With each passing year, Hosted VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology continues to improve. As it continues to evolve, we consistently see improvements in performance and reliability that ultimately leads to more businesses adopting the technology.
If you’re among those considering the switch to Hosted VoIP, or in the early stages of transition from traditional telephony, it pays to know what exciting trends are on the horizon. So what does Hosted VoIP technology have in store for us in 2018?
Here’s what you should be looking out for:
1. Expect better network technology.
We went from GSM to 3G to LTE, and now, 2018 is ushering in 5G networks. Furthermore, top trend advances such as 5G Technology will usher in super multi-gigabit download speeds and high computing power. With 5G speeds expected to be ten times faster than LTE, we can expect VoIP quality to get even better. Dropped calls, echoes, and packet loss will be reduced as we make way for reliable, high-quality call and even video streaming. Backed by significant advances in network technology, businesses and employees will be able to work remotely with ease, and efficiently.
2. Artificial intelligence will improve business communications.
Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are paving the way for improved communication efficiencies. These AI-powered unified communications programs may still be in their early stages, but major developers are hopeful that they will soon be implemented this year.
AI systems can help assess call quality based on factors like low bandwidth or wrong network configuration, and address it before stakeholders even go on a call. AI can also be used to gather key insights based on real-time conversation analysis, email correspondence and speech patterns.
3. Voice assistants will become smarter.
Beyond consumer analytics, AI can also help assist with actual calls. Language processing is now so sophisticated that voice assistants are getting smarter and more intuitive to user needs.
Given this, we will likely see more businesses automating simpler queries allowing employees to focus on high-level tasks. For instance, AI powered voice bots can address basic questions answerable by a brand’s FAQs, giving customer service agents additional time to focus on resolving more complicated concerns.
4. Traditional phone systems will finally be phased out.
The rising adoption rates of Hosted VoIP among businesses are prompting experts to predict that 2018 is finally the year that traditional telephony will finally be phased out. In fact, experts project that only 6 percent of the US population will still be using traditional phone systems.
Support and technology may still be available for old systems, but only to accommodate businesses that have yet to make the inevitable transition to Hosted VoIP. The bottom line is that more people are recognizing the benefits of having a communications system that’s more efficient, reliable and scalable according to their needs, and making the choice to switch.
If you’re considering the switch from traditional landlines to a cloud-based phone system, contact GoTo Connect for a free quotation.