How much data does VoIP use?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a technology that allows you to make voice calls using a broadband internet connection instead of a regular (analogue) phone line.

VoIP services convert your voice into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. Domestic or small businesses can use an adapter (ATA Analogue Telephone Adapter) to connect their phone to their broadband router and make calls like they usually would. 

A business with a traditional system on the wall will need VoIP handsets or a softphone on their laptop or mobile device. 

If you are using a computer, you can use VoIP software to make calls from your computer to any regular phone.

Most VoIP providers charge the data usage per second and do not charge a setup fee. Call rates will change depending on the type of call and whether it’s international, but the per-second rates and no setup make it considerably cheaper than a traditional phone line. 

A VoIP call uses about 0.3 megabytes (MB) of data per minute, about the same amount as streaming video at standard definition.

Since VoIP requires bandwidth, the data use is directly dependent on your capacity and data consumption.

So, what is bandwidth, and how much bandwidth is needed for VoIP?

Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred per second. It is essential for VoIP calls because VoIP phones require a lot of bandwidth to make calls with good quality.

If you have a VoIP phone and an internet service, you must ensure that your internet service provider gives you enough bandwidth and a suitable data plan for your VoIP phone system.

To use VoIP, you need to have a good internet connection with enough bandwidth to support the call. The amount of bandwidth you need for VoIP depends on the type of VoIP service you are using and the quality of the call.

For example, if you are using a VoIP phone service that offers high-quality data calls, you will need more bandwidth than if you are using a VoIP service that offers lower-quality calls.

Additionally, if you are making multiple calls simultaneously, you will need more bandwidth than if you are making a single call. The voice quality of your VoIP call will also be affected by the available bandwidth.

If you have a lot of bandwidth, you can make high-quality VoIP and video calls. However, if you have limited bandwidth, your call quality may suffer.

How much bandwidth does VoIP use?

VoIP uses very little bandwidth, about 1/8th of a megabyte per minute. This is because VoIP technology compresses voice data before sending it over the internet.

Mobile phones that include VoIP use even less bandwidth, about 1/20th of a megabyte per minute, because VoIP calls are routed through the mobile phone network instead of the internet.

People who use VoIP on their mobile phones can quickly deplete their monthly data allowance if they make many calls using VoIP.

How to figure out your bandwidth

VoIP uses bandwidth to send voice data over a digital phone system. This system converts your voice into digital data and then sends it over the internet.

To figure out your bandwidth, you need to know how much bandwidth your VoIP system needs. The amount of bandwidth you need depends on the number of VoIP calls you want to make at the same time.

You can contact your internet provider to find out your bandwidth usage.

Do VoIP phones affect Internet speed?

VoIP phones use the Internet to make and receive calls, so that they can affect your Internet speed. If you’re making a VoIP call, it will use less bandwidth than if you’re downloading or streaming. However, the quality of your call may be affected if your Internet speed is slow.

To ensure the quality of your calls, work out how much bandwidth you need based on how many calls you are likely to make per month. If you are using a mobile device, make sure you have a strong signal. If you are using a computer, ensure your WiFi connection is strong.

How to test your internet and VoIP speed

There are a few ways to test your internet and VoIP speed. One way is to use an online speed test, like the one offered by Ookla at www.speedtest.net.

This test will tell you the upload and download speed of your internet. If this is slow, then it may affect the quality of calls. If you’re looking to connect calls across the internet, speak to your internet provider to see your options for improving your internet package.

Is VoIP a more cost-effective solution for my business?

The VoIP system is generally cheaper than a traditional phone line, so you can save on your bills. And, because VoIP systems are scalable, you can add new features as your business grows.

VoIP systems also offer a variety of features that can improve your business communications, and they are also compatible with various devices so that you can use your existing equipment.

If you’re considering using VoIP in the hopes it will save you money, speak to a VoIP provider to help you figure out how much actual data you are likely to consume and what that could look like for your bandwidth consumption.

Are you thinking of making the switch to VoIP? Talk to us here at Kingstar Voice. We can talk you through everything you need to know. 

Article authored by Laura Bean Creative Little World