. For further guidance on aligning your tools and platforms, refer to our Unified Communications Checklist — an essential resource for businesses upgrading their communication infrastructure.