When choosing a phone service, there are many factors to consider, from cost to features. But two of the most common options are VoIP and landline. Telecom is evolving quickly and changing the way we communicate. Landlines are slowly being phased out, and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is becoming the new standard business phone system. In this article, we’ll compare the two types of phone services and look at costs, features, and flexibility, and more.
How VoIP Work?
VoIP is a relatively modern way of phone communication that allows you to make phone calls using your computer, tablet, or smartphone over an internet connection.
This technology has become extremely popular because it’s cheap, easy, and accessible.VoIP is an acronym for voice-over-internet protocol. When you make a call using VoIP phone line, your voice is converted into a digital signal. This signal is then sent over the internet to the person you’re calling. At the other end, their phone will convert the digital signal back into an analog signal and play it out of the speaker on their phone. No special equipment is required for this type of communication.
Today, VoIP is incredibly popular with internet users. It’s become even more accessible over the years, thanks to advances in technology. The conversion from analog to digital was one of the biggest barriers in the early days of VoIP because it required special equipment that wasn’t readily available. That all changed when companies developed technology capable of converting voice signals into digital packets with little effort.
How Landline Phones Work
Landline telephones have been around for over a hundred years, and their operation has remained essentially unchanged. A landline phone converts sound into an electrical signal that travels through copper wires to the telephone company’s central office, where it is converted back into sound and sent to the person you are calling.
A downside of landlines is that they can be quite expensive. You have to pay for both the phone service and the line rental, which can add up pretty quickly, especially if you have multiple phones in your business or home.
Another downside of landline phones is that they’re slowly being phased out. With the rise of VoIP and mobile phones, fewer and fewer people are using landlines. This presents a problem for people who rely on them for their business. If your business relies on a landline phone to make phone calls, it’s important to start planning a switch to VoIP as soon as possible.
Landline or VoIP: The Key Differences
There are a few key differences between landline and VoIP phone systems. The most obvious difference is that VoIP uses the internet to make calls, while landlines use copper wires. This means that VoIP calls can be made anywhere there’s an internet connection, while landline calls are restricted to certain geographical areas.
Copper wires are also not as efficient as fiber-optic cables. Copper wires can only transmit a certain amount of data before they need to be reset, which can cause dropped calls and other problems. On the other hand, Fiber-optic cables can transmit data much more quickly and without any interruptions.
Another big difference is cost. Landline phone systems are expensive to set up and maintain, while VoIP is much cheaper. The other main reason for the decline in landline users is that VoIP services are much more flexible and affordable. They allow you to make calls from almost any device, including your smartphone or computer. And they also let you make international calls at a fraction of regular rates.
Benefits of Switching from Landlines to VoIP Services?
While there’s no doubt about it, we’re well on our way towards a world without landlines; not everyone is ready to cut the cord just yet. If you are still on the fence about the VoIP vs. Landline debate, let’s take a closer look at some of the advantages that VoIP offers.
VoIP Systems Are Cheaper
Price is one of the most significant differences between traditional landline phones and VoIP phone systems. VoIP systems are typically much more affordable, especially for companies that support many phone lines and multiple office locations. Traditional phone service requires a physical connection at each location, leading to high installation costs and ongoing equipment maintenance fees. There are also big savings to be made on overseas calls and long-distance services as VoIP providers usually have much lower rates than a traditional landline phone service. That’s also why small business VoIP services are popular.
Phone Calls Can Be Made From Anywhere
Most businesses have seen firsthand recently that those that were agile reaped the benefits. VoIP allows for a flexible workforce that is no longer chained to their desks.With VoIP, your employees can work from anywhere, on the device of their choice using hardware- or software-based VoIP phones.
Businesses can also open new locations without installing landlines and phone systems. They can also move workers around as needed without worrying about them losing phone service.
Scales Easier Than a Landline
A VoIP system is also much more scalable than a traditional landline. This means that it can grow with your business as it expands and changes. If your business experiences rapid growth and you need to add more phone lines, it’s easy to do with a VoIP system. Simply contact your VoIP provider, and they will have you up and running with new phone lines in no time. However, with a traditional landline service, you would need to install additional physical telephone lines, which could be costly and inconvenient.
It also means that if you find yourself with fewer employees than you started with, you can easily reduce the number of phone lines, thus minimizing costs.
Easily Integrates With Other Software
A VoIP system is infinitely more flexible than traditional landlines because it allows easy integration with new technology as your company grows and changes. For example, you can integrate your VoIP phone system with an existing customer relationship management (CRM) system or other business software to save time and boost efficiency.
Improved Call Quality
The audio quality of POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service Line) is not as high as that of VoIP services. The main drawback of POTS for businesses is that it’s susceptible to problems with noise and time lag on the line during conversations. This can be highly frustrating for employees trying to take customer calls or on an important call with a supplier. The audio quality of VoIP services is usually very high, provided it’s properly configured, and the internet connection is fast enough to support it.
Ease of Use
If you’re not particularly tech-savvy, don’t worry. VoIP systems are designed to be easy to use. In many cases, employees can be up and running with a new VoIP telephone system in just a few minutes. On the other hand, traditional landline systems can be challenging to use, particularly if you have multiple extensions or need to make international calls. Yeastar VoIP phone system not only provides enterprise-class business communication function but also provides high quality technical support, which can make your business communication more easier direct and efficient, and is also more conducive to enterprise communication expansion and management.
More Reliable Than a Landline
VoIP phone systems are much more reliable than a traditional landline system. VoIP systems are less likely to experience service interruptions due to weather conditions or other outside factors. With a traditional landline phone system, the whole branch may go down when there’s an outage at one location. The flexibility and mobility of VoIP telephony also make them more reliable, as employees can work from anywhere with an internet connection.
Advanced Features and Functionality
VoIP comes with a wide variety of features, many of which are not available through traditional landlines. These features can include voice-to-text transcription, online call recording, video conferencing, and more. These are only a few of many advanced features to help you save money while boosting employee productivity.
VoIP systems are also designed to allow easy upgrades whenever your business needs them. If you find that your company is growing quickly or if your current VoIP system no longer meets all of your needs, there’s no need to replace the entire system; simply add new devices or components as they become necessary.
Drawbacks of Switching From Landlines to VoIP (and how they can be fixed)
The biggest complaint about VoIP systems is that they don’t work well with many types of non-digital phone equipment. If your company is still using old-fashioned telephones, fax machines, or even older phone models, you may experience issues when switching to VoIP. These problems are easily remedied by staying up-to-date on the latest VoIP technology and investing in units designed specifically for compatibility with newer systems. You can also use modern devices such as laptops, PCs, smartphones to make calls with your VoIP system.
Another issue that can arise when switching to VoIP is decreased call quality. This may be due to a poor internet connection, incorrect settings, or other factors. However, there is basically no need to worry about it nowadays, as the Internet technology is increasingly advanced and developed.
If call quality is a concern for your company, you may want to test different VoIP providers and plans to find the one that offers the best sound quality for your needs.
In general, there are very few drawbacks to using VoIP phone systems in place of traditional landlines. With proper planning and research, any potential problems can be easily avoided.
How to Convert Landlines to VoIP?
To convert your landline to VoIP, start by choosing a reliable VoIP provider that meets your needs. One of the significant advantages of many VoIP services is that they handle the number porting process for you, allowing you to keep your existing phone number without hassle. Once you’ve signed up for a plan, simply inform your provider that you want to port your number, and they will guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth transition.
After your VoIP service is activated, you can enjoy the benefits of enhanced features and improved call quality. Just remember to wait until your new service is fully operational before canceling your old landline, ensuring uninterrupted communication during the switch. With the help of your VoIP provider, converting from landline to VoIP can be a seamless and straightforward experience.
How to Choose the Best VoIP Provider?
Many VoIP service providers offer attractive plans and add-ons to businesses. But, finding out the best one for your company can be a challenging task. A proven track record regarding reliability and quality is the key factor in choosing a VoIP provider. Since 2006, Yeastar VoIP phone systems have served more than 350,000 customers in over 100 countries with flexible, reliable, and powerful business communications solutions. And Yeastar has received many awards for its business performance and product excellence. Yeastar offers flexible phone system deployment options, including Appliance, Software, and Cloud Edition, all based on VoIP, to meet the full range of enterprise communication needs.
VoIP vs. Landline FAQs
Is VoIP better than landline?
VoIP is generally more cost-effective, flexible, and feature-rich compared to traditional landlines, making it ideal for businesses, remote workers, and frequent travelers. However, it relies on a stable internet connection and power supply, which can affect reliability and emergency service capabilities. Landlines, on the other hand, offer consistent call quality, reliability during power outages, and precise emergency service location information but tend to be more expensive and lack advanced features. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual needs and priorities, such as cost, reliability, and the necessity for advanced features.
Is VoIP reliable?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a highly reliable communication solution, especially when supported by a robust internet connection. Modern VoIP systems offer improved call quality, advanced features, and scalability that make them an attractive option for both businesses and individuals. As long as users have a stable broadband connection, VoIP can deliver clear and consistent voice quality, often surpassing traditional landline services. Furthermore, many VoIP providers ensure high system uptime and provide necessary configurations to enhance reliability, making it a dependable choice for effective communication in today’s digital landscape.
Are VoIP solutions right for my business?
VoIP solutions are perfect for businesses of all sizes. They are easy to use, scalable, and reliable, making them the perfect choice for businesses that need to stay connected with their employees, clients, and partners. Most VoIP providers offer free trials and flexible payment plans, so there is no reason not to give it a try.
Can I use my current internet connection with a VoIP phone system?
Yes, most VoIP providers offer systems that work with your current internet connection. If you use DSL or another type of high-speed internet connection, your phone calls will be crystal clear. Contact your internet service provider to make sure your internet connection is compatible with VoIP.
Should I keep a landline in case there’s an emergency, such as a fire or power outage?
Traditional landlines are not tied to the power grid, so they will continue to work even after a power outage. However, even if the power goes down in your office, you can use a mobile device to make and receive calls over a VoIP network.
Are there any disadvantages to using a VoIP phone system?
It would be challenging to find any real downsides to using VoIP systems. In the past, businesses that suffered from poor internet connections may have had problems using VoIP phones. Still, most modern internet connections are fast enough to support a VoIP business phone system without any issues.
Why is a VoIP phone system cheaper than a landline?
VoIP phones are typically cheaper than landlines because they don’t require the same infrastructure as a traditional phone system. Additionally, VoIP systems offer more features and functionality than traditional landlines so that you can get more value for your money.
In Summary
Switching from landlines to VoIP phone systems can be a great move for many businesses. It makes communication more accessible and efficient, allowing employees to work flexibly while providing advanced features not available with traditional phone systems. It comes with less risk of service disruptions, compatibility issues, or other errors because most providers offer extensive customer support.
By choosing a trusted VoIP service provider, any business can experience significant benefits by switching their phone system.
Sign up for Yeastar 30-day free trial to experience Yeastar cloud-based VoIP phone system and explore more yourself.
This Post Has 5 Comments
Hello YEASTAR Teams,
We have a Yeastar S412 in our company. We have 12 extensions. Nobody can call to outbound routes (outside). We can only receive calls. CAN YOU HELP US. Thank you. In Colombia local call changed to 60X-XXXXXXX. The first X is a number fom 1 to 9 depending of the city and the other Xs is a number from 0 to 9. Since this year.
Thank you.
Hello Pedro,
A technical ticket has been created for you. You will be contacted by our technical support very soon.
It sounds very good.Are there people who already use VOIP in SA?
How do I connect my smartphone the the internet to use voip services
Hello Gerald,
The Smartphone can either be registered directly with a SIP line or with a PBX extension to use a SIP line. For detailed configuration, please refer to the documentation provided by the SIP operator and the PBX provider.