What Happens If My Office Internet Goes Down?
The #1 question businesses ask about VoIP β and why cloud phone systems are actually MORE reliable than traditional phone lines
The Short Answer
If your office internet goes down, your business phone calls automatically redirect to mobile phones, another location, or voicemail.
Unlike traditional phone lines that are tied to physical wires in your building, BaronTEL's cloud VoIP system lives in secure Canadian data centres. Your phone system keeps running even when your office doesn't have power or internet.
What is VoIP? A Better Business Phone System
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) delivers your business phone calls over the internet instead of old copper phone lines. But it's not just a different delivery method β it's a significant upgrade in every way:
π§ HD Voice Quality
Crystal clear audio quality that makes traditional phone lines sound like tin cans. VoIP uses wideband audio codecs that capture the full range of human voice β no more muffled, compressed sound.
π Unlimited Calls & Fax
Unlimited inbound and outbound calls AND fax across Canada and the USA. No long distance charges. No per-minute billing. One flat rate covers everything.
π± Modern IP Phones
Full-colour screens, programmable buttons, built-in directories, and intuitive interfaces. These aren't your old desk phones β they're modern communication tools designed for how businesses work today.
β‘ Features Included
Voicemail-to-email, call recording, auto attendants, ring groups, call queues, SMS messaging β features that cost thousands extra on traditional systems are included in your plan.
π Work From Anywhere
Same extension works on your desk phone, Bria mobile app, and desktop softphone. Answer business calls from home, the office, or anywhere with internet. Callers always see your business number.
π° 40-60% Lower Cost
No expensive PBX hardware to buy or maintain. No technician visits for simple changes. No long distance charges. Most businesses save 40-60% compared to traditional phone systems.
π’ No More "Line 1 / Line 2" Limitations
With traditional analog phones, physical lines are limited β if someone is on Line 1, Line 1 is busy. With VoIP based phone systems, there are no physical lines. Your phone can handle multiple simultaneous calls on the SAME extension. The "Line 1 / Line 2" buttons on IP phones are just for convenience to manage multiple calls β they're not tied to physical phone lines like the old days.
How VoIP Failover Works
Normal Operation
Calls come into your business number and ring your desk phones over the internet. Everything works as expected.
Outage Detected
BaronTEL's system can't reach your desk phone. Within 2 seconds, it knows to try other destinations. No action required from you.
Instant Redirect
The call instantly routes to your other registered devices (Bria Mobile app), forwards to your cell/home number, or goes to voicemail if no answer. Callers hear normal ringing β no delay.
Internet Restored
When your office internet comes back, calls automatically return to your desk phones. Seamless.
π The Key Difference: Cloud vs. On-Premise
Traditional phone systems (PBX boxes in your office) go down when your office goes down. With cloud VoIP, your phone system runs in redundant data centres with backup power and multiple internet connections. Your phone system's reliability is independent of your office's reliability.
How Your Calls Find You β Anywhere
Each extension can ring multiple devices. You choose simultaneous ring (all at once) or sequential ring (one after another):
π± Bria Mobile App
Your business extension rings on your smartphone via the Bria app. Answer business calls from anywhere with WiFi or cellular data. Caller sees your business number, not your cell.
π₯οΈ Desktop Softphone
Same extension rings on your computer. Great for remote workers or as a backup if desk phone has issues.
π Desk Phone
Traditional IP desk phone in your office. If internet is down, calls automatically go to your other registered devices.
π² Cell Phone Forward
Can't use the app? We can forward calls to your regular cell number. Ring simultaneously or as a backup after other devices.
π Home Phone Forward
Working from home without the app? Forward calls to your home landline as another failover option.
π§ Voicemail to Email
If no devices answer, calls go to your extension's voicemail. Recording instantly emailed to you as an audio file.
π The Key Point: Multiple Endpoints, One Number
Your extension isn't tied to one device β it's tied to YOU. Desk phone, mobile app, softphone, forwarding numbers... you choose how they ring. Simultaneous ring (all devices at once) or sequential ring (try desk first, then mobile, then forward) β we set it up however you prefer. If the office internet dies, your mobile app and forwarding numbers keep working instantly. Callers just hear ringing. They never know anything happened.
Zero Downtime When Switching Providers
Worried About Losing Calls During the Switch?
Whether you're moving from Bell, Rogers, TELUS, RingCentral, 8x8, Vonage, or any other provider to BaronTEL, there is zero downtime. Here's how it works:
π Step 1: We Set Up Your New System
We configure your new BaronTEL phone system and you can start making outbound calls right away. All outbound calls display your business phone number on the recipient's caller ID, so if they call back, the call goes to your existing system until the port-in is completed.
π Step 2: Number Porting Request
We submit a port request to transfer your existing phone numbers. This happens behind the scenes β your current phones keep working normally. Once the port-in request is made, within a day or two we receive a confirmed date, usually within 7 business days, for the completion of the port-in. Ports are typically completed by 11AM EST on the scheduled date.
π Step 3: Seamless Transfer
On port day, your numbers transfer to BaronTEL. The switch happens instantly β usually by 11AM EST. Callers won't notice anything except possibly better call quality.
β Step 4: Done!
Your numbers are now on BaronTEL. Contact your old provider to cancel your previous service. You're now saving 40-60% with better features and Canadian support.
π‘οΈ Our Zero Downtime Guarantee
We've ported thousands of numbers from Bell, Rogers, TELUS, Shaw, and dozens of other providers. If you experience any downtime during the switch that's our fault, we'll credit your first month free.
Cloud VoIP vs. Traditional Phone Lines
Reliability comparison for common outage scenarios:
| Scenario | Traditional Phone Lines | BaronTEL Cloud VoIP |
|---|---|---|
| Office internet outage | Phones still work (separate copper lines) | β Calls redirect to mobile/backup automatically |
| Office power outage | β Phones dead (PBX needs power) | β Calls redirect to mobile/backup automatically |
| Building fire/flood | β All phone service lost | β Calls redirect β business continues |
| Phone line cut (construction) | β All phone service lost until repair | β Unaffected β uses internet, not copper |
| Snow storm / ice storm | β Lines often damaged | β Staff work from home with same number |
| Hardware failure | β Wait for technician visit | β Use softphone/mobile instantly |
The truth: Cloud VoIP is actually MORE reliable than traditional phone lines for most outage scenarios because your phone system isn't dependent on your office infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my internet is slow or unreliable?
VoIP requires very little bandwidth β about 100 Kbps per call. Even basic internet handles multiple simultaneous calls easily. We also configure Quality of Service (QoS) on your router to prioritize voice traffic. If you have frequent internet issues, our system automatically fails over to mobile until your connection stabilizes.
Can I test failover before I need it?
Yes! We recommend testing your failover setup when you first get the system. Simply unplug your router and call your business number β you'll see exactly where calls go. Plug it back in and calls return to desk phones within seconds.
How fast does failover happen?
Instantly. The moment a call is unable to reach the extension, the system immediately sends the call to the next destination such as your Bria Mobile app or cell phone number. If those fail to answer, the call is sent to the extension's voicemail.
Does failover cost extra?
No. Automatic failover is included with all BaronTEL plans. You configure your backup destinations once, and the system handles everything automatically.
What about 911 calls during an outage?
If you need to call 911 during an internet outage, use a mobile phone. VoIP 911 requires internet connectivity. This is true for all VoIP providers. Your mobile phone is always the most reliable way to reach emergency services.
How long does it take to port my numbers?
Typically 5-10 business days for most carriers. Some carriers are faster (2-3 days), some slower (up to 15 days for complex ports). We keep your old service active until the port completes β zero downtime.
What if I have a toll-free number?
Toll-free numbers (1-800, 1-888, etc.) port just like local numbers. Same process, same zero downtime. We handle everything.
Can I keep my current phone number?
Yes. You keep all your existing phone numbers. We port them from your current provider at no charge. Your customers call the same number they always have.
Ready for Reliable Business Phone Service?
Switch to BaronTEL with zero downtime. Keep your numbers. Save 40-60% vs. Bell, Rogers, TELUS.
Serving businesses across Canada since 2012