Voice over IP (VoIP) transmits your voice across the Internet in real-time. Unlike streaming video or music, a phone call cannot “buffer” or pre-load. Each part of your voice must arrive at the other end instantly, in order, and without interruption.
Learn how traffic-shaping routers can improve VoIP call quality in our blog post: How to Get Clear Calls with QoS and Traffic Shaping.
Wired vs Wireless (Point-to-Point) Internet
A wired connection creates a stable, uninterrupted path for real-time voice traffic. A wireless point-to-point connection sends that same data through the air, which introduces delay, signal loss, and interference.
| Type of Internet | How It Reaches You | VoIP Reliability |
|---|---|---|
| Wired (Recommended) | Fibre, cable, or DSL runs through a physical line into the building | Stable, consistent voice quality |
| Wireless / Point-to-Point | LTE/4G/5G, Starlink/satellite, rural radio antenna, hotspot | Call issues are common |
Common Call Quality Symptoms and Their Causes
If you are experiencing any of the issues listed in the table below, check out our Ultimate Guide to Troubleshooting VoIP Call Quality.Â
| What You Hear | Common Cause | Why It Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Delay / Talking over each other | High latency | The voice packets take too long to travel |
| Choppy or robotic audio | Packet loss / jitter | Some packets arrive late or not at all |
| Sudden silence or dropped calls | Connection instability | The signal briefly disconnects or changes towers |
Why Wireless Internet Struggles With Live Voice
Wireless internet works well for browsing, video streaming, and email because these activities can be paused briefly and then resumed. VoIP cannot do that; it must stay live.
Wireless connections are affected by:
- Weather (rain, snow, cloud cover).
- Tower congestion and handoffs.
- Line-of-sight issues (trees, hills, buildings).
- Shared radio frequencies (Wi-Fi, other devices).
- The distance the signal must travel (especially for a satellite).
Fast Internet ≠Stable VoIPÂ
A fast speed test result does not mean the connection is good for VoIP. VoIP depends on stability, not speed.
How to Tell If You’re Using Wireless or Point-to-Point Internet
You are likely on a wireless connection if:
- Your router uses an antenna or a SIM card.
- Your ISP is a satellite service (e.g., Starlink).
- Your modem connects to a nearby tower instead of a ground cable.
- You were told your “internet comes from the roof,” “from the tower,” or “from space.”
What You Can Do If Wireless Internet Is Your Only Option
You can still use Sonar, but call quality may vary throughout the day.
Improve stability where possible:
- Connect phones or computers using Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi
- Place LTE/satellite equipment near a window or clear line-of-sight
- Limit large uploads or video streaming during calls
- If available, request a static IP from your ISP (reduces one-way audio issues)
Tip: Run a Quick Wired Test Before Making Changes
Before changing providers, test a single phone or computer on a wired internet connection. If the call issues disappear, you’ve confirmed the wireless network is the source of the problem.
FAQ
The questions and answers below review the most common issues customers encounter when using VoIP over various types of internet connections.
Why do video meetings work but phone calls don’t?
Video platforms buffer and correct quality in the background. Phone calls cannot buffer; they must stay real-time.
Why are calls bad even though my internet is “high-speed”?
Speed does not fix latency, jitter, or packet loss. A stable 25 Mbps wired connection will outperform a 300 Mbps wireless connection for VoIP.
Can I use VoIP over LTE or 5G?
Yes, but calls may drop or sound robotic when your device switches towers or the signal weakens.
Does Starlink work with VoIP?
Yes, but delays and voice distortion are common due to the satellite's distance and the impact of weather.
