Latest news with #VoiceoverInternetProtocol
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
US residents ‘targeted' by Kolkata-based ‘fraud call centre'; 5 arrested from Park Street
The Cyber Police Station of Kolkata Police on Thursday arrested five persons in connection with a 'fraudulent call centre' that allegedly targeted residents of the United States. The arrests were made following a raid at a premises on Park Street in the early hours of the day. Police said the accused were picked up between 2.15 am and 2.35 am from a first-floor room on Park Lane. The arrested have been identified as Ashutosh Ray (28) of Park Street, and Md Sarfaraz (22), Akeel Ahmed (22), Nawazish Hussain (23), and Md Rashed Hussain (22) — all residents of Bright Street in the Karaya area. According to police, the accused were running a fake call centre from the Park Lane address. 'They made Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls to residents in the United States, impersonating tech support and utility service providers such as PayPal, Norton, and McAfee. They then allegedly cheated victims by remotely accessing their computers and siphoning money,' said a police official. During the raid, police recovered several items, including 'leads' (lists of potential victims) and conversation scripts used in the fraudulent calls. Ray was allegedly identified as the owner of the call centre, while the others were 'working under him'. Police said more members of the group are absconding. Four laptops, five mobile phones, and two routers were seized along with 'incriminating documents', police said, claiming the devices contained evidence of dialers used for VoIP calls and remote access software. The accused will be produced in court on Thursday, with police seeking their custody for further investigation. A case has been registered under Sections 66, 66C, 66D, 84B, and 43 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and Sections 61(2), 319(2) (cheating by personation), 318(4) (cheating), 336(2) and 336(3) (forgery), 338 (forgery of valuable security), and 340(2) (using forged documents) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Sweety Kumari reports from West Bengal for The Indian Express. She is a journalist with over a decade of experience in the media industry. Covers Crime, Defence, Health , Politics etc and writes on trending topics. With a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories. She has honed her craft across diverse beats including aviation, health, incidents etc. Sweety delivers impactful journalism that informs and engages audiences. Sweety Kumari is a graduate of Calcutta University with an Honors degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College and a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University. Originally from Bihar, she is brought up in Kolkata and completed her education from Kendriya Vidyalaya SaltLake. Multilingual, Sweety is fluent in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili. She started her career as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a newsportal in Kolkata. She is working with The Indian Express for 8 years now. ... Read More
Time Business News
5 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Best VoIP Service for Small Businesses in Bucks County: A Complete Guide
In today's digital world, seamless communication is essential for small businesses to thrive. Whether you're running a boutique, a legal firm, a medical practice, or a tech startup in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, having a dependable and cost-effective phone system is critical. This is where VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services come in, offering more flexibility, lower costs, and modern features compared to traditional landlines. This article breaks down the best VoIP services for small businesses in Bucks County and helps you understand what to look for when choosing the right provider for your needs. VoIP enables voice communication over the internet by converting audio into digital data. Unlike traditional phone lines, VoIP offers greater flexibility and is typically more affordable, especially for long-distance and international calls. Cost Savings on monthly phone bills on monthly phone bills Remote Accessibility via mobile and desktop apps via mobile and desktop apps Advanced Features like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and auto-attendant like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and auto-attendant Scalability to grow with your business to grow with your business Improved Collaboration through video conferencing and team messaging Bucks County is home to a vibrant small business community, from Newtown to Doylestown to Bensalem. Local businesses are embracing VoIP solutions because they: Cut communication costs Offer reliable connectivity across locations Support hybrid or remote work environments Are easy to set up and scale with growth When evaluating VoIP services, make sure to prioritize these features: HD Call Quality Auto Attendant / Virtual Receptionist Call Recording and Reporting Voicemail to Email or Text Mobile and Desktop App Integration Local and Toll-Free Numbers 24/7 Support and Reliability Here's a roundup of the most trusted and efficient VoIP service providers serving Bucks County small businesses: Best For: Localized VoIP services with personalized support Overview: DialRaven is a Pennsylvania-based VoIP provider offering tailored solutions to small and mid-sized businesses in Bucks County. Known for its reliability, competitive pricing, and responsive local support, DialRaven stands out as a great option for businesses looking for a hands-on, personalized experience. Key Features: Local Bucks County number setup Voicemail to email and call routing Affordable plans with no long-term contracts Quick local support and onboarding Scalable plans for growing teams Pricing: Custom plans tailored to business size and needs. Request a quote via DialRaven's website Best For: All-in-one communication and collaboration Overview: RingCentral offers robust cloud communication features perfect for businesses with remote teams or multiple departments. Key Features: Voice, video, and team messaging Mobile and desktop apps CRM and productivity tool integrations Real-time analytics Pricing: Starting at $20/user/month Best For: Excellent support and user-friendly interface Overview: Nextiva is ideal for small businesses needing reliable VoIP and customer support tools built into one platform. Key Features: Integrated CRM tools Call analytics and auto-attendant Voice, video, and chat support Simple setup for non-tech users Pricing: Starting from $18.95/user/month Best For: Affordability and ease of use Overview: Ooma is popular among smaller offices or home-based businesses looking for simple features without a large price tag. Key Features: Virtual receptionist Mobile app access Voicemail forwarding Plug-and-play setup Pricing: From $19.95/user/month Best For: AI-powered communication tools Overview: Dialpad uses artificial intelligence to power voice transcription, call insights, and productivity tools. Key Features: Voice intelligence with real-time transcription Seamless app integrations HD video conferencing Smart call routing Pricing: Starting at $15/user/month Best For: Customization and flexibility Overview: Vonage offers customizable VoIP packages perfect for businesses in professional services, healthcare, and customer support sectors. Key Features: Video conferencing, call recording, IVR CRM integration Scalable solutions HIPAA-compliant options Pricing: From $19.99/user/month When deciding which provider to choose, consider the following: Internet Speed : VoIP depends on your internet quality. Ensure stable broadband. : VoIP depends on your internet quality. Ensure stable broadband. Local Number Support : Choose providers that allow you to keep or acquire local Bucks County numbers (215, 267, etc.) : Choose providers that allow you to keep or acquire local Bucks County numbers (215, 267, etc.) Support Response Time : Look for companies with fast, local support, especially during business hours. : Look for companies with fast, local support, especially during business hours. Free Trial or Demo: Many providers offer trial periods—use them to test real-world performance. VoIP is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity for modern small businesses. With the variety of providers available in Bucks County, from industry giants like RingCentral to local-focused services like DialRaven, there's an option for every type of business. If you want advanced features, mobility, and reduced costs—all backed by reliable support—make the switch to VoIP today. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Arabian Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Houston Firms Embrace VoIP-Cloud Fusion for Agile Growth
Businesses across Houston are accelerating their transition to Voice over Internet Protocol blended with cloud services, aiming to streamline communication, enhance customer experience and reduce costs. Leading this shift is Phonoscope Communications, a Houston-based provider that leverages its fibre-optic metro network to integrate VoIP and cloud-based services for enterprises across eight counties. With a history dating to 1953—and pioneering two-way videotelephony in schools—Phonoscope now supplies unified voice, video, messaging and data under a single cloud umbrella. Meanwhile, independent IT vendors like Xvand are offering turnkey packages that combine VoIP, video conferencing and instant messaging within cloud platforms. Their clients, such as Wexler Surgical, report that remote access ensures teams stay 'connected from anywhere in the world'. ADVERTISEMENT National providers operating locally are also increasing their presence. GoTo Connect offers over 100 cloud phone features, including AI-assisted call routing and visual dial plan editing, promising enterprise-grade reliability and functionality at mid-market prices. Similarly, Vonage's unified communications platform blends messaging, programmable voice and video with telephony APIs and fraud defence—catering to businesses seeking modular flexibility. Industry analysts identify four core drivers behind this trend: cost-efficiency from internet-based voice calls, enhanced scalability and remote working support, unified team collaboration tools, and built‑in security and compliance. Phonoscope and others highlight that cloud‑native architectures eliminate the need for costly physical PBX installations and simplify provisioning. Healthcare and public sector users are tapping vendors that ensure compliance with regulations such as HIPAA. Uprite IT Services has entered the Houston market with a HIPAA‑verified VoIP‑cloud UC suite and 24/7 support, targeting mid‑sized medical practices. Artificial intelligence is emerging as another vector of innovation. Providers like 8×8 integrate advanced contact‑centre features and generative‑AI analytics within their CPaaS offerings. IntelePeer's SmartAgent platform uses AI to enhance cloud centre workflows, while GoTo Connect embeds sentiment and performance dashboards into their cloud phone system. Though local adoption is accelerating, experts caution that network reliability remains a limitation. Providers emphasise robust service level agreements: GoTo Connect advertises 99.999 percent uptime, while Houston specialist Elevate Technology mandates multi‑site redundancy and 24×7 monitoring. Pricing remains competitive: basic cloud telephony plans start around US $12–20 per user per month, with more advanced, AI‑enabled plans scaling into enterprise tiers above US $30 per user. A mid‑range package combining VoIP, video, auto‑attendant, voicemail‑to‑email and secure compliance typically falls in the US $25–35 range per seat. Customers stress flexibility. Kelley Create, a managed‑service provider, notes that VoIP cloud systems allow rapid scaling, custom call routing, and voicemail‑transcription by email—features increasingly vital for remote, hybrid, or multi‑location teams. Houston's cloud‑VoIP market is shaped both by national brands and strong local players. Phonoscope, leveraging its fibre backbone and cloud‑native approach, collaborates with IT integrators who tailor solutions for law firms, manufacturing sites and schools. National vendors supply advanced APIs, global signalling, and AI tools. For businesses weighing adoption, key considerations include integration with CRM systems, mobile app support, analytics and compliance. As enterprises plan expansions, IT architects assess whether providers can deliver seamless onboarding, unified dashboards, and reliable fail‑over.
Time Business News
22-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Boost Communication and Connectivity with VoIP and Network Design in Houston
As businesses in Houston continue to grow and embrace digital transformation, having the right communication and network infrastructure is more important than ever. A modern organization depends on high-quality phone systems and a reliable internal network to maintain productivity, security, and efficiency. That's why more companies are investing in VoIP Houston solutions and professional Network Design Services Houston to build a strong, future-proof IT foundation. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology allows businesses to make phone calls over the internet rather than traditional phone lines. Companies in Houston are rapidly adopting VoIP systems because of their affordability, flexibility, and advanced features. Lower Communication Costs : VoIP significantly reduces phone bills and eliminates the need for costly hardware. : VoIP significantly reduces phone bills and eliminates the need for costly hardware. Advanced Features : Includes call forwarding, voicemail to email, call analytics, and video conferencing. : Includes call forwarding, voicemail to email, call analytics, and video conferencing. Remote Access : Employees can make and receive calls from mobile devices, desktops, or VoIP-enabled phones. : Employees can make and receive calls from mobile devices, desktops, or VoIP-enabled phones. Scalability: Easily expand or reduce the number of lines based on team size. Using VoIP Houston services helps businesses streamline communication while maintaining high-quality voice and video capabilities. While great communication tools are essential, they are only as good as the network that supports them. That's where Network Design Services Houston play a critical role. From structured cabling to wireless access points and firewalls, a professionally designed network ensures that your business runs smoothly and securely. Infrastructure Planning : Custom network architecture based on your business needs and layout. : Custom network architecture based on your business needs and layout. Secure Connections : Design includes firewalls, VPNs, and network segmentation to protect data. : Design includes firewalls, VPNs, and network segmentation to protect data. Speed Optimization : Proper configuration of routers, switches, and cabling for peak performance. : Proper configuration of routers, switches, and cabling for peak performance. Wireless & Wired Solutions: A balanced design that supports both mobility and stability. Choosing experienced Network Design Services Houston providers ensures your entire operation stays connected, stable, and scalable. While VoIP Houston enhances your communication, strong Network Design Services Houston ensure that those systems—and all other digital tools—perform at their best. Without a reliable network, even the most advanced phone system will face interruptions, call drops, or poor audio quality. By investing in both areas, businesses enjoy: Seamless internal and external communication Stable and secure network environments Improved employee collaboration Reduced downtime and IT-related disruptions Yes, most VoIP providers offer number porting, allowing you to retain your existing business number. Setup can often be completed within 1–2 days, depending on the size of your team and existing infrastructure. Expert-designed networks are optimized for performance, security, and future expansion—something DIY setups often lack. VoIP requires a stable, high-speed internet connection. Your provider can help assess and upgrade your network if needed. Yes. Modern network setups include secure remote access solutions like VPNs and cloud-based resources for remote teams. For businesses in Houston looking to modernize operations, the combination of a powerful communication system and a well-designed network is essential. Leveraging VoIP Houston allows for flexible, high-quality business calls, while investing in Network Design Services Houston ensures the entire system is fast, secure, and reliable. Together, they provide the foundation your business needs to thrive in a digital-first world. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
AsiaOne
18-06-2025
- AsiaOne
11 arrested in joint operation by Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia police against scam syndicate, Singapore News
A joint operation targeting a transnational scam syndicate saw the arrest of 11 individuals aged between 24 and 48 across Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. The operation, which took place from April to June this year, involved the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) and Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), said SPF in a statement released on Tuesday (June 17). During the operation, officers from SPF's Commercial Affairs Department (CAD), Criminal Investigation Department and Police Intelligence Department worked closely with their counterparts from HKPF and RMP to target multiple locations across the three jurisdictions. Investigations revealed that the syndicate had established a sophisticated criminal network spanning Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. The syndicate utilised Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Global System for Mobile (GSM) gateway devices, allowing scam calls to be placed from computers and laptops to mobile phones. It was also discovered that the syndicate employed an advanced, cloud-based remote operating system. This enabled them to make fraudulent calls through local mobile phone networks despite being stationed elsewhere, leading victims in Singapore to believe they were receiving calls from within the country. Police seized 226 GSM gateway devices — 76 from Singapore — while conducting raids at various locations in the three jurisdictions. 141 of them were confiscated in Hong Kong. Among the 11 individuals who were arrested for their suspected involvement in the syndicate was a 29-year-old male suspect. He was arrested in Malaysia on June 3 before being handed over to Singapore and charged in court two days later for being a party to a criminal conspiracy to commit cheating offences. If convicted, he could face an imprisonment term of up to 10 years and a fine. Commenting on the operation, CAD Director David Chew stressed that "a transnational threat requires a transnational response". "Scam syndicates build sophisticated transnational cloud network infrastructure to launch attacks on our citizenry," he said. "This successful operation demonstrates the strong partnership between SPF, HKPF and RMP to combat these transnational scam syndicates." "The coordinated efforts with our foreign counterparts have been instrumental in arresting the criminals maintaining this criminal infrastructure and dismantling it," he added. Chew also assured that the SPF will continue to work closely with its partners to detect, deter and disrupt such criminal activities and prosecute those behind them to the fullest extent of the law. Those who wish to learn more about scams can visit or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799, the police added. Anyone with information on such scams may call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit a report online at All information will be kept strictly confidential. [[nid:718792]]
