UniFi Talk VoIP: Elevate Your Business Communication

Last Updated on October 25, 2024

Effective communication is crucial for modern businesses. Traditional phone systems can be expensive and limited in their features. UniFi Talk, a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solution by Ubiquiti, offers a potential alternative. This system uses your internet connection to provide voice calls, video conferencing, and messaging features. One of its key advantages is integration with other UniFi products, allowing businesses to manage their network and communication systems from a single platform.

Key Takeaways

Feature	Benefit	Ideal for…
On-Premise System	Enhanced security and control over your communication data.	Businesses prioritizing data privacy and compliance.
Integration with UniFi Ecosystem	Streamlined management and a unified platform for network and communication systems. Unlock unique features like door access control from your phone.	Businesses already using UniFi products or seeking a comprehensive solution.
Flexible Plans	Choose the plan that aligns with your call volume and budget, from basic to unlimited options.	Businesses of all sizes with varying communication needs.
Variety of Phones	Select from executive, standard, and conference phones with features to match your usage.	Tailoring your communication setup to different roles and environments.
AI Voicemail Transcription	Save time and improve accessibility by reading voicemails instead of listening.	Busy professionals and those who prefer text-based communication.

UniFi Talk: A Deep Dive

Unlike many VoIP providers that rely on cloud-based systems, UniFi Talk takes a different approach. It's designed as an on-premise solution, meaning the system's core components reside within your own network infrastructure. This offers several advantages, particularly for businesses concerned about data security and control. With UniFi Talk, your communication data remains within your network, giving you greater control over its privacy and security.

Seamless Integration with the UniFi Ecosystem

UniFi Talk doesn't exist in isolation. It's designed to work seamlessly within the broader UniFi ecosystem. This means it integrates with other UniFi products and services, such as:

• UniFi Protect: Video surveillance system
• UniFi Access: Door access control system

This integration unlocks some interesting possibilities. For example:

• Answer calls from your UniFi Access door station directly on your UniFi Talk phone.
• Unlock the door remotely from your phone.
• See a live video feed from your UniFi Protect camera on your desk phone when someone rings the doorbell.

This highlights the power of UniFi's integrated approach.

Feature-Rich Communication

UniFi Talk goes beyond basic calling features. It includes tools to help businesses manage their communications more effectively.

• Smart Attendant: Automatically routes calls to the correct department or employee, improving response times and customer satisfaction.
• Call Recording: Allows for quality control and training purposes.
• Detailed Call Logs: Provide valuable insights into communication patterns.

UniFi Talk Plans and Phones: Choosing the Right Fit

UniFi Talk offers a variety of plans and phones to cater to different business needs. Understanding these options is essential to make informed decisions for your organization.

Understanding UniFi Talk Plans

UniFi Talk now provides two primary plans:

Plus: This plan is designed for businesses that need a balance of internal and external calling and SMS messaging. It includes a set number of minutes for calls to the US, Canada, and Mexico and a fixed number of SMS messages. This plan is good for companies with predictable call volumes and SMS needs.

Pro: The Pro plan offers unlimited calling to the US, Canada, and Mexico, as well as unlimited SMS messages within those countries. It also includes features like CNAM lookups (to see caller names), more call transcription minutes, and a UniFi Identity softphone for making calls from your computer or mobile device. This plan is ideal for businesses with high call volumes and needing advanced features.

To help you visualize the differences, here's a table summarizing the key features of each plan:

Feature	Plus Plan ($9.99/month)	Pro Plan ($24.99/month)
Monthly Minutes	3,000 minutes (to the US, Canada, and Mexico)	Unlimited minutes (to the US, Canada, and Mexico)
SMS Messages	50 messages (in the US, Canada, and Mexico)	Unlimited messages (in the US, Canada, and Mexico)
Call Transcription	60 minutes	600 minutes
Caller ID Name Lookups	–	3,000 lookups
Softphone Included	–	UniFi Identity softphone
Other Features	Unlimited concurrent calls Emergency calling Free number porting	All Plus Plan features Unlimited concurrent calls Emergency calling Free number porting

Still not sure which plan is right for you? Consider these factors:

• Call Volume: How many minutes do you typically use each month?
• SMS Usage: Do you rely on SMS for customer communication?
• Call Recording: How important is call transcription for your business?
• Softphone Needs: Do your employees need to make calls from their computers?

Note: Prices and features may vary by region. For the most up-to-date information, it's always best to check the official UniFi website. https://ui.com/new-integrations/managed-voip#plans

UniFi VoIP Phones: A Range of Options

UniFi offers a variety of VoIP phones designed to meet diverse needs. These phones can be broadly categorized as:

• Executive Phones: These are high-end phones with advanced features and large touchscreens, ideal for executives and power users. The UniFi Phone Touch Max is a prime example.
• Standard Phones: These are reliable and user-friendly phones for everyday business use.
• Conference Phones: These are designed for conference rooms and collaborative spaces, offering excellent audio quality and speakerphone capabilities.

When choosing a phone, consider the specific features you need, the number of users, and your budget.

Locked vs. Unlocked Phones: Busting the Myth

When browsing UniFi Talk phones, you might encounter the terms “locked” and “unlocked.” This can be misleading, as it doesn't refer to the typical carrier-locking you find with mobile phones. This distinction in the UniFi Talk world relates to how the phones are licensed and used.

• Locked Phones: These phones require direct association with a user account and a dedicated UniFi Talk phone number. They are ideal for employees who need their own phone lines and numbers.
• Unlocked Phones: These phones offer greater flexibility. Multiple users can use them, share them within a group, or even use them without a dedicated UniFi Talk number (for internal calls only). This makes them suitable for common areas, conference rooms, or hot-desking environments.

Why the price difference?

You might notice that unlocked phones generally have a higher upfront cost. They offer more flexibility and don't require ongoing per-user licensing fees. On the other hand, Locked phones have a lower initial cost but require a recurring subscription for each phone number.

Choosing between locked and unlocked phones depends on your specific needs and how you plan to use them.

To summarize:

• Choose locked phones if you need dedicated phone lines for individual users and want lower upfront costs.
• Choose unlocked phones for shared use, common areas, or to avoid per-user licensing fees.

UniFi Talk's Latest Enhancements

UniFi Talk is constantly evolving, with Ubiquiti regularly releasing updates that add new features and improve existing functionality. Let's explore some recent enhancements that make UniFi Talk even more compelling for businesses in the United States.

UniFi Talk Pro Plan Offers Unlimited Calling and More

The UniFi Talk Pro Plan offers a compelling solution for US businesses with high call volumes. Priced at $24.99 per month per number, this plan provides:

• Unlimited calling: Make unlimited calls within the US, Canada, and Mexico.
• Unlimited SMS messaging: Send and receive unlimited SMS messages within the US, Canada, and Mexico.
• Caller ID Name (CNAM) lookups: See the names of incoming callers, even if they're not in your contacts list.
• Call recording transcriptions: Get automatic transcriptions of your recorded calls, making it easier to review important conversations.
• UniFi Identity softphone: Make and receive calls from your computer or mobile device using your UniFi Talk number.

The Pro Plan is ideal for businesses that rely heavily on phone communication and need a comprehensive solution with advanced features.

AI-Powered Voicemail Transcriptions

UniFi Talk now offers AI-powered voicemail transcriptions to streamline communication and improve accessibility. This feature automatically converts voicemail messages into text, making reviewing messages without listening to them easier.

This is particularly helpful for busy professionals who may not always have time to listen to voicemails. It also improves accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments.

UniFi Talk allows users to redact sensitive information from transcriptions to address privacy concerns. This feature is currently available for English-language voicemails in the US.

UniFi Talk in Action: Real-World Benefits

UniFi Talk isn't just about impressive features and sleek hardware. It's about providing tangible benefits that improve how businesses operate and communicate. Here's how UniFi Talk can make a real difference in your organization.

Boosting Productivity and Collaboration

UniFi Talk can significantly enhance productivity and collaboration within your company. Here are a few examples:

• Seamless internal communication: UniFi Talk makes it easy for employees to connect, regardless of location. Employees can use UniFi Talk to make calls, send messages, and participate in video conferences, whether in the same office or working remotely. This fosters a more connected and collaborative work environment.
• Streamlined workflows: Integrating UniFi Talk with other business applications can streamline workflows and reduce manual tasks. For instance, you can set up automatic call routing to direct customer inquiries to the appropriate department or employee. You can also integrate UniFi Talk with your CRM system to automatically log calls and track customer interactions.
• Mobile app integration: The UniFi Talk mobile app allows employees to stay connected even when away from their desks. Using their smartphones, they can make and receive calls, check voicemail, and send messages, ensuring they never miss important communications.

Enhancing Customer Service

UniFi Talk provides tools to elevate your customer service and create positive client experiences.

• Professional call handling: Features like the smart attendant ensure that calls are answered promptly and routed to the right person or department. This reduces wait times and improves customer satisfaction.
• Personalized interactions: UniFi Talk allows you to customize greetings and messages, providing a more personalized experience for your callers.
• Improved call resolution: Call recording and voicemail transcriptions can help you monitor call quality, identify areas for improvement, and resolve customer issues more effectively.

By implementing UniFi Talk, businesses can create a more efficient and customer-centric communication system.

Conclusion

UniFi Talk presents a compelling option for businesses evaluating VoIP solutions. Its on-premise design, integration with the UniFi ecosystem, and diverse plans and phones cater to various needs and preferences.

While UniFi Talk offers potential benefits like improved productivity and enhanced customer service, businesses must carefully assess their specific requirements and compare UniFi Talk with other available VoIP solutions before making a decision. Factors to consider include call volume, desired features, budget constraints, and the need for integration with existing systems.

For a more in-depth understanding of UniFi Talk and its features, refer to the official UniFi website or consult with a UniFi partner.

Do you need help setting up or managing your UniFi network and VoIP solutions? iFeeltech IT Services can help. We specialize in UniFi deployments and can provide expert guidance and support to ensure your system is optimized for your business needs. Contact us today for a free consultation.