Calling CRMSIM based calling vs cloud telephony: which suits a phone sales team
SIM based calling vs cloud telephony is a choice between dialling from the SIM card inside each mobile and routing calls through rented virtual numbers on the internet. Calling CRM uses the first approach, so this guide also says when the second one wins.
- How each call travels
- Which number customers see
- When to pick each
What is the difference in SIM based calling vs cloud telephony?
SIM calls leave from the mobile SIM in a caller’s hand; cloud telephony sends them through an internet provider and a virtual number. Calling CRM works with the SIM.
- SIM: the customer sees a normal mobile number
- Cloud: one shared number, IVR and queues for desks
- Small mobile teams usually start with SIM
SIM based calling vs cloud telephony side by side
A neutral comparison of the two setups. It describes the approaches, not any particular vendor.
| Point | SIM based calling | Cloud telephony |
|---|---|---|
| How the call travels | Through the mobile network from the SIM in the phone | Over the internet to a provider, then to the phone network |
| Number the customer sees | The caller’s mobile number | A virtual or shared business number |
| Hardware | Any Android phone with a SIM | A phone app, desk phone or computer with headset |
| Inbound routing (IVR, queues) | Not available; each phone rings itself | Built in: menus, queues, ring groups |
| Works on a weak data connection | Yes, calls use the voice network | Needs stable internet for good voice quality |
| Call recording | Uses the phone’s own recorder where the phone allows it | Usually recorded on the provider side |
| Best for | Field and mobile sales, small teams | Large inbound desks and support centres |
SIM based calling: how it works on a mobile
With SIM based calling, the app sits on the phone as its dialer. When a caller taps a number, the phone places an ordinary mobile call. The CRM part watches the call, saves it against the lead and opens a short form at the end so the caller can record what happened.
Because the call is ordinary, the person answering sees the same mobile number they may already have saved. On dual SIM phones the caller can choose which SIM to use for business. A SIM calling CRM such as Calling CRM also shows the right SIM name in the call history.
Cloud telephony: how it works through the internet
Cloud telephony moves the phone system to a provider’s servers. A business rents one or more virtual numbers, and calls are routed to agents through an app, a softphone on a laptop or desk phones. The provider handles menus ("press 1 for sales"), waiting queues and recording.
This shines when many people answer the same published number, or when calls must be spread across a large floor. It depends on a steady internet connection and on the provider’s plan for each number and minute.
SIM based calling vs cloud telephony: which to choose
- Choose SIM based calling when your callers already work from mobiles, travel between meetings or call people who know their personal business number.
- Choose cloud telephony when you need one public number with a menu, queues for incoming calls or desks with headsets and no mobiles.
- Some businesses use both: cloud telephony for the inbound helpline and a SIM based app for the outbound sales team.
What SIM based calling vs cloud telephony means for reports
Owners mainly want to see who called whom, for how long and with what result. In a SIM setup that information comes from each phone and is backed up to the business account; in Calling CRM the owner sees every employee’s calls in the team call reports, including WhatsApp and video calls logged through internet call tracking.
In a cloud setup the provider’s dashboard holds the call records. Either way, check that the outcome and the next follow-up are stored with the call, not just the duration.
SIM based calling vs cloud telephony: when SIM is the wrong fit
- You need an IVR menu or a queue so that one published number rings many people in turn.
- Your team sits at desks with headsets and does not use mobile phones for work.
- You need recordings on every call and your phones do not allow call recording.
SIM based calling vs cloud telephony FAQ
What is a SIM based call?
A SIM based call is an ordinary mobile call placed from the SIM card in the phone. It uses the mobile voice network, not the internet.
What is cloud telephony in simple words?
Cloud telephony is a phone system hosted by a provider on the internet. Calls run through virtual numbers and can be answered on apps, laptops or desk phones.
Which gets more calls answered, SIM or a virtual number?
It depends on the audience, so test both on your own list. People often recognise a saved mobile number, which is why many mobile sales teams prefer SIM calls.
Can SIM based calling have an IVR?
No. Each phone rings on its own, so there is no menu or queue. Use cloud telephony if you need an IVR on a shared number.
Does SIM based calling need internet?
The call itself does not, because it uses the mobile voice network. The app needs data now and then to back up calls and records to the account.
Can I record calls with SIM based calling?
Only where the phone itself records calls. Calling CRM imports the phone’s own recordings or accepts a recording you share into the app.
Is Calling CRM SIM based or cloud telephony?
Calling CRM is SIM based. Calls go out from the SIM in each phone, and the app logs them to leads and backs them up to the business account.
What is the best setup for a five person mobile sales team?
For five people who already sell from their mobiles, SIM based calling is usually the simplest start. Calling CRM adds the call log, outcomes and follow-ups on top.
Can a business use SIM based calling and cloud telephony together?
Yes. A common split is a cloud number for inbound support and SIM based calling for outbound sales from mobiles.
Does SIM based calling show my personal number?
It shows the number of the SIM used for the call. On a dual SIM phone you can set a separate business SIM as the default.
Which is easier to set up, SIM or cloud telephony?
SIM based calling is usually quicker because it uses phones and SIMs the team already has. Cloud telephony needs numbers, routing rules and often new hardware.
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