Voice-over internet protocol, or VoIP, is a way to make and receive calls using the internet rather than a landline, also called an on-premises setup. VoIP offers many benefits for business owners, but is it the right option for your particular business? Let’s take a closer look at the difference between a landline setup and VoIP to determine if VoIP could be the best business phone system for you.
The Difference Between Landline and VoIP
A landline telephone system, also called an analog or plain old telephone system (POTS), requires copper wire to install. Voice travels over the wires in the form of energy before it reaches its destination and becomes a voice that people can hear.
One of the major disadvantages of landlines is the wiring required whenever you add a new line, as this incurs greater costs. Your business may also be limited on the number of landlines it can have at one location due to the cabling requirements.
Instead of using copper wire, VoIP uses the internet to transfer voice as data in compressed form. Since it uses the internet, you can set up your VoIP system to transfer calls to any device and make calls from anywhere, which is not the case with a landline.
The biggest difference between a landline and VoIP is flexibility, but cost is also a significant difference, as is the ease of getting started with your system.
Minimal Investment and Ongoing Costs
Since VoIP needs the internet to work, most business owners already have what they need to get started with a VoIP system. However, VoIP doesn’t just make it easy to set up a business phone system and start using it. It’s also more affordable to maintain over time and requires a minimal upfront investment.
Unlike landlines, which charge for international calls, VoIP allows you to make and receive calls from anywhere in the world without additional charges.
Equipment for landlines, as well as the cost to get the line set up, is more expensive than VoIP. VoIP also allows for lower maintenance, meaning you can spend less time maintaining your phone system and more time focusing on your business.
Support Better Flexibility for Your Business
If you have a business with remote workers, or are planning to go remote—or even just need to move your office frequently—VoIP supports this type of workplace flexibility without the hassle of a landline.
With a landline, you would need to transfer your service and your number. In some cases, transferring your landline number may not be possible. However, with VoIP, all you need to do is log in to your account to begin setting up your services from your new location or device, no change in number necessary.
VoIP phone systems also give you the ability to forward calls to any device you like. You never have to miss a call again with VoIP, even if you’re away from your desk. One downside to using a VoIP system is that you can’t make or receive calls during a power outage. However, the system can still take messages.
Should you need to add more phone lines, the process is easy and cost-effective with VoIP, making this business phone system a great fit for growing companies.
Find Out More About VoIP for Your Business
VoIP systems give you greater control over your business phone systems. If you have a strong internet connection and want to invest in greater flexibility and reliability for your phone solutions, consider going with VoIP over a landline. Find out more about our flexible and affordable VoIP solutions by contacting neteffect technologies today.
