The business environment has changed a lot in the last few decades. The advancements in communication technology empowered by the internet have allowed businesses to do work and get work done in a variety of new ways.
Telephone services, one of the key aspects of communications has undergone a huge transformation due to the internet. Before comparing VoIP vs landline telephone service, let us first learn more about the two different technologies.
Landline Phone Systems:
When one speaks about landlines, they are generally referring to a telephone that uses solid core, copper wires that are plugged into two or four-pin wall jacks. the landline phone systems work through circuit switching.
Each time a call is placed, the telephone carrier uses a switchboard to direct the call to the number you’re calling. The call between 2 parties is connected over several switches along the way. When the receiver answers the phone call, the connection opens the circuit.
Landline phones work on an analog technology that involves sending signals through a number of exchanges (physical switch boxes). The exchanges enable the call connection between the two telephone devices. The wiring of landline telephones is messy and can be maintenance heavy.
However at the same time, how much ever messy their wiring is, landlines are considered to be comparatively reliable as they are not susceptible to service interruptions and breakdowns because they use physical wire connections to make and receive calls.
VoIP Phone Systems:
VoIP is an abbreviation for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is a communication technology that enables making and receiving calls over the internet.
In VoIP technology the analog signals of the caller’s voice are encoded into digital form, these digital signals are then transmitted over the internet, at the receiver’s end the encoded digital signal is decoded and the receiver can hear the caller’s voice.
Unlike the traditional circuit switching of landline phone systems, VoIP uses the internet’s packet-switching capacity. VoIP phone systems are connected using a broadband internet connection that is plugged into a computer or router.
The calls are converted into digital signals within the VoIP phones themselves, they don’t require any physical exchanges as required in the case of landlines.
The best way to compare VoIP vs landlines is to compare them across the below-mentioned areas:
- Functionality
Landline phones offer the most basic features, whereas VoIP phones offer a wide range of features including having a virtual receptionist, voicemail-to-email, automatic call forwarding, video calling, etc.
In today’s fast-paced digital world one needs a communication system that does more than just making and receiving phone calls.
You can access several features like call forwarding, auto-attendant etc. over a landline business system too, but it requires investing in an expensive PBX setup for your office. You will need to pay an add-on price for every feature, per month.
At the same time, most of these features are included in VoIP systems as part of their base product at no additional cost. VoIP systems have all the features required for a professional, scalable calling experience.
The features are available at affordable rates and continue to be updated. If your business requires advanced features that work across multiple office locations, mobile devices etc. then VoIP phone systems are the best option.
- Technology
Though the copper wire and exchange infrastructure of landline phone systems will be around for a long time many phone companies are no longer taking efforts to upgrade them and make required changes.
With digital communications becoming the new standard in both business and consumer technology, most phone companies are focusing on building a digital infrastructure as compared to investing in the traditional exchange infrastructure.
- Call quality and reliability
Landlines are highly reliable for the call quality and experience very few dropped or disconnected calls. Call quality in VoIP phones is dependent on the quality of the internet connection, if the connection is poor and the internet is not high speed, the call quality may not be good and you may experience dropped calls.
However with the improvement in the quality of internet services being provided the chances of having call quality issues in VoIP phones is fast being eliminated.
VoIP can offer more control over the call quality as if you are not satisfied with the sound, one can always use a headset or microphone to adjust it. However, in case of a power outage, you may not be able to make or receive calls if you don’t have a backup system in place.
In terms of call quality and reliability, both landlines and VoIP have their benefits.
If reliability is a very crucial factor for your VoIP vs landline evaluation, contact your internet service provider and check the options that are available to ensure the internet connection is secure and meets the requirements of your VoIP provider.
- Pricing
The cost of the services is one of the key deciding factors in choosing between VoIP vs landline services. In terms of pricing, VoIP phone systems are normally 40-80% less expensive as compared to traditional landline phone services.
With regards to landline phone systems if you want to have multiple landline phone connections in an office you will need to invest in a private branch exchange (PBX), telephone adapters, routers, phone sets, and copper wires connecting to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) etc.
PBX is hardware that needs to be kept on-premises and can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Above all, you also need to pay a monthly fee to the provider.
In the case of VoIP other than the initial investment and the service and maintenance costs that go along with it, VoIP is an inexpensive option especially for new or small businesses that require only a few communication lines. All you need is any phone with an internet connection and you can make it a VoIP-enabled device.
There are several providers in the market offering affordable pricing plans, you can choose a plan as per your requirements. Pricewise VoIP is the better choice as it uses your already existing internet connection to make and receive calls. Cloud-based calling rates are considerably less expensive than traditional phone line calls.
- Scalability
Scaling VoIP systems is simple and not too costly. All you need to do is to pay for the additional lines required, new numbers, and extensions etc.
It can be done with a simple click no need for any additional wiring to be done. The upgradation and maintenance of the systems are often automatic, keeping them up-to-date with the latest technology and software.
However, scaling landline phone systems is not that easy. If you want to add more users or make new connections you will need to buy more phone sets and wired phone lines.
You will need a professional to come over and install new lines and connections. VoIP phones are easier and cost-effective to scale up and down to meet the business requirements.
Bottom Line
In the battle of VoIP vs landline phones, VoIP wins hands down. Businesses that are ready to take the leap and shift to VoIP systems will find themselves enjoying reduced costs, better communication options and new digital technology.
With multi-feature plans and unlimited calling, VoIP solutions are ideal for businesses. Moreover, unified communication platforms help businesses do much more than simply making and receiving calls.
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