A cloud phone system built for teams on the go.

Move your current PBX to the cloud or get a hosted VoIP system with superpowers. BHL is your destination for flexible VoIP solutions.

What is a cloud phone system?

A cloud phone system is a VoIP-based hosted PBX solution that helps you move your business phone service to the cloud. Cloud phone systems streamline business communications, offer advanced features, and operate with higher security.

Cloud phone system pros and cons

Pros

Mobile app

Handle business phone calls with ease using your iOS or Android smartphone. Keep your phone number separate from your business line.

Cost savings

Save up to 60% off traditional phone systems with Nextiva. With a virtual phone system, you now have access to affordable nationwide calling.

Cloud-based

Manage every aspect of your phone solution from the cloud. Add new desk phones in seconds. Do it all with your existing internet connection.

Advanced features

Take advantage of 45+ business VoIP features. Top features include call forwarding, video conferencing, auto attendants, and screen sharing.

Enterprise-grade reliability

Our cloud communications solution is secure to the core — zero outages in two years. Our carrier-grade data centers are one of the most reliable in the world.

Cons

Faster networking devices

You might have to move to routers and switches optimized for VoIP. A mesh Wi-Fi network helps with speed and coverage.

Stable internet connection

A cloud phone system doesn’t use massive amounts of bandwidth, but you need at least a 100 kbps of upload speed per phone line.

Occasional latency & jitter

Jitter and latency are call quality issues you may experience with your cloud-based phone calls. It’s a natural function of wireless networks.

Cloud phone system FAQs

Get answers to our most frequent questions about Cloud Phones Systems

How does a cloud-based phone system work?

To place a call, first dial the phone number on your cloud phone. The phone connects to a VoIP service provider and verifies that it has permission to place that call. The VoIP phone provider handles the routing and connects your phone to the person you are calling. And it does it all within a fraction of a second!

How is a cloud phone system different from call center software?

VoIP call center phone systems are designed to handle higher call volumes than a typical cloud phone system. Virtual call centers use VoIP and are run entirely over the internet. With a business communications platform like Nextiva, you may also opt in for built-in tools like a CRM, contact center, etc.

What’s the difference between hosted PBX and cloud VoIP?

A hosted PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is a telephone switching system that’s accessible over a network in the cloud. Because it’s cloud-based, a trusted VoIP provider like Nextiva can manage your infrastructure. This lets you replace individual phone extensions with a VoIP desk phone. A cloud VoIP phone system also routes calls through the internet, but does not require telephone lines to operate.

How do I choose a cloud phone system?

To choose your cloud phone system, consider your unique business needs, employee count, and budget. Every cloud business phone provider offers plans and features at different price points. BHL will perform a site audit to determine your best cost for performance.

Can I use a cloud phone system with my cell phone?

Yes. There are many ways a cell phone can integrate with a cloud-based phone service. • Your cell phone can make and receive calls with an authorized VoIP softphone app. • Configure intelligent call forwarding and pulling so you never have to worry about being away from your IP phone. • Get voicemail transcriptions conveniently delivered to your inbox or your text message.

How do I transfer my phone numbers to a new carrier?

It's easy to transfer phone numbers to a new carrier through a process known as porting. Porting lets you move your phone number to a new VoIP provider. You can transfer any number you use, including: • Landline numbers • Wireless/cell phone numbers • Virtual numbers (Google Voice, TextNow, etc.) • VoIP phone numbers • Toll-free numbers BHL can help facilitate everything related to moving your phone numbers over. All you need to do is submit a letter of authorization online. Our porting team will advise you of the port-in date. From there, you can begin receiving calls through a cloud phone system instantly. Transferring business phone numbers will take approximately 2–4 weeks, depending on the previous carrier. In the meantime, you can use temporary numbers.