Switching to VoIP is one of the best decisions a Montana small business can make — but only if you avoid the pitfalls that trip up first-time buyers. After helping hundreds of Montana businesses make the transition, here are the seven most common mistakes we see.
1. Choosing Based on Price Alone
The cheapest VoIP plan almost always costs more in the long run. Base-tier plans from national providers strip out features like call recording, auto attendant, and voicemail transcription — then charge $5-15/user/month to add them back. Compare total cost with all the features you actually need, not just the advertised starting price.
2. Skipping the Network Assessment
VoIP runs on your internet connection. If your bandwidth is borderline, your jitter is high, or your router doesn't support QoS (Quality of Service), call quality will suffer. A reputable provider — like Big Sky Telecom — runs a free network assessment before installation to identify and fix issues before they become problems.
3. Not Planning for Power and Internet Outages
Montana weather is real. Power outages, internet disruptions, and seasonal storms happen. If your VoIP system doesn't have failover routing — automatically forwarding calls to mobile phones or backup numbers when the internet drops — you'll miss calls during every outage. Big Sky Telecom's geo-redundant infrastructure includes automatic failover in under 30 seconds.
4. Ignoring HIPAA Requirements
If you're a healthcare provider, dental practice, mental health counselor, or any business handling protected health information, your phone system must be HIPAA-compliant. Many popular VoIP providers — including Ooma and Grasshopper — don't offer HIPAA compliance at any tier. Verify compliance and get a signed BAA before you switch.
5. Forgetting About Remote Workers
If any of your team works from home, travels, or splits time between locations, your VoIP system needs softphone apps, presence indicators, and seamless call transfers. Don't assume every provider includes these — some charge extra or offer limited mobile functionality.
6. Not Porting Your Number Properly
Your business phone number is a valuable asset. Rushed or mishandled number porting can result in days without service. Work with a provider that handles porting for you and maintains your existing service during the transition. Never cancel your old service before porting is complete.
7. Choosing a Provider Without Local Support
When your phones go down, you need someone who picks up — not a chatbot. National providers route you through overseas call centers and ticket queues. A local provider like Big Sky Telecom gives you a dedicated account rep in Missoula who responds in under an hour and can come to your office if needed.
The Bottom Line
VoIP is straightforward when done right. Avoid these seven mistakes and you'll save money, keep your team connected, and never miss a customer call.
Big Sky Telecom provides hosted VoIP, business phone systems, and managed IT services to small and mid-sized businesses across Western Montana. Locally owned and operated in Missoula, MT since 1998.