Understand the real difference between ROIP and VOIP — and how to choose the right communication system for your mine, clinic, or hybrid team.
VOIP vs ROIP: What’s the Difference?
What is VOIP?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) is a phone system that uses your internet connection to place and receive calls. It’s perfect for office settings, hybrid teams, and remote staff who need reliable voice, video, and messaging on desktop or mobile. VOIP is scalable, cloud-based, and cost-effective.
What is ROIP?
Radio over Internet Protocol (ROIP) is radio communication powered by internet infrastructure. It connects two-way radios, dispatch consoles, and remote devices using IP networks — so your field crews can stay connected even across vast distances or rough terrain. ROIP keeps the push-to-talk simplicity of traditional radios while expanding your reach and reliability.
Why Choose One Over the Other?
Use VOIP When:
- Your team is office-based or hybrid
- You need full-feature communications: voice, video, chat
- Cost efficiency and scalability are priorities
- Your internet infrastructure is stable
Use ROIP When:
- You run field operations or remote sites (mines, clinics, dispatch)
- You need rugged, push-to-talk functionality
- Cellular or radio tower coverage is weak or unavailable
- Inter-agency or cross-device communication is critical
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | VOIP | ROIP |
|---|---|---|
| Communication Style | Full-duplex voice, video, data | Push-to-talk radio over IP |
| Best For | Offices, remote/hybrid staff | Field crews, remote sites, dispatch |
| Devices Used | Softphones, desk phones, apps | Radios, dispatch consoles, IP nodes |
| Internet Requirements | Full connectivity needed | Tolerates low bandwidth, offline modes |
| Redundancy & Reach | Moderate | High — even across remote zones |
| Setup Complexity | Low to moderate | Moderate — depends on gear/integration |
| Integration Capability | Voicemail, CRM, video calls | Two-way radios, dispatch, IP phones |
When to Combine ROIP and VOIP
Many Northern operations need both. Office staff use VOIP for customer calls, internal meetings, and day-to-day operations. Field crews rely on ROIP for rugged, hands-free, mission-critical comms. We design systems that allow dispatchers and staff at HQ to talk to field teams without skipping a beat — no matter the platform.
Why CasCom Recommends a Custom Approach
At CasCom, we don’t sell cookie-cutter solutions. We analyze your work environment — whether it’s a mine site 200 km off-grid or a law office running hybrid — and build a voice system tailored to your reality.
Our team specializes in secure, reliable, and scalable comms for high-stakes industries in Northern Canada. We know what works because we live and work here too.
Talk to the Team That Gets It
Your voice system shouldn’t be a liability. It should be an advantage. Whether you’re upgrading old radios or expanding your hybrid team, we’ll help you design a system that works in the real world.
Contact CasCom today — and let’s build the right communications solution for your team.
