When the power goes out at your business, your VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system may stop working unless it has a backup power solution. Unlike traditional landline phones that often still operate during outages because they receive power through the phone line itself, VoIP phones rely on your internet connection and local power to function. Without electricity, your VoIP devices, routers, and modems will shut down, cutting off your phone service.
This interruption can have a significant impact on your business. If customers or suppliers can't reach you, it can lead to lost sales, missed opportunities, and damage to your reputation. Staff productivity also suffers if employees can't communicate internally or externally. For businesses handling sensitive information, sudden disconnection could complicate compliance with privacy regulations if calls or data transfers are interrupted unexpectedly.
Typical Scenario: A Mid-Sized Business in Sydney
Consider a 50-person company in Sydney using a VoIP phone system without any power backup. During an unexpected power outage, all phones go silent. Customers calling to place orders or request support get no answer, leading to frustration and lost revenue. Meanwhile, staff can't collaborate via phone, delaying decision-making. The company's IT provider had recommended installing an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for critical network equipment but the business delayed the investment. After the outage, the provider worked with the company to implement UPS units and configure call forwarding to mobile phones during future outages, restoring some communication capability even when the office loses power.
What to Do: Practical Steps for Australian SMBs
- Ask your IT provider: Do we have UPS units or backup power for our VoIP equipment? How long can our phones operate during an outage?
- Check your call continuity plans: Is there automatic call forwarding to mobiles or external numbers during power loss?
- Review your internet backup options: Since VoIP depends on internet, do you have a secondary internet connection or failover plan?
- Test your system: Schedule a controlled power outage test to see how your phone system responds and how staff should react.
- Evaluate your Service Level Agreement (SLA): Does it include provisions for downtime, response times, and support during power or connectivity failures?
- Consider mobile integration: Can your VoIP system route calls to mobile phones or remote workers automatically?
Why This Matters for Australian Businesses
Power outages are not uncommon in some parts of Australia, especially during storms or planned maintenance. For small and mid-sized businesses, even short periods without phone service can disrupt operations and customer trust. Taking proactive steps to ensure your VoIP system remains operational or that calls are redirected during outages helps maintain communication and reduces business risk.
Discussing your VoIP setup and power backup options with a trusted managed IT provider can clarify what solutions fit your business size and budget. They can help you implement UPS systems, configure call forwarding, and test your continuity plans so you're prepared when the power does go out.