Landline Vs. VoIP: Which Option is Better for Small Business Owners?

Although VoIP phones have emerged as the next big craze in the communication world, many mainstream entrepreneurs are still reluctant to adopt this technology. There is no denying the fact that landline phones have been ruling the communication world for too long, but they cannot compete with VoIP technology when it comes to convenience and scalability.

A side-by-side comparison between the various aspects of both technologies can help entrepreneurs decide whether it is a wise move to switch from hardwired landline phones to VoIP phones.

1. Connectivity

Optical fiber cables are reliable for transmitting voice signals, but transmission losses are directly proportional to the distance. This is the reason that landline phones are not very reliable when it comes to long distance calls. Apart from transmission losses there are risks like data and information leakage in landline phones. VoIP phones, on the other hand, have built-in distortion and noise filters, which removes unwanted peaks, thus improving the voice quality. Moreover, VoIP service for small business also allows entrepreneurs to secure information by encrypting voice signals before transmission.

2. Voice Quality

VoIP phones send and receive voice over Internet protocol, therefore analog voice signals are converted into small digital data packets before transmission. This not only reduces the risk of high noise peaks, but also allows entrepreneurs to enjoy HD call quality irrespective of the distance. However, call quality in VoIP phones heavily depends on the bandwidth of the Internet connection. Therefore it is recommended to have a reliable dedicated internet connection for use with your VoIP phone service.

3. Installation Cost

There is no denying the fact that cost of landline phones has dropped drastically over past few years, VoIP phones for small business are still more cost effective than landline phones when it comes to maintenance and installation cost. Apart from connection charges, users also have to pay for every call they make through a landline connection. However, in case of VoIP phones, users can make unlimited calls within the allowed bandwidth. VoIP service providers charge users in accordance with the subscribed bandwidth.

4. Flexibility and Scalability

Landlines do not easily grow with a business organization. For example, if the number of departments within an organization is increasing, then you have to install more wired connections for every department. VoIP phones on the other hand are extremely scalable and can accommodate unlimited new connections.

5. Additional Features

Landline phones provide users with only two features; audio calling features and call waiting. VoIP phones, on the other hand, allow users to enjoy following additional features:

• Video-Calling: All you need is a webcam to use a VoIP phones for video or conference calling.
• Voice Recording: You can record calls and save these recordings in your database.
• Find Me- Follow Me: this feature allows you to divert the incoming call on more than one number.
• Voicemail to Email – Allows you receive your voicemails while you are away from the office.
• And much, much more!