While the pandemic’s effects are still in full swing, the need for the right technology in business is stronger than ever. And that includes deciding who wins the battle of VOIP vs. Landline. Indeed, market research company Forrester’s predictions for businesses in 2021 highlight the need for technology investments. For example, digital engagement will be the “number one driver of customer value” this year. Digital operations platforms will also continue replacing legacy enterprise resource software as the months go by.
One technological innovation that will help your business grow is a dedicated phone system. From cheaper calls to unified communication, this technology offers many benefits. Phone systems come in two kinds: Voice Over IP (or VOIP, for short) and landline. Both offer unique benefits that make the better option difficult to determine… at least at first.
Whether you’re planning to get a new phone system or are considering switching kinds, here’s an overview of a comparison of VOIP vs. Landline, and our advice on which kind will benefit your business more.
Pros of Telephone Landlines
Easy-to-use
Landlines are very straightforward, so even the most non-tech-savvy people know how to operate them. No additional training is necessary during its integration.
Reliability
Phone lines will remain operational no matter the circumstance. For example, when bad weather occurs, landline phones will continue to be operational. Plus, when phone lines do get cut off, they’re fixed faster than internet networks. After all, a number of key sectors rely on them, like the aerospace industry and the government.
The quality will also remain consistent no matter where your business is settled, especially compared to smartphones. “My landline gives me better reception in my high-rise apartment in New York City,” admitted Samuella Becker, the owner of a PR and marketing business. Calls will also never be disconnected.
Cons of Telephone Landlines
Higher costs
When it comes to VOIP vs. Landline in the context of cost, VOIP is the clear winner: From its installation to its per-call charges, landlines can be expensive to own. Additionally, when you ask for features like caller IDs and voicemail, those need to be manually integrated into the system and transmitted over the cables. This will further rack up costs.
Location-restricted
Because landlines operate via local cables, they can’t make international calls. If your business deals with a lot of foreign clients and customers, you’re going to be relying on your mobile phone more.
The Pros of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP)
Low cost
Since VOIP uses the internet instead of copper wires, this system is a lot cheaper. After all, you’d only be paying for internet access (which you already do) instead of call minutes or extra phone service. The lack of wires also makes its installation inexpensive. In fact, with a manual and some remote help, you can very likely do it yourself.
Streamlined operations
Check-ins are a big part of operation management in any company, which VOIP can help streamline. As one of the most crucial careers in business, operations managers oversee a lot of departments, from logistics to accounting. They keep track of employees at a day-to-day level, so they’re going to be calling them often. Fortunately, VOIP doesn’t rely on phone lines, making it easy to call devices in any location, and with any combination of people in the call. This can help operations managers and other related professions do their jobs much faster.
Better features
Aside from calls, VOIP phones can host a number of features, too, like video calls, account management, and more. It’ll even allow more than one VOIP phone to connect at a time, which can be useful for audio conferences.
The Cons of VOIP
Possible inconsistent sound quality
Since VOIP is heavily dependent on your internet connection, your sound quality is only as good as the plan you have. Slow internet speeds can cause the sound to be choppy — it may even disconnect the call altogether. If you’re choosing VOIP as your phone system, you need to invest in a fast plan (at least 30Mbps).
Make sure you have Enhanced 911 enabled
By default, VOIP phones are not priority lines in local departments like hospitals and police stations. This is because VOIP systems are not tied to a geographic location. Thankfully, VOIP providers give customers the option to have their systems “Enhanced 911 enabled.” This will give your line a physical address.
So, which one should you have?
Given all that, VOIP is a clear winner. Not only is it cheaper and equipped with more features, but a lot of its downsides can be remedied with another solution, like faster internet and upgraded functions.
Regardless of your business’s size, Offix can help you upgrade your phone system to VOIP. We even offer custom greetings and third-party integrations like Salesforce. Contact us for a free demo today.
Content intended only for the use of offix.com
Prepared by Alicia Brady