Category: Vobi

Staying in Touch with Family and Friends

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

…Remotely with Vox, because the world as we know it has drastically changed.

Back in the day, it was all small communities and big families. Next-door neighbours were basically an extension of your clan. You knew everyone in the neighbourhood (and their business, plus a weird nickname based on some embarrassing life story), and the only people who went overseas generally came back after 6 weeks loaded with gifts.

Today, the world has changed. Times have changed. We’ve become complexly complicit of complexes and apartments with interchangeable neighbours. In a world where families are spread like butter and friends too busy, staying connected isn’t just a convenience – it’s essential. Maybe your parents still live in your hometown. Maybe your sister moved overseas. Maybe you’re in a long-distance relationship, or you’re the one hiding in exile. Whatever the case, modern communication technology bridges the gaps and keeps relationships strong.

Great idea in theory, right? But anyone who’s actually tried maintaining a long-distance anything knows this: it’s one thing to have the phone or the tech… it’s another thing to actually use it correctly.

But enough exposition – let’s get into the meat and potatoes.
Here’s how technology is turning “long-distance” into shorter distances, or at least making them a whole lot more bearable.

boy 3360415 1280 resized | Vox | Staying in Touch with Family and Friends

A picture beats a thousand words

True, texting has its merits. Who doesn’t love thumbs-up emojis and those broadcast messages from Gran that somehow reach every contact you’ve ever met? Although it’s endlessly comforting, nothing beats the feeling of seeing a loved one’s face. Video calls bring conversations and energy to life. Real-time laughter, micro-expressions, hiding tears – what’s not to love?

Beyond calls, connection is built on the everyday moments. Whether it’s photos from a family trip, snippets of your kid’s first steps, or even a quick voice note while driving home, these digital touchpoints make people feel part of your life no matter where they reside. It’s technology doing what it does best: shrinking emotional distance.

And when it comes to special occasions, the right tools can turn any milestone into an all-inclusive experience. You can dial into birthdays and weddings, host video-call dinners, sync up for online movie nights, or play games together for genuine bonding. Distance stops being a wall and becomes a mild inconvenience – like buffering, but for relationships.

Introducing Vobi – making keeping in touch as simple as 1,2,3

Vox Vobi | Vox | Staying in Touch with Family and Friends

Stay Connected Without Burning Through Minutes or Data

The fact is, not everyone has unlimited minutes or wants to torch their mobile Data just to stay in touch. That’s where Vobi comes in – Vox’s easy-to-use calling app that gives you affordable, reliable local and international calling over Wi-Fi or mobile data.

With the Vobi App, you can:

  • Make affordable local and international calls using Wi-Fi or Data.

  • Keep your personal number (or route it) so family always knows it’s you.

  • Save costs compared to regular airtime and mobile carrier rates.

  • Manage one predictable monthly cost instead of endless top-ups and overpriced bundles.

  • Stay connected with minimal buffering, even when mobile signal isn’t exactly vibing.

Vobi is perfect for your daily check-ins, those long overdue catch-ups, or late-night crush calls without being yelled at by the “one minute remaining” lady (who, for the record, always sounds unnecessarily angry).

Reliable Calling Needs Reliable Connectivity – Enter Vox

Everything you use to stay connected – from Vobi VoIP calls to video chats, shared moments, high-quality voice notes and online bonding sessions – relies on one thing: solid, high-speed Internet.

Vox ensures your connection is strong enough for:

  • Crystal-clear VoIP calling

  • Uninterrupted video chats

  • Smooth streaming and sharing

  • Stable performance across all devices

There’s a reason we’re the #1 VoIP provider in South Africa.
Your connection is our whole personality.

Connection Keeps Us Human

Life moves fast – but relationships are what keep us grounded. With Vox’s high-speed Connectivity and the Vobi App, staying in touch (and keeping your people close, even when they’re far) is no longer a schlep.
It’s as simple as picking up the device already semi-grafted to your hand.

We’ll handle the rest.

Stay connected, stay human, and stay in touch with Vox today.

smartphone 2294899 1280 | Vox | Staying in Touch with Family and Friends

Vobi versus WhatsApp: When More is More

Posted on by Vivienne Fouche

There’s an old saying: “You get what you pay for.” That’s usually true — think Rolex vs the knock‑off, or a full Outlook mailbox versus a free webmail account. So when someone asks, “What’s Vobi? Why do I need it if I already use WhatsApp calling?” — fair question.

WhatsApp — brilliant for friends and family

WhatsApp changed everything for messaging. It uses your data or Wi‑Fi to send unlimited messages, share media, create groups and make voice or video calls — all without the SMS charges your mobile operator would charge. It’s simple, ubiquitous and excellent for staying in touch with people who are already on the platform.

But there’s a catch: WhatsApp only works seamlessly if the person you want to call or text is on WhatsApp too. If they’re not, you’ll need another method — usually your mobile airtime or a landline — and that’s where limits and costs creep in.

Vobi from Vox — the softphone that does more

Vobi is a Vox mobile softphone that gives you Voice, video and text from your mobile phone, but with some key extras. Yes, it does all the things WhatsApp does. But it also lets you call any number (mobile or landline), not just other app users. That difference is huge for anyone who needs to reach people outside a single messaging ecosystem.

Quick wins with Vobi:

  • Call any number: make local calls to mobiles and landlines at reduced rates — handy when the person you’re calling isn’t on WhatsApp.
  • Vobi‑to‑Vobi: low or no cost for calls between users — great for families and small businesses.
  • International calling without roaming: call overseas without costly roaming arrangements.
  • Battery and data efficient: leaner data use than typical VoIP apps; uses local push notifications.
  • Seamless setup: activate via a web interface — no fiddly configuration.
  • Phonebook integration: works with your existing contacts.
  • Professional features: call recording, conference calling, call transfers, speed dial and Bluetooth headset support.
  • Constant availability: route your home or office calls to your mobile so you never miss a call.
  • PBX compatibility: works with Vox hosted PBX for business users.

Vobi 2 | Vox | Vobi versus WhatsApp: When More is More

Who benefits most?

The app suits both consumers and small to medium businesses. If you want the convenience of app calling but need to reach landlines, international numbers or keep business calls professional (recording, transfers, conference calling), it gives you flexibility WhatsApp alone cannot.

Keep your number — or get a new one

You can port your existing number to Vox and use it in the app, so incoming calls stay on your familiar number. Or, pick up a new Vox number and make all your audio and video calls through the app — effectively turning your mobile into your home or office phone.

More than another free chat app

WhatsApp is brilliant for social messaging. Vobi is designed to be more useful when you need reach, flexibility or professional features. If “more is more” sounds like a plan (better call quality, lower rates to non‑app numbers, and PBX integration), Vobi is worth a look.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is Vobi?
    • Vobi is a Vox mobile softphone app for voice, video and text that lets you call other Vobi users and any mobile or landline number using the Vox network.
  2. Is it free?
    • The app is free to download on Android and iOS. Call rates vary depending on destination and whether you call another Vobi user or a non‑Vobi number.
  3. Can I keep my current phone number with Vobi?
    • Yes — you can port your existing number to Vox and use it in the app, or choose a new Vox number.
  4. How is it different to WhatsApp?
    • Unlike WhatsApp, Vobi lets you call any mobile or landline number (not only other app users), supports call recording, conference calling and can integrate with Vox hosted PBX for business use.
  5. Will it use lots of my mobile data?
    • Vobi is optimised for efficient data use and typically consumes less data than some other VoIP apps, but actual usage depends on call length and whether you use voice or video.

Spend Less, Talk More: How Vox Voice Can Do More for Less

Posted on by Vivienne Fouche

If your goal is spend less talk more, Vox Voice gives you reliable, cost‑effective options — from the mobile softphone Vobi to the cordless Supafone that runs over your Vox Fibre

The power of Voice

Why choose voice over a long email chain? Spoken conversations close deals faster, reduce misunderstandings and build rapport — especially in business settings where tone and nuance matter. For B2B teams, a short call can remove days of back-and-forth and accelerate decision-making. In other words: spend less time typing, talk more to get results — and Vox makes that simple.

Vobi — mobile softphone

Vobi is Vox’s app-based softphone that uses VoIP to call any South African number at reduced rates. Unlike typical messaging apps that only reach users on the same platform, Vobi connects to regular landlines and mobile networks — ideal for businesses needing wide reach without high costs.

Key benefits

  • Free download: Available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
  • Fast setup: Buy online and have your account ready in minutes — ideal for small sites and remote staff.
  • Local rates: Low call costs across all South African networks — perfect for businesses with local customers and suppliers.
  • Flexible billing: Choose per-minute billing or an uncapped plan. Per-minute option costs R29 per month (≈ R0.46 per minute); Unlimited Calling is R171 per month for calls to any local SA number. Month‑to‑month options mean you’re not locked into long contracts.
  • Roaming-friendly: Make calls to SA numbers while overseas at local SA rates — avoid expensive roaming charges.

How Vobi works for business

  • Reach customers on any number, not just other app users.
  • Use a single business account across staff devices.
  • Control costs with plan choice: pay per minute or pick the unlimited plan for predictable billing.

Quick setup steps

  1. Download Vobi from your device’s app store.
  2. Buy a Vox Vobi service online and complete RICA (ID and proof of address).
  3. Log in and start calling.

Note on compliance and number porting

RICA verification is required to activate Vobi (you’ll need identity and proof‑of‑address documents). If you already have business numbers, you can port them to Vox to keep continuity for customers.

Supafone — cordless calls over Fibre

For offices and home offices that prefer a physical handset, Supafone delivers cordless freedom over your Vox Fibre. It’s more than a standard landline: Supafone routes calls over the Vox voice network for consistent quality while eliminating traditional fixed-line costs.

Supafone benefits

  • Uses your router — no extra infrastructure fuss.
  • Excellent range: up to 50m indoors and 300m outdoors; range extenders available.
  • Multi-handset support: connect up to six handsets and add up to five extra for small business use.
  • Call features: caller ID, itemised billing, voicemail and HD sound quality.
  • Flexible billing: available month‑to‑month so you can scale without long contracts.
  • Retain your existing number: by porting to Vox’s network.

Why Vox Voice suits small businesses

  • Cost control: clear pricing and monthly plans help forecasting.
  • Simplicity: quick setup, minimal hardware and the ability to scale as you grow.
  • Reach: call any SA number, keep existing numbers and avoid being limited to closed messaging ecosystems.
  • Professionalism: better client conversations, reduced email clutter and faster decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Vobi cost?
Vobi offers two core monthly options: Unlimited Calling for R171 per month (calls to any local SA number) or Per Minute calling at R29 per month with a rate of roughly R0.46 per minute. All prices exclude VAT.

Can I keep my existing business number?
Yes — you can port your existing number(s) to Vox so customers continue to reach you as before.

Do I need to complete RICA to use these services?
Yes — RICA verification (ID and proof of address) is required to activate Vox voice services.

Can Supafone handle a small office?
Yes — Supafone supports multiple handsets (up to six), additional handsets can be added, and the device is suitable for small business or larger homes that want reliable cordless voice over fibre.

Is there lock‑in or long contracts?
Both Vobi and Supafone are available month‑to‑month, giving you flexibility without long-term lock‑in.

 

Buck Up and Call More for Less With Vobi

Posted on by Vivienne Fouche

If you want to call more for less without sacrificing call quality, Vobi from Vox is built for you. Perfect for small businesses and teams that need reliable, affordable voice services, Vobi offers flexible calling options, easy setup and 24/7 support — so you can keep customers connected and costs under control.

Why choose Vobi? Call more for less, simply

Vobi makes saving on voice calls simple. Instead of expensive legacy phone lines, it uses modern VoIP technology to deliver local and international calling at lower rates. That means you can increase call volumes, maintain great call quality and reduce your monthly spend — perfect for sales teams, support centres and busy small businesses.

Main benefits at a glance

  • Lower call costs: Reduce per-minute charges so you can call more for less.
  • Scalable: Add more users, numbers or features as your business grows.
  • Reliable support: Vox offers local support to keep your service running.
  • Flexible plans: Choose bundles or pay-as-you-go options to suit usage.
  • Easy number management: Port existing numbers or set up new business lines.

Features that help you call more for less

  • Cloud-based calling: No bulky PBX hardware; use desk phones, softphones or mobile apps.
  • Call bundles and rate plans: Pick the plan that matches your call patterns and minimise excess costs.
  • Call routing and voicemail: Improve customer experience with intelligent routing and professional greetings.
  • Mobile and remote-ready: Staff can use Vobi from anywhere, keeping teams connected without extra costs.
  • Centralised billing: One bill for voice and other Vox services simplifies administration.

How Vobi helps South African small business owners

For SMEs, every rand matters. Vobi lets you reduce voice spend while adding modern features that support productivity and customer service. Sales teams can make more outreach calls without hiking the bill. Support teams keep response times fast with efficient routing. And managers get clear usage visibility to control costs and optimise plans.

Getting started

  1. Check your needs — estimate expected call minutes and whether you need local, national or international calling.
  2. Choose a plan — pick a bundle or pay-as-you-go option that fits your usage.
  3. Port or add numbers — keep your existing business numbers or get new ones.
  4. Set up devices — use compatible desk phones, a softphone app, or mobile integration.
  5. Go live — Vox support will assist with configuration and user onboarding.

Tips to call more for less

  • Review your call patterns quarterly and move to a plan that matches usage.
  • Combine voice with other Vox services (internet or cloud) for consolidated billing.
  • Use business hours routing and voicemail to reduce unnecessary call handling costs.
  • Train staff on softphone apps to avoid roaming or high mobile charges.

Call more for less without compromise

Vobi from Vox gives you modern voice tools that cut costs and boost productivity. Whether you’re running a one-person operation or managing a team, Vobi helps you make more calls for less money — with the reliability and support you’d expect from a local provider.

Important tech talk

When you sign up with Vobi:

  • You’ll be able to make and receive high quality Voice and video calls over Fibre Wi-Fi, LTE and 5G and Wireless on the Vox network.
  • You’ll get your own Vobi number through your new SIP account (which stands for Session Initiation Protocol calling). This means that you will have a different number when you make Vobi calls via your existing mobile phone (so one mobile phone with two numbers on it).
    • This SIP number will be an 087 number.
    • If you prefer, you can request a geographically-located number, for example one that begins with 010 if you’re in Johannesburg – it’s your choice. Please note that there is an additional charge for this option.
  • Alternatively, you have the option to move (‘port’) your existing number to Vox, which you can use on the Vobi app.
  • Enjoy low call rates across all networks in South Africa, or call from wherever you are in the world without the use of high cost roaming charges.
  • A note about RICA: This is the South African legislation that governs the interception or monitoring of paper-based and electronic communications. Its purpose is to protect the security and privacy of South Africans. So when you are setting up your account, you will have to submit some documentation to validate your ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is Vobi and how does it help my business?
    Vobi is Vox’s VoIP calling solution that delivers cost-effective voice calling, flexible plans and cloud-based features so users can call more for less and scale as needed.
  2. Can I keep my current phone numbers with Vobi?
    Yes — in most cases you can port existing numbers to Vobi so customers can continue to reach you on familiar lines.
  3. Does Vobi work for remote or hybrid teams?
    Absolutely. Vobi supports softphones and mobile integration, so users can make and receive business calls from anywhere with an Internet connection.
  4. How do I choose the right Vobi plan?
    Estimate your monthly call minutes and mix (local vs international). Compare that with available bundles or pay-as-you-go rates, then pick the plan that best reduces per-minute costs while covering your usual usage.
  5. Is support available if I need help?
    Vox offers 24/7 support to help with setup, number porting and ongoing service issues so your calling stays uninterrupted.

Unlock Savings and Stay Connected with Vox Voice

Posted on by Andrew King

Vox Voice is built to keep businesses talking — without the high bills that often come with interruptions such as loadshedding. By combining cloud telephony, mobile softphones and smart routing, Vox Voice reduces outbound and inbound voice costs while keeping customers and teams connected, wherever they are.

Why rethink business voice?

Even when the lights go out, customer enquiries keep coming. Many organisations fall back on costly cellular calls and reimburse staff, or they tolerate dropped customer calls. Vox Voice removes those compromises. Our solutions maintain corporate call rates, avoid expensive per‑minute cellular billing and reduce the administrative burden of expense claims — all while giving you the resilience your business needs.

How Vox Voice cuts your costs

  • Use one number, two endpoints: Vox lets employees use the same corporate SIP number on desk phones and mobile devices (via the Vobi app). Calls automatically follow the active endpoint, so desk‑to‑mobile switchover is seamless and billed at VoIP business rates.
  • Per‑second billing: Our VoIP outbound calls are charged per second rather than per minute — a simple way to cut calling costs, especially on frequent short calls.
  • Unify telephony and mobile: Avoid reimbursing staff for cellular calls. With the right Vox Voice setup, employees make and receive business calls on their mobiles at corporate VoIP rates.
  • Flexible deployment: Cloud PBX, hosted PBX or operator‑integrated voice — choose what fits your budget and scale as you grow.

Solutions for every business size

  • Vobi (mobile softphone): Ideal for businesses with hybrid or remote staff. Vobi pairs mobile devices to your office number, keeping rates low and continuity high. The app is free to install; licensed at the competitive Vox business rates.
  • 3CX Cloud (medium businesses): Fully managed cloud PBX that emphasises mobility. Users get free unlimited apps for iOS and Android and can make and receive calls from anywhere using their office number — perfect for businesses that can’t rely solely on on‑prem power.
  • Operator Connect (Microsoft Teams): For organisations standardised on Teams, Vox’s Operator Connect bridges your Teams licences with a managed, low‑latency voice network, turning Teams into your unified Voice platform.

Loadshedding resilience — practical options

Loadshedding often causes the last‑mile power outage (ONT or router), not a network outage. Here are our Vox Voice strategies to maintain service:

  • Softphone failover: When desk phones lose connection, calls failover to the Vobi app on mobiles automatically — same SIP number, same corporate rates.
  • Cloud PBX hosting: Host your PBX in the cloud rather than on premise to avoid PBX power dependency.
  • Last‑mile redundancy: Use alternative last‑mile access (LTE/5G, wireless) where needed to keep your telephony trunk online.

Additional business benefits

  • One invoice option: Combine voice with other Vox services for simpler billing and greater stickiness.
  • Centralised management and reporting: Gain visibility into call costs and employee usage to drive smarter expense policies.
  • 24/7 support: Vox backing with national support ensures rapid assistance when you need it most.

How to get started

  1. Assess your telephony needs (number of users, hybrid working, call volumes).
  2. Choose an appropriate Vox Voice solution — Vobi + Verto for SMEs; 3CX or Operator Connect for larger deployments.
  3. Add last‑mile redundancy where required (LTE/5G or wireless).
  4. Deploy and train staff on softphone usage to ensure seamless failover during outages.

Want a tailored quote or a resilience assessment? Enquire now about Vox Voice and let us design a voice solution that saves costs and keeps your business connected.

Give the finger of your choice to high-call costs with Vobi by Vox!

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

In our rapidly evolving digital world, communication is the lifeblood that keeps us connected, no matter where we are. Enter Vobi by Vox, a revolutionary mobile calling app that’s changing the game when it comes to staying in touch with loved ones, friends, and colleagues. With Vobi, unlimited phone calls, video calls, texts, and even international calls are all within reach, bundled into an affordable fixed monthly fee.  

Let’s dive into how Vobi is reshaping the way we connect. 

Unlimited Calls and More 

Imagine a world where your communication isn’t limited by expensive call rates or data charges. We make that dream a reality by offering unlimited phone calls, video calls, and texts, all for a single, predictable monthly fee. It’s like having an all-access pass to stay connected with your world. 

International Calls without the Hassle 

One of the standout features of the app is its ability to make unlimited international calls to both cell phones and landlines at no extra cost. Yes, you read that correctly—no additional charges for international calls! Whether you have family and friends in distant corners of the globe or you conduct business with international partners, Vobi simplifies global communication. 

Seamless Video Calls: More Than Just Words 

Video calls have become an essential part of our digital lives. Whether it’s catching up with a friend, attending a virtual meeting, or celebrating a special occasion with loved ones far away, our high-quality video calls make the experience feel as close to being there in person as possible. Say goodbye to pixelated screens and laggy connections; our VoIP offerings ensure that your video calls are smooth and crystal clear. 

Text Away with Unlimited Texts 

Texting remains a fundamental way we communicate, and our offering definitely doesn’t skimp on this aspect. Enjoy unlimited texting to send messages, share updates, and keep the conversation going without worrying about character limits or additional charges. 

Affordable Pricing: Value Beyond Words 

Affordability is at the heart of Vobi by Vox. The fixed monthly fee is designed to give you unlimited access to calls, texts, video calls, and international communication without breaking the bank. Say goodbye to surprise phone bills and hello to cost-effective, transparent communication. 

Conclusion – Your All-in-One Communication Solution 

In an era where staying connected is more critical than ever, Vobi has emerged as a game-changer. With unlimited phone calls, video calls, texts, and even international calls at no extra cost, it’s redefining the way we communicate.  

Whether you’re connecting with loved ones, conducting business, or simply staying in touch with the world, Vobi offers a seamless, affordable, and unlimited solution. Experience the power of unlimited communication. Say hello to unrestricted conversations and wave goodbye to the limitations of traditional calling and texting plans. Embrace the future, where staying connected is as easy as a tap on your screen. 

Sold? Check out more of what we have to offer on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn (for those business needs).  

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