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Ditch the Desk Phone: How Internet Telephony is a Game Changer

April 28, 2025

Prabhakar Verma   

Associate Director - Business Collaboration, Tata Communications

The world of communication is evolving at lightning speed. Gone are the days of clunky desk phones and rigid landlines. Today, businesses and individuals alike are seeking flexibility, affordability, and seamless connectivity. Enter the Internet Telephony Number (ITN), a revolutionary technology that’s reshaping how we communicate.

The Rise of Internet Telephony in the Era of UCaaS

At its core, an Internet Telephony Number (ITN) allows users to make and receive calls over the internet, eliminating the need for conventional telephone infrastructure when associated with a UcaaS platform & solution. Whether leveraging Wi-Fi, a broadband connection, or a mobile hotspot, ITNs provide unparalleled flexibility in communication.

In an era where hybrid and remote work are the norm, ITNs are proving indispensable for businesses that demand agility, scalability, and seamless connectivity. Unlike traditional phone systems that tie users to a physical location, ITNs empower Enterprise professionals to stay connected anytime, anywhere ushering in a new age of borderless communication.

How Does Internet Telephony Number Differ from Fixed Landline & Mobile Number

  • Fixed landlines offer excellent call quality and reliability due to point-to-point MPLS connectivity, making them ideal for enterprise use with full emergency services and flexible OSP (Other Service Provider) / Non-OSP classifications. However, they lack mobility, cannot be ported to other providers, are location-specific, and require significant physical infrastructure and customer premises equipment (CPE). Additionally, the number ownership belongs to the enterprise, not the individual.
  • Internet Telephony Numbers (ITNs) offer great flexibility and quicker deployment as they work over any internet connection and do not require dedicated customer premises equipment (CPE). They support national roaming when associated with a Ucaas platform, optimised bandwidth usage as some UcaaS platform have their own proprietary Codec, and simplified administration with e-KYC. However, ITNs depend on internet stability for call quality, have limitations on emergency services. The number ownership belongs to the enterprise and are not portable
  • Mobile numbers offer high mobility with international roaming, portability to other providers, wide coverage using existing cellular infrastructure, and quick deployment with SIM card activation. They provide emergency services based on geolocation and do not require CPE. However, call quality and reliability depend on network coverage and congestion, signal strength vary by location, and cellular networks are susceptible to security risks. The number belongs to the end user and is lost when the employee leaves, and the quality of customer experience can vary based on network conditions.

Breaking Free from Limitations: The ITN Advantage

  • Unmatched Flexibility & Mobility: With ITN you are no more tethered to a specific location. ITNs with UcaaS offer national roaming, allowing you to stay connected wherever you go within the country. This is especially crucial for businesses with remote teams or employees who are constantly on the move. When outside the country only CUG (Closed User Group) calls will work.
  • Cost Savings Without Compromise: Leveraging your existing internet connection eliminates the need for expensive dedicated phone lines. This translates to substantial savings for businesses.
  • Instant Deployment & Scalability: Setting up an ITN is a breeze. No need for lengthy installations or complex infrastructure. With quick activation and no need for physical hardware, you can get your communication system up and running in no time.
  • Superior Call Quality: With advancements in technology, ITNs now offer crystal-clear call quality. Adaptive codecs and high-bandwidth capabilities ensure a smooth and uninterrupted communication experience.
  • Simplified Management & Administration: ITNs are managed through online portals, making it easy to configure settings, manage users, and track call logs. The lack of OSP/NOSP classifications also makes it much simpler to administer.
  • A Future-Proof Communication Model: As the world becomes increasingly digital, ITNs are poised to become the standard for communication. Embracing this technology ensures your business stays ahead of the curve and adapts to the evolving communication landscape.
  • E-KYC ease: The ease of electronic Know your customer verification, makes implementation faster and easier.

Internet Telephony Numbers are not just a trend; they are the future of communication. With their flexibility, affordability, and enhanced features, ITNs are empowering businesses and individuals to communicate more effectively than ever before. It’s time to ditch the desk phone and embrace the internet. The revolution is here.

Tata Communications GlobalRapide for Webex provide both fixed and Internet Telephony Numbers (ITNs), enabling seamless global communication and collaboration. It offers a powerful suite of benefits including seamless migration to cloud platforms, global connectivity, enhanced collaboration, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance. What truly differentiates Tata Communications is its unique position as one of the few global operators directly connected to Zoom, Cisco, and Microsoft UCaaS platforms. This allows enterprise customers to use the same ITN number across different UCaaS platforms or migrate between them—such as from Microsoft Teams or  Zoom  to Cisco Webex without changing their number. This flexibility empowers businesses with a robust, scalable, and future-ready communication solution, making it easier to stay connected and collaborate effectively in today’s digital-first world.

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