Guest Post by OIT Pte. Ltd. (https://oit.com.sg)
Traditionally, Singapore businesses have relied on either a single analog landline, directly connected to a phone, or a PBX system housed in the server room, utilizing hunting lines or ISDN connections. These setups served well in conventional office environments, but they pose challenges in coworking spaces where infrastructure is managed by the operator. The flexibility to run individual landlines or mount PBX systems is often not available.
As companies seek scalable and cost-effective alternatives, VoIP phone systems have gained popularity, replacing traditional telephony setups with more flexible solutions.
What is VoIP?
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, enables voice communication over the internet instead of traditional telephone lines. This technology allows businesses to make and receive calls without relying on physical landline infrastructure.
Types of VoIP Systems
There are two primary types of VoIP systems: on-premise and cloud-based.
On-Premise VoIP
On-premise VoIP requires the installation of an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and a voice router within the office premises. This setup often demands a separate voice network and dedicated wiring, making it more suitable for companies with a fixed location and specific telephony needs.
Cloud-Based VoIP
Cloud-based VoIP solutions, on the other hand, eliminate the need for physical infrastructure on-site. Calls are routed through cloud providers, allowing businesses to maintain a professional phone presence while operating remotely or within coworking spaces. These solutions offer flexibility, scalability, and lower upfront costs, making them ideal for dynamic work environments.
Cloud-based VoIP works by using your existing internet connection to make and receive telephone calls. Most calls use about 64 kbps of bandwidth per call when using the G.711 codec, which is a small fraction of the overall internet speed. Even at the lowest internet plan of 500 Mbps, call quality remains clear.
For members of a coworking space, choosing a cloud-based VoIP system is even more important, as coworking spaces usually do not allow the installation of landlines or equipment in their server rooms due to cost and operational constraints.
Understanding Singapore’s VoIP Industry
In Singapore’s VoIP industry, there are two kinds of players:
- FBO (Facilities-Based Operators) – These operators sell Singapore telephone numbers directly to businesses. Examples include Singtel, StarHub, M1, and MyRepublic.
- SBO (Service-Based Operators) – These operators resell numbers from FBOs, providing businesses with VoIP solutions while relying on the infrastructure of FBOs. SBOs often run their own VoIP infrastructure, but their telephone systems are connected to FBOs to ensure call connectivity to Singapore telephone numbers.
We recommend going with an FBO for its reliability and greater accountability to IMDA on uptime.
CoWorkSpace’s VoIP Policy
CoWorkSpace only allows for Cloud VoIP—and for good reason. In the finance sector, transparency and control over data are critical requirements. Additionally, if you are on a hotdesk plan, only cloud VoIP providers offer mobile apps that enable you to make and receive calls seamlessly.
Considerations for Cloud-Based VoIP Technology
When selecting a cloud-based VoIP solution, businesses should evaluate key factors such as:
- Uptime – Ensuring reliable service availability to avoid disruptions in communication.
- Security – Protecting VoIP calls from cyber threats and unauthorized access.
- Costs – Understanding the pricing structure, including subscription fees, international call rates, and additional service features.
- Support & Response Times – Reviewing the service provider’s support hours, expected response times for technical issues, and availability of emergency assistance to ensure uninterrupted business operations.
OIT’s Expertise in VoIP Services
At OIT, we have deep domain knowledge in maintaining and configuring VoIP services according to members' specific requirements. Maintaining a VoIP infrastructure is a delicate business—it involves planning for redundancies in both manpower and equipment to ensure uninterrupted service.
Rather than running our own VoIP infrastructure, we prefer to work with providers who have a strong track record of reliability. By leveraging these established providers, we ensure that businesses in coworking spaces receive high-quality, dependable VoIP services without the operational challenges of maintaining their own systems.
Choosing the Right VoIP Solution for a Coworking Space
For businesses operating in a coworking space, cloud-based VoIP systems are often the preferred choice due to their ease of deployment and minimal hardware requirements. They provide seamless integration with existing IT infrastructure, enabling remote call management, call forwarding, and team collaboration without the constraints of traditional phone lines.
As coworking spaces continue to evolve, selecting the right telecom services is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency. VoIP solutions offer a modern, cost-effective alternative that aligns with the needs of businesses in shared work environments.
Transitioning to a VoIP Provider
Switching to a VoIP provider is a multi-step process that can be simplified with expert guidance.
Feel free to have a conversation with OIT (support@oit.com.sg), and we will work out your requirements before recommending a provider. You will sign the contract directly with the provider we recommend for CoWorkSpace. OIT does not charge for this recommendation—if you engage us as a point of contact between the provider and your company for ease of communicating requirements and support issues, only then may we charge a nominal fee for our services.
Key Questions During Consultation
- When is your contract ending? – Providers typically do not allow number porting until the contract is over.
- What is your current provider and product? – Identifying whether you are using Analog, ISDN, or SIP is crucial.
- When are you moving into CoWorkSpace? – Timing impacts setup and transition planning.
- How many employees are there in your company and how many landlines do you have? – This helps determine the number of lines and extensions needed for your VoIP setup.
For expert consultation on telecom solutions for your coworking space, reach out to OIT Pte. Ltd. at https://oit.com.sg.