What is VoIP?
Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) is the practice of using an Internet connection instead of the
standard public switched telephone network to send voice data.
Is VoIP a new technology?
No. VoIP has existed for many years and it is rapidly emerging as a viable alternative to traditional
voice systems and public switched telephone networks. According to the CRTC 30% of Canadian
homes now use VoIP. Businesses including large enterprises such as Xerox and IBM are also
using VoIP.
What is a PBX?
A PBX (private branch exchange) is the on-premise device most businesses use to connect their
phone system to the public switched telephone network. The PBX typically delivers features such
as the IVR auto-attendant, voice mail, and basic call routing.
Do we need to replace our existing phone system?
ZIP offer solutions that allow you to either leverage the investment in your existing phone system or
replace your phone system completely.
1) ZIP Trunking Service works with your existing phone system and allows you to replace the
more expensive physical lines supplied by traditional telecom companies with an Internet-based
connection that routes voice traffic from your PBX through ZIP’s network.
2) ZIP Hosted Phone Service can replace your phone system and eliminates the need for an onpremise
PBX. A router at your office connects your phones to our network. ZIP provide the phones,
the router and perform the installation. ZIP also house and maintain the phone system at our highavailability
data centres so your capital costs are minimal. As a hosted solution there is nothing for
you to maintain or upgrade.
How does ZIP compare with residential VoIP service?
Most residential VoIP services are designed to minimize bandwidth requirements and cost - usually
at the expense of voice quality and reliability. This is fine for home use and even, in some cases, for
home-based businesses. But a larger business will need the more robust capabilities that ZIP's
VoIP service provides.
What kind of quality can I expect using VoIP?
You can expect superb sound quality - and excellent reliability. Usually better than old-fashioned
phone service, in fact! Our certified and tested hardware comes with the latest High-Definition (HD)
voice technology for unparalleled clarity. In an independent survey by Savatar, 83 percent of
companies reported better quality of service and reliability with VoIP solutions.