IP Telephony (VoIP)
IP telephony — also known as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) — is a technology that transmits voice calls over the internet instead of traditional copper phone lines (PSTN). Rather than relying on circuit-switched networks built in the 20th century, IP telephony converts analog voice signals into digital data packets that travel across broadband connections. According to Fortune Business Insights (2024), the global VoIP market reached $108 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $236 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 10.2%.
In Sweden, IP telephony adoption accelerated dramatically after Telia announced the shutdown of the PSTN copper network, completed in phases from 2020 to 2026. This forced millions of Swedish businesses and households to transition to IP-based calling. Major providers like Telavox, Telia, and 3CX offer IP telephony services ranging from 69 to 399 SEK per user per month. However, IP telephony alone only transmits calls — it does not answer them. When combined with AI-powered call handling, IP telephony becomes the foundation for intelligent business communications where every call is answered, understood, and acted upon automatically.
Key Insight
The global VoIP market reached $108 billion in 2024 (Fortune Business Insights), yet IP telephony only transmits calls — it does not answer them. Businesses that pair IP telephony with AI call answering report 40% fewer missed calls and 25% higher customer satisfaction, according to Juniper Research (2025).
How It Works
IP telephony works by converting your voice into digital data packets using codecs (like G.711 or Opus), then transmitting those packets over the internet to the recipient. A SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) server handles call setup, routing, and teardown. Your business can use IP phones, softphone apps on computers and smartphones, or existing analog phones connected via an ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter). The technology requires a stable broadband connection with at least 100 kbps per concurrent call.
Skaala builds on IP telephony infrastructure to deliver AI-powered call answering. When a call arrives via your IP telephony provider, it can be forwarded to Skaala's AI receptionist, which answers using natural language processing, handles the caller's request, and routes or resolves it — all over the same IP infrastructure. This means businesses keep their existing IP telephony setup and phone numbers while adding an intelligent AI layer that ensures every call is answered professionally, even when staff are unavailable.
Benefits
Use Cases
- A dental clinic switches from PSTN to IP telephony and forwards unanswered calls to Skaala's AI receptionist — capturing after-hours appointment bookings that previously went to voicemail.
- A law firm with attorneys working from home uses IP telephony softphones on their laptops, with Skaala handling overflow calls during court appearances when no one is available.
- A restaurant chain uses IP telephony across 5 locations with centralized call routing, forwarding reservation calls to Skaala's AI which books tables directly into their system.
Comparison with Alternatives
Traditional PSTN lines cost 200–500 SEK/month per line with limited features. Standard IP telephony from providers like Telavox or 3CX costs 69–199 SEK/user/month and adds features like call forwarding, conferencing, and softphones — but still requires someone to answer. AI-enhanced IP telephony with Skaala starts at 299 SEK/month total and adds autonomous call answering on top of standard VoIP, meaning your business phone is never unattended. IP telephony was the future of business calling; AI-powered IP telephony is the present.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between IP telephony and traditional phone lines?
Traditional phone lines (PSTN) use copper wires and circuit-switched technology from the 20th century. IP telephony transmits voice as digital data over the internet, offering lower costs (50–75% savings), more features, and geographic flexibility. Sweden's PSTN network was fully shut down by 2026, making IP telephony the standard for all businesses.
Can I keep my existing phone number when switching to IP telephony?
Yes. Number portability regulations in Sweden, Norway, and most countries allow you to transfer your existing business phone number to any IP telephony provider. The process typically takes 5–10 business days. With Skaala, you can also simply forward calls from your existing number — no porting required.
What internet speed do I need for IP telephony?
Each concurrent VoIP call requires approximately 100 kbps of bandwidth (both upload and download). A standard 100 Mbps connection can comfortably handle 50+ simultaneous calls. For best quality, use a wired ethernet connection or ensure strong Wi-Fi signal, and consider QoS (Quality of Service) settings on your router to prioritize voice traffic.
How Skaala uses ip telephony (voip)
Skaala integrates seamlessly with any IP telephony provider. Businesses simply set up call forwarding from their existing VoIP service to their Skaala number — the AI receptionist answers every forwarded call with natural conversation, handles inquiries, books appointments, and sends instant summaries. There is no need to change phone numbers or providers. Skaala turns passive IP telephony infrastructure into an active, intelligent communication layer.