VoIP call

A VoIP call is a phone call that uses the internet instead of a traditional phone line. Your voice becomes small data packets that travel online, and the other person hears them as normal speech. (Zoom)

You can place a VoIP call from a smartphone app, a web app in your browser, or a desktop app. That is why VoIP works well when you travel, work remotely, or run a small online business. (Zoom)

Small teams often need to call customers, suppliers, and partners quickly. At the same time, they want to control cost and stay reachable, even when they are not in the office.

A VoIP call can help you because it:

• Lets you call
  from anywhere with internet access
• Reduces the need
  for extra hardware
• Makes it easier to separate work calls from personal calls,
  if you choose a business number

This matches how many e-commerce stores, consultants, and SaaS teams work today. (Zoom)

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You can get started fast. Still, you will get better results if you prepare a simple setup.

To make a reliable VoIP call, you need:

• A stable internet connection
  (Wi‑Fi or mobile data)
• A phone or computer
  with a microphone and speaker
• A headset
  if you take calls in a noisy place
• A VoIP calling app or service
  you can trust

If call quality matters for sales or support, test your setup before an important call.

Sonetel lets you make calls to landlines and mobiles worldwide from the Sonetel mobile apps or the Sonetel web app. You can start a call from inside the app, just like with a normal phone. (Sonetel)

You can follow this simple process:

1. Create your Sonetel account
   and verify your phone number.
2. Get the Sonetel apps for mobile, or open the Sonetel web app in your browser.
   Use this guide: Get the Sonetel apps. (Sonetel)
3. Open the dialer
   or search for a contact.
4. Choose how you want to connect the call
   (internet call or other options).
5. Call the number
   and speak as usual.

If you want more detailed steps, you can also follow: Make calls with Sonetel. (Sonetel)

Calling from your phone

Your phone works well for quick customer follow-ups. It also helps when you switch between places during the day.

For better results:

• Use Wi‑Fi when possible,
  since it often stays more stable than mobile data indoors.
• Use headphones
  to reduce echo and background noise.
• Close heavy apps
  that may use a lot of bandwidth in the background.

Calling from your computer

A computer is great for longer calls, demos, and support sessions. You can also take notes and view customer details at the same time.

For clearer calls:

• Use a headset
  instead of laptop speakers.
• Prefer wired internet
  if you have it.
• Keep only the tabs you need,
  especially during video meetings.

Many people worry about caller ID. This matters when you call new leads, or when you want customers to call you back.

With Sonetel, the person you call will, by default, see your regular mobile number (the number you used to verify your account). If you want to show a Sonetel number instead, you need a paid plan. (Sonetel)

A common approach is:

• Use your regular mobile number
  for personal calls.
• Show a dedicated business number
  when you call customers.

If you want to explore plan options, you can start here: Sonetel pricing and plans. (Sonetel)

Most VoIP call problems come from the network. In practice, three things cause most quality issues: latency, jitter, and packet loss. (Twilio)

Choppy audio or “robot voice”

This usually happens when your connection delivers packets unevenly. That can happen during Wi‑Fi congestion, or when someone streams video on the same network. (Twilio)

Try these quick fixes:

• Move closer to the router,
  or switch to another network.
• Pause large uploads
  or downloads.
• Use a wired connection
  on your computer.

Echo or feedback

Echo often comes from speaker audio looping back into the microphone. It can also happen with poor audio settings.

To fix it:

• Use a headset.
  
• Lower speaker volume.
  
• Avoid calling in a room with strong echo.
  

One-way audio

One-way audio means one person can hear the other, but not the other way around. Network settings can cause this, especially on office routers.

What helps most:

• Switch networks
  (for example, from office Wi‑Fi to mobile hotspot).
• Restart your router.
  
• If the problem repeats,
  ask your IT support to check router settings.

Calls drop after a few minutes

Dropped calls often point to unstable Wi‑Fi or weak mobile data. They can also happen when your device switches between networks.

To reduce drops:

• Turn off Wi‑Fi
  if it is weak and use mobile data instead.
• Stay on one network
  during the call.
• Keep your phone charged,
  since battery saving modes can affect background connectivity.

You do not need deep networking skills. However, it helps to know what the words mean when you troubleshoot.

Here are the basics:

• Latency means delay.
  Too much delay makes people talk over each other. (Twilio)
• Jitter means variation in packet timing.
  It often creates choppy sound. (Twilio)
• Packet loss means missing audio pieces.
  It makes words disappear. (Twilio)

If you want a deeper explanation, you can read Twilio’s guide to VoIP call quality and common causes. (Twilio)

Many services let you place a VoIP call. Still, the right choice depends on your team size, your budget, and how you work.

The table below compares Sonetel with a few well-known alternatives.

Here are the sources used for the comparison: Sonetel plans and number pricing, Google Voice plans, Zoom Phone plan starting points, and RingCentral plan starting points. (Sonetel)

A second comparison that matters for outbound calls

Outbound calling creates two practical needs: clear caller ID and tools that help you improve your calls over time.

This table focuses on those needs. (Sonetel)

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If you sell services or handle support, you learn something in every call. The problem is that you forget details as soon as you move on.

Sonetel includes AI tools in Premium and Business plans, such as call summaries and customer call analysis. They help you review what happened, find action items, and improve how you handle customer calls over time. (Sonetel)

You can learn more here:

• Call summaries
  
• Customer call analysis

Can I make a VoIP call to a normal phone number?

Yes. Many VoIP services connect your call to the regular phone network, so you can call landlines and mobiles. (RingCentral)

Is a VoIP call the same as an app-to-app call?

Not always. An app-to-app call stays inside the same app ecosystem. A VoIP call can also reach regular phone numbers through a provider’s network. (RingCentral)

What if my VoIP call quality is bad even with good internet?

Check jitter, latency, and packet loss. Also try a headset and a wired connection. These steps often fix the problem. (Twilio)

Will people see my personal number when I call?

With Sonetel, they will normally see your verified mobile number. If you want them to see a Sonetel number instead, you can use a paid plan and show that number. (Sonetel)

Should I use VoIP for emergency calls?

Use your regular mobile service for emergencies. VoIP depends on internet and power, and providers handle emergency calling differently. (Zoom)

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