How Robust is Your Virtual PBX in a Power Outage?

While there is a wide host of benefits to business VoIP service, including functionality, cost savings and flexibility, it can be a challenge to keep the phones working during a power outage. With great swathes of the Northeastern U.S. only now recovering from long power outages brought by tropical storm Isaias, it’s worth taking some time to formulate a business continuity plan for future power outages.

According to business VoIP solutions provider Nextiva, companies should have a formal policy for what to do in the event of a power outage. The plan should include:

Determining the nature of the power outage. If your business’ power goes out, check to see how widespread the issue is. Is it just your building or your business, or is the whole area? Use your cell phone to check with your power company about outages in the area, and when they expect the issue will be resolved.

Have a battery backup installation. In order to continue using your phones, you’ll need to provide backup power to your Internet connection, which means powering your modem, router, switch, and any VoIP phones you use. The best way to ensure you have power is by installing an uninterruptible power supply, or UPS, which is a battery installation that will provide your equipment the power it needs during an outage.

Use your VoIP solution’s smartphone app. If the phones are off, workers can continue to use the VoIP app on their mobile devices. While of course mobile devices need to be charged, this can be done using a generator or even a battery pack designed to recharge devices in the event of a power outage. Be sure you choose a business VoIP solution that has a flexible and robust smartphone app.

Before you invest in a business VoIP solution, ensure that you choose a provider with a good track record on power outages. Use a third-party reference such as DownDetector, which rates providers’ uptime based on user feedback and social media updates.