At Plexatalk, we’re committed to delivering tailored telecommunications solutions for businesses of all sizes. From feature-rich VoIP systems to advanced call management tools, we’ve built our reputation on flexibility, reliability, and innovation. Now, we’re delighted to introduce Landline Cloud – our latest self-service platform designed for small businesses and entrepreneurs who need a simple, streamlined way to manage their virtual numbers.
Landline Cloud is the self-setup solution for businesses that need professional, local landline numbers without the hassle of hardware or IT support. With Landline Cloud, you can instantly purchase a virtual number and direct incoming calls to your mobile or other devices. The platform is designed for simplicity, allowing you to set up and manage your virtual numbers through an intuitive dashboard in just minutes.
While both Landline Cloud and Plexatalk are part of DMV Telecom Ltd, they serve different needs. Here’s when Landline Cloud might be the better choice:
Plexatalk, on the other hand, is our feature-rich VoIP platform, designed for growing businesses with more complex communication needs. Plexatalk offers all the benefits of Landline Cloud, plus additional features such as:
If you’re looking for a system that supports team collaboration, call centre functionality, or enterprise-level scalability, Plexatalk is the best choice.
Both Landline Cloud and Plexatalk share the same foundation of quality, reliability, and outstanding customer support that DMV Telecom Ltd is known for. If you start with Landline Cloud and find that your needs grow, you can seamlessly transition to Plexatalk without changing your number or disrupting your service.
At DMV Telecom Ltd, we understand that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to communication solutions. That’s why we’ve developed platforms like Landline Cloud to meet the diverse needs of businesses. Whether you need a comprehensive VoIP solution or a self-service virtual landline, we’ve got you covered.
Discover the simplicity of managing your business calls with Landline Cloud, or explore the advanced features of Plexatalk for a more robust communication system. Whatever your needs, DMV Telecom Ltd is here to help you stay connected.
Happy New Year from Plexatalk! As we welcome 2025, we’re excited to share some vital updates designed to protect you from scam calls. Ofcom’s updated Calling Line Identification (CLI) Guidance is set to take effect this year, marking a significant step in the fight against fraud.
Scam calls remain a significant problem in the UK, with millions of people targeted each year. According to Ofcom, 82% of UK adults received a suspicious call or message in 2022, with scammers often impersonating trusted organisations or individuals.
The financial impact is severe. Data from UK Finance reveals that total fraud losses across the UK reached £1.2 billion in 2022, with a substantial portion attributed to phone scams. Beyond financial loss, victims suffer emotional distress and a loss of trust in their communication systems.
Scammers often exploit overseas systems to mimic UK numbers, making their calls appear trustworthy. Ofcom’s updated CLI Guidance introduces measures to block these fraudulent calls, reducing risks to consumers.
From 29 January 2025, stricter rules will govern how phone numbers are displayed on incoming calls. Here’s what it means for you:
Scammers often use overseas systems to mimic UK numbers. Under the new rules:
Some legitimate scenarios will be exempt, ensuring genuine calls get through. For example:
Providers will manage these exemptions through enhanced exception tools, ensuring legitimate calls are identified and processed appropriately.
While these changes will reduce scam calls, vigilance remains important:
At Plexatalk, we are committed to implementing these changes seamlessly to protect our customers. From 15 January 2025, enhanced CLI checks will go live across our network, blocking fraudulent calls while ensuring legitimate communications are unaffected.
We’re here to answer any questions and support you through these changes. Together, let’s make 2025 the year we take back control from scammers.
UK Finance Annual Fraud Report 2023
ONS: Nature of Fraud and Computer Misuse in England and Wales, Year Ending March 2022
Can You Use VoIP Over Starlink? Today we’ll find out more about using VoIP over Starlink in the following article and how Plexatalk can help your business get VoIP running over Starlink.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has revolutionised the way we communicate by enabling voice calls over the internet. With the advent of Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite-based internet service, the question arises: can you effectively use VoIP over Starlink? Let’s explore this topic in depth.
Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, designed to provide high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas around the globe. By using a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink offers reduced latency and improved speeds compared to traditional satellite internet providers.
Starlink is especially beneficial for individuals and businesses in rural or isolated areas where conventional broadband options like fibre or cable are unavailable. It is also a promising solution for mobile setups like RVs, boats, or disaster recovery operations.
You can also read more on Starlink and their pricing structure on their official website.
While 4G and 5G networks are increasingly prevalent, they often come with limitations that Starlink can address:
However, 4G/5G networks might still be more suitable for users who require portability without the need for satellite equipment or for areas with strong cellular infrastructure.
Starlink promises internet speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 250 Mbps, with some users reporting speeds exceeding 300 Mbps in optimal conditions. Latency, a critical factor for VoIP, typically ranges between 20 ms to 40 ms. However, in congested areas where network demand is high, speeds can drop to as low as 30 Mbps, and latency may increase.
For VoIP, the general requirement is a stable internet connection with at least 100 Kbps per VoIP line. Starlink’s typical speeds far exceed this baseline, making it technically feasible for VoIP. However, fluctuations in speed and latency can impact call quality, especially during peak usage periods.
As more users connect to Starlink’s satellite network, bandwidth is shared among them, leading to potential congestion. During these periods, you might experience slower speeds and higher latency. These factors can cause issues like:
To mitigate these issues, it’s crucial to optimise your network for VoIP traffic.
One effective way to ensure reliable VoIP performance is by using a router that supports Quality of Service (QoS). For instance, a DrayTek router allows you to prioritise VoIP traffic over other types of internet traffic. By configuring QoS settings, you can allocate sufficient bandwidth to VoIP calls, ensuring clear and uninterrupted communication even during peak internet usage.
With QoS configured on a reliable router, you can significantly enhance the quality of your VoIP calls over Starlink.
At Plexatalk, we understand the challenges of using VoIP over variable internet connections like Starlink. That’s why our system is designed to be resilient and adaptive:
Plexatalk is a reliable UK VoIP provider that works seamlessly with Starlink. Our system is designed to adapt to varying internet conditions, ensuring stable and high-quality calls.
To set up QoS for VoIP, log into your router’s configuration page. Look for the QoS settings, enable QoS, and prioritise VoIP traffic by adding your VoIP device’s IP address or assigning higher priority to the ports used by VoIP services.
Yes, VoIP works over Starlink. With its fast speeds and relatively low latency, Starlink can support VoIP calls effectively. However, proper configuration, including QoS, is essential for optimal performance.
Using VoIP over Starlink is not only possible but can be highly effective with proper setup and optimisation. While Starlink’s speeds and latency generally support VoIP, fluctuations during peak times highlight the importance of QoS and reliable VoIP systems like PlexaTalk. By prioritising VoIP traffic and leveraging robust tools, you can enjoy crystal-clear calls over Starlink’s satellite internet.
If you’re considering Starlink for your VoIP needs or want to learn more about PlexaTalk’s solutions, feel free to reach out. We’re here to ensure your communications are seamless and efficient, no matter where you are
VoIP Apps vs Call Forwarding? Find out the pros and cons of both solutions in our post below:
In today’s fast-paced world of business communication, staying connected is essential. The rise of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology has given professionals and businesses flexible options for handling calls, with many turning to VoIP apps for their convenience and cost-effectiveness. But there’s another tool that often flies under the radar: call forwarding.
When it comes to reliability, simplicity, and efficiency, call forwarding offers a host of advantages that can make it a better option than relying solely on a VoIP app. While VoIP apps have their place, especially for outbound calling and advanced features, call forwarding ensures a seamless and professional experience that’s hard to match.
If you’re searching for a VoIP provider that supports forwarding to mobile, Plexatalk is here to help. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of call forwarding, the situations where VoIP apps shine, and how Plexatalk is bridging the gap with innovative solutions like our upcoming click-to-call dialler.
Call forwarding is a straightforward and reliable way to ensure you never miss an important call, no matter where you are. Here are the key reasons why professionals should consider it:
VoIP apps require a constant internet connection and often run in the background, draining your phone’s battery. By contrast, call forwarding operates through the traditional phone network, meaning it doesn’t require a data connection or an app running on your mobile device.
This is particularly useful for professionals who rely on their phones throughout the day. With call forwarding, you can handle your calls without worrying about your phone running out of power prematurely.
VoIP apps use mobile data or Wi-Fi to handle calls, which can quickly add up if you’re in a limited data plan or have inconsistent access to Wi-Fi. Call forwarding bypasses these issues entirely, routing calls through the standard phone network without consuming any mobile data.
For professionals who are often on the move or working in areas with unreliable internet, this can translate to significant cost savings and better overall call quality.
VoIP apps depend on a strong and stable internet connection to deliver high-quality audio. In areas with patchy Wi-Fi or mobile internet, calls can become garbled or even drop altogether.
Call forwarding, on the other hand, ensures that your calls go through traditional phone lines, which are often more reliable than internet-based systems. This means you can stay connected, even in challenging environments.
One of the challenges with VoIP apps is ensuring that voicemails go to the right place. If a call doesn’t connect, the caller might leave a message on your personal mobile voicemail instead of your professional VoIP voicemail, creating confusion.
With Plexatalk’s call forwarding solution, callers are prompted to leave messages directly on your professional VoIP voicemail. This keeps your work and personal communications separate, ensuring a seamless experience for your clients and colleagues.
VoIP apps often require installation, updates, and troubleshooting. Call forwarding, by contrast, is simple and straightforward. Once set up, it works seamlessly in the background, letting you focus on what matters most: your business.
While call forwarding has many advantages, there are situations where using a VoIP app is necessary. Here are some examples where apps can complement call forwarding:
If you frequently make outbound calls from your mobile and want them to display your business number rather than your personal number, a VoIP app can be indispensable. These apps allow you to mask your personal number and maintain a professional image.
VoIP apps often come with features like call recording, call transfers, and conference calling. These capabilities are valuable for professionals who need to manage complex communications while away from their desks – although if using our hosted call recording, that will still work over call forwarding.
For users who rely on tools such as call analytics or integrations with customer relationship management (CRM) systems, a VoIP app is essential. It allows you to leverage the full range of capabilities that a VoIP provider offers.
At Plexatalk, we understand the need for flexibility in professional communication. That’s why we’re developing an innovative click-to-call dialler, which brings the best of both worlds.
The click-to-call dialler allows you to initiate calls from your mobile using your VoIP number, ensuring a professional appearance. Here’s how it works:
This solution makes outbound calling easy, professional, and efficient, complementing our call forwarding services for a complete communication experience.
VoIP apps handle calls entirely over the internet, requiring data or Wi-Fi. Call forwarding routes calls through traditional phone lines, ensuring better reliability, battery life, and data savings.
Yes, combining both gives you the flexibility to manage inbound and outbound calls effectively. Forward incoming calls to your mobile for convenience and use the app for outbound or advanced features.
Call forwarding is usually affordable and cost-effective. At Plexatalk, we offer tailored solutions to ensure you get the most value for your investment.
Yes, our call forwarding service works seamlessly across borders, allowing you to receive calls anywhere in the world.
The click-to-call dialler simplifies outbound calling from mobile while maintaining your professional image. It’s perfect for professionals who need to make frequent business calls on the go.
When it comes to VoIP apps vs call forwarding, the best solution often involves a combination of the two. Call forwarding provides unmatched reliability and simplicity, while VoIP apps offer advanced features and outbound calling capabilities.
At Plexatalk, we specialise in creating tailored communication solutions for professionals and businesses. Whether you’re looking for a VoIP provider that supports forwarding to mobile, mobile apps, or both, we’ve got you covered.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about how our call forwarding and VoIP solutions can transform your business communication. Visit our contact page at https://www.plexatalk.co.uk/contact-us/.
Don’t let communication challenges hold you back. With Plexatalk, you’ll never miss an important call again.
The way we communicate is changing, and the choice between Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and traditional landlines has never been more critical. As businesses and households prepare for the UK’s ongoing digital transformation, understanding your options is vital. This blog explores the key differences between VoIP and landlines, practical broadband solutions for rural areas, and why now is the perfect time to make the switch.
VoIP allows you to make phone calls using an internet connection rather than traditional copper wires. Calls are transmitted as digital data packets, allowing for cost-effective and feature-rich communication. Unlike traditional phone systems, VoIP enables businesses to customise their communication setup with advanced features.
Traditional landlines rely on analogue signals transmitted through a copper wire network. While they have been the backbone of communication for over a century, they are increasingly outdated. The UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is set to be retired by 31 January 2027, making the move to digital systems like VoIP a necessity.
VoIP offers a range of advantages that make it a compelling choice for businesses and homes:
VoIP services generally cost less than traditional landlines, especially for long-distance and international calls. There’s also no need for expensive hardware, as VoIP works over your existing internet connection.
VoIP systems like Plexatalk go beyond basic voice communication, offering tools that boost efficiency and improve customer service. These include:
VoIP allows you to work from anywhere with an internet connection, making it perfect for remote and hybrid working environments.
With the PSTN switch-off approaching, VoIP ensures your communication systems are ready for the future, avoiding the risks of outdated technology.
One of the biggest concerns about VoIP is reliability during internet or power outages. However, these challenges can be mitigated with modern solutions:
With these measures in place, VoIP can match or even exceed the reliability of traditional landlines.
A reliable internet connection is crucial for VoIP. For rural areas where traditional broadband may be limited, there are excellent alternatives:
These options make VoIP viable even in locations where traditional broadband services fall short.
Although the PSTN switch-off has been extended to 2027, delaying your transition to VoIP could leave you vulnerable to disruptions. Moving to VoIP now lets you enjoy lower costs, advanced features, and greater flexibility, giving you a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
At Plexatalk, we specialise in VoIP solutions that are tailored to meet the needs of UK businesses and homes. With a focus on reliability and functionality, our services include:
Our VoIP systems are designed to be easy to use, scalable, and cost-effective, ensuring you’re ready for the future of communication.
Explore our competitive pricing and packages at /pricing/.
For most UK businesses and homes, VoIP is the smarter choice. With its cost savings, advanced features, and adaptability, it offers a clear path forward in an increasingly digital world. Coupled with backup options like 5G, satellite internet, and UPS systems, VoIP can provide reliable, uninterrupted communication that matches or surpasses traditional landlines.
The future of communication is digital—don’t wait until 2027. Contact Plexatalk today to discuss how our VoIP solutions can transform the way you communicate and future-proof your business.
How To Keep Caller ID in your EPOS with VoIP – With the rise of Voice over IP (VoIP) as a cost-effective, flexible solution for phone services, many businesses are making the switch from traditional phone lines. However, for shops, restaurants, takeaways, hotels, and other customer-facing businesses, this transition often comes with an unexpected downside—loss of Caller ID integration in their EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) or booking systems. Many of these systems rely on 56K USB or serial modems to capture Caller ID data, but these modems typically don’t work with digital VoIP systems.
We’ve been researching this issue in-depth and have been in touch with a company that has developed a custom solution designed to restore Caller ID functionality in VoIP environments without requiring costly software upgrades. In this post, we’ll cover why Caller ID stops working after switching to VoIP, and how this solution can bring Caller ID back to your existing EPOS or booking system for a range of applications, including hotel booking software, takeaway EPOS systems, kebab shop EPOS software, and more.
Traditional Caller ID systems in EPOS and booking software rely on analogue technology to detect and decode Caller ID data from landline signals. Here’s a quick look at how these systems operate:
In a VoIP setup, however, calls are transmitted digitally rather than in analogue format. While VoIP systems do carry Caller ID information, it’s in a digital format that is incompatible with 56K USB or serial modems, which are designed to decode analogue signals. This results in the loss of Caller ID integration for businesses that have switched to VoIP.
For businesses that rely on Caller ID integration with their EPOS or booking systems, losing this functionality can be disruptive. Some providers may recommend expensive software updates or full system replacements to make your setup compatible with VoIP-based Caller ID. However, these solutions are often prohibitively costly, and they may still not work seamlessly with existing systems.
After extensive research, we’ve identified a practical solution. We’ve partnered with a company that specialises in custom Caller ID integration for VoIP setups, and they’ve developed a device that can bridge the gap between your VoIP line and traditional Caller ID modems. This device captures Caller ID data from VoIP calls, converts it into a format that’s compatible with 56K or serial modems, and allows you to maintain Caller ID functionality with your existing EPOS or booking system.
This custom solution is designed to integrate seamlessly with a variety of EPOS and booking systems, including those used in hotels, takeaways, kebab shops, restaurants, and other retail businesses. Here’s an overview of how it works:
This solution is compatible with many popular EPOS and booking systems used in different types of businesses, including hotel booking software, takeaway shop EPOS systems, kebab shop software, and general retail EPOS systems.
Here’s why this custom Caller ID solution is ideal for businesses looking to maintain Caller ID functionality after switching to VoIP:
If your business has switched to VoIP and lost Caller ID functionality, we’re here to help you restore it. This custom solution allows you to enjoy the advantages of modern VoIP phone services while maintaining essential Caller ID integration with your EPOS or booking system. We’ve already helped many businesses—whether it’s hotel booking software, takeaway EPOS systems, or general retail setups—restore this function, and we’d be happy to assist you in getting Caller ID back on track.
Switching to VoIP doesn’t mean you have to lose Caller ID. Contact us today to discuss how our solution can bring Caller ID back to your EPOS system, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition to VoIP without disrupting your business operations.
Switching to VoIP can disrupt Caller ID functionality for businesses that rely on it in their EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) and booking systems. Below, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions about keeping Caller ID in your EPOS with VoIP and how our custom solution can help.
The adapter that connects betwen the phone like and PC is called a 56k modem.
Traditional 56K modems rely on analogue phone signals to decode Caller ID information. Since VoIP systems transmit data digitally, these modems can no longer detect Caller ID, as they were never designed for digital VoIP lines. To keep Caller ID in your EPOS with VoIP, you’ll need an alternative solution—such as our custom Caller ID adapter—to restore this functionality without a costly EPOS software upgrade.
Yes, there is an alternative to a 56K modem for VoIP. We’ve partnered with a company that has developed a specialised Caller ID adapter for VoIP, designed to bridge the gap between digital VoIP lines and analogue EPOS systems. This adapter captures the Caller ID data from the VoIP stream, converts it to an analogue format compatible with your EPOS system, and restores Caller ID display. This solution works with many systems, including those used in hotels, takeaways, retail shops, and restaurants.
To fix your EPOS system so it shows Caller ID after switching to VoIP, you’ll need a device that makes the digital VoIP Caller ID compatible with your existing setup. Our custom solution involves a specialised adapter that extracts the Caller ID data from VoIP calls and converts it into a format that can be read by your EPOS system. This allows you to keep Caller ID in your EPOS with VoIP without a costly overhaul or upgrade.
The easiest way to keep Caller ID in your EPOS with VoIP is to use a specialised Caller ID adapter, like the one we’ve identified through our research. This adapter captures the Caller ID from VoIP calls and translates it into a format that traditional EPOS systems can read. Unlike an EPOS software upgrade, which can be costly and time-consuming, this adapter provides a cost-effective and seamless solution that doesn’t disrupt your operations.
Our custom Caller ID adapter is designed to work with a wide variety of EPOS systems, including those used by hotels, restaurants, takeaways, retail shops, and more. If you’re using hotel booking software, kebab shop EPOS software, general retail EPOS software, or takeaway booking systems, this adapter should be compatible and restore Caller ID functionality.
When businesses switch to VoIP, their phone system becomes digital. Traditional 56K USB or serial modems used for Caller ID detection rely on analogue signals, which are no longer present in a VoIP setup. VoIP transmits calls over the internet as data packets, and without a specialised adapter, the EPOS system can’t detect the Caller ID data. This is why it’s essential to have a VoIP-compatible Caller ID solution to keep Caller ID in your EPOS with VoIP.
Setting up the Caller ID adapter is straightforward and designed to minimise disruption. Once connected, the adapter captures Caller ID data from VoIP calls and sends it to your EPOS as if it were from a traditional phone line, restoring functionality. This solution is compatible with many popular EPOS systems used in various business sectors, including hotel booking, takeaway, and retail systems.
In today’s business world, having a versatile phone number is crucial for effective communication. 0333 numbers are a popular choice due to their non-geographic nature and cost-effectiveness. If you’ve been wondering, “How much to call an 0333 number?” this guide will provide you with all the details you need to understand the costs involved.
0333 numbers belong to the 03 series in the UK, which was introduced to provide businesses with a flexible alternative to traditional geographic phone numbers. These numbers are not tied to a specific location, making them ideal for companies with a national reach. They are similar to 01 and 02 numbers in that they are not free to call but offer predictable and reasonable charges.
When dialing an 0333 number from your mobile phone, the cost is aligned with the rates for calling standard landline numbers, such as those starting with 01 or 02. This means:
For calls made from a landline, the costs are as follows:
0333 numbers offer several advantages, making them a popular choice for businesses:
At Plexatalk, we offer a range of 0333 numbers tailored to suit your business needs. Whether you’re looking to acquire a new number or port an existing one, our team can provide expert guidance and support. We understand that the world of business telephony can be complex, and we’re here to help simplify it for you.
Interested in learning more? Contact us today to explore your options and find the best 0333 number solution for your business. Feel free to reach out at 0330 057 6699 or email us at info@plexatalk.co.uk.