What to Do if Your Internet Goes Down

VoIP (voice over internet protocol) is one of the smartest ways for businesses to communicate. It’s cost-effective, flexible, and packed with features that traditional phone systems can’t match. But since VoIP relies on your internet connection, many SMEs ask the same question: what happens to our phones if the internet goes down? At Blowfish Technology VOIP Telecoms, we provide VoIP solutions for businesses across Liverpool, Manchester, and the North West. The good news is that with the right setup, your VoIP system can stay reliable—even if your primary internet connection fails. Here’s how.

Introduction: Why reliability matters in VoIP for SMEs

In an era where customer expectations are high and downtime can cost revenue, ensuring continuity of communications is essential. VoIP offers powerful capabilities—from call forwarding to cloud-based management—but its dependence on internet connectivity means proactive planning is critical. By implementing redundancy, smart routing, and cloud-based options, SMEs can minimize disruption and keep customers connected to your team, no matter what happens to the primary connection.

1. Have a backup internet connection

The simplest way to protect your VoIP system is to use a secondary internet connection. Many SMEs use one of the following options as a backup:

• A second broadband line from a different provider
• 4G/5G mobile data as a backup connection
• Business-grade fibre with built-in failover

With automatic failover, your calls switch seamlessly to the backup connection, keeping your business online. This minimizes missed calls and keeps your team productive during outages.

Key considerations:

• Latency and jitter: Ensure the backup connection offers acceptable call quality
• Automatic failover timing: Look for near-instant failover to avoid noticeable drops
• Data usage and cost: Monitor how much backhaul is consumed by voice traffic on the backup link

By planning for a second path into your network, you reduce the single point of failure that could otherwise derail communications.

2. Use call forwarding during outages

If your internet goes down, VoIP systems can automatically forward incoming calls to mobile phones or alternative landlines. This means your customers can still reach you—even if your office internet is temporarily unavailable.

Practical tips:

• Configure smart routing rules so high-priority numbers (sales, support) forward to mobile devices first
• Maintain updated contact lists in the cloud so forwarded calls reach the right person
• Inform customers of temporary changes through an automated message or business hours update

Call forwarding is a simple, cost-effective safeguard that keeps you accessible during short-term outages and reduces the risk of missed opportunities.

3. Take advantage of the cloud

Modern VoIP systems are cloud-based, meaning your phone system isn’t tied to a single office or device. Staff can continue making and receiving calls through:

• Mobile apps
• Laptops with softphone software
• Web-based dashboards

As long as at least one device has internet access (via mobile data, for example), your business stays connected. Cloud-based VoIP also provides easy scalability, centralised management, and disaster recovery benefits. For SMEs, this translates into flexible work arrangements and resiliency without heavy on-site hardware dependencies.

Best practices:

• Ensure robust authentication and regular software updates for all endpoints
• Use strong Wi-Fi and mobile data coverage to keep devices online
• Implement monitoring to receive alerts if a device loses connectivity

4. Plan for power outages

An internet outage is sometimes caused by a local power cut. To prepare, consider:

• Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) for your router and networking equipment: These provide short-term power to keep critical devices running during power interruptions.
• 4G/5G-ready devices: Have staff equipped with mobile data-enabled devices to take over communication temporarily
• Battery-backed VoIP handsets or portable devices for essential teams

Combining power backup with internet redundancy gives you multiple layers of resilience, reducing the chance that a single outage translates into a prolonged communications gap.

5. Work with a reliable IT and VoIP partner

The key to uninterrupted service is proactive planning. A trusted partner can design VoIP systems with redundancy, backup options, and ongoing support built-in. At Blowfish Technology, we tailor solutions to your business, focusing on:

• Redundancy and failover strategies
• Cloud-based hosting with resilient data paths
• Ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and rapid response
• Clear guidance on call routing, mobility, and device management

With a proactive approach, your staff stay connected, and your customers never notice a disruption.

Why reliability matters for SMEs

• Missed calls equal missed sales: Every unanswered call is an opportunity lost, especially in competitive markets.
• Downtime damages reputation: Consistent, professional communication reinforces trust with clients.
• Simple precautions prevent costly disruptions: Redundancy, smart routing, and cloud flexibility are cost-efficient risk mitigations.

With the UK’s PSTN and ISDN switch-off approaching in 2025, VoIP will soon be the standard for all businesses. By ensuring reliability now, your business won’t just be prepared—you’ll be ahead, able to operate smoothly regardless of internet hiccups.

How Blowfish Technology can help

We provide business-grade VoIP solutions with built-in resilience, call forwarding, and expert support. From setup to ongoing monitoring, we ensure your business phones are as reliable as your broadband. Our approach includes:

• Comprehensive network assessment to design redundancy
• Cloud-based VoIP deployment with mobile and desktop access
• Automatic failover and intelligent call routing
• Backup power recommendations and UPS integration
• Ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and rapid issue resolution

If you’re wondering “What to Do if Your Internet Goes Down?” or want a robust VoIP strategy that keeps your business reachable, VOIP Telecoms Southport, VOIP Telecoms Ormskirk, VOIP Telecoms Chester, VOIP Telecoms Preston, VOIP Telecoms Warrington, VOIP Telecoms Wigan Blowfish Technology is ready to help. We serve businesses across Liverpool, Manchester, and the North West, delivering reliable communications that scale with you.

Reliability is a cornerstone of modern business communications. By combining backup internet options, smart call forwarding, cloud-based VoIP, power resilience, and a trusted partner, SMEs can ensure their phones stay up and running—even when the primary internet falters. Planning now means your team can answer every call, serve every customer, and protect your bottom line. If you’re looking for a responsive, future-proof VoIP solution, consider how these strategies can be implemented with Blowfish Technology to keep your communications resilient and efficient. Remember: in today’s connected world, preparedness isn’t optional—it’s essential.