VoIP vs. landline business phone systems: it may seem an unfair fight what with VoIP being cheaper, more flexible, scalable, and feature-packed, but looks like landline phone systems still have something left to offer.
In this article, we’ll explain the differences between a landline and VoIP technology, the pros and cons of each, and key tips for selecting the one right for your business’s communication needs.
We’ll also touch on the importance of having an experienced team support your communication goals.
What Is the Difference Between VoIP vs. Landline Phone Systems?
VoIP and landline telephone systems both allow you to make and receive calls through a wired or wireless device, but that’s where the similarities end. The underlying technologies and capabilities couldn’t be more different:
Technology
The primary difference between VoIP and landline systems is the technology that sends and receives calls. VoIP calls use a broadband internet connection to transmit voice messages using a digital signal. A landline uses analog signals that rely on copper wires to send and receive calls.
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Location Bound
Landlines are hardwired to one location and plugged into a local phone network. On the other hand, VoIP uses an internet connection to transfer voice data and is, therefore, not bound to a specific location or network. Employees can make and receive calls ‘from the office phone number’ anywhere on any device.
Flexibility
As it’s hardwired into a specific location, landline technology doesn’t allow as much flexibility and customization as VoIP technology. Landline features are generally limited to voicemail, call-waiting, caller ID and call blocking. These features were considered incredibly innovative decades ago, but business communication needs have changed drastically.
Today’s businesses need phone systems they can configure and choose preferred features like call handling rules, auto attendants, voice-to-email, three-digit dialing, cloud-based integrations and more.
Each of these are only available with a VoIP phone system.
| 💡 Did You Know?
The first analog phone line was invented in 1876 by Alexander Graham Bell. Almost 200 years later, around 1995, landline to VoIP technology was developed by a company called VocalTec. Today, most “landline” phones are actually just VoIP operated by legacy telecom companies. |
Reliability
Landlines have traditionally been viewed as more reliable than VoIP because VoIP systems depend on the quality of their internet access. VoIP systems can also raise security concerns if not configured correctly.
However, VoIP technology has evolved and improved in recent years. As internet connections have become more reliable, robust, and accessible, so have VoIP phones in Canada.
VoIP vs. Landline Business Phone Systems: Pros and Cons
Source:FinancesOnline
The phone system you select will impact your business’s operational efforts in many ways. VoIP and landline phone systems have pros and cons, which you should carefully consider as you make your decision.
VoIP Pros: Greater Flexibility, Customization and Scalability
VoIP systems offer greater flexibility and feature choices than landlines. Features available with a VoIP system include:
- Auto attendants
- Call handling rules
- Virtual receptionist
- Voicemail-to-email
- Automatic call forwarding
These features allow businesses more ways to address their specific communication needs.
Businesses can also scale VoIP services as needed without having to invest in costly hardware upgrades.
VoIP Pros: More Cost-Effective
VoIP systems are generally more cost-effective than landline systems, as they require less monthly equipment and maintenance costs than landline phone systems. VoIP service providers may also offer attractive pricing packages and advanced features at a lower price point when compared to traditional landlines.
| Choices, choices! Here are some guides on choosing the right VoIP system: |
VoIP Cons: Greater Outage and Security Risks
VoIP systems are more vulnerable to security threats and disruptions from power outages or internet failures than traditional landline phone systems. This can make VoIP less reliable, especially for an organization with critical communication needs, such as a hospital, police department, or fire station.
Credit: Ron Lach
Landline Pros: Reliable Connectivity & Ease of Use
Landlines have generally been considered more reliable than VoIP services, offering a consistent level of performance and sound quality even in the event of an internet outage or other disruptions.
Landline systems may be easier to use and understand, potentially requiring less training and support than VoIP systems.
Landline Cons: More Cost with Less Features
Landlines may be more costly over the long term, especially if they require regular hardware upgrades or additional maintenance costs. Landline systems tend to be less customizable than comparably priced VoIP services. They may not offer advanced features businesses need for enhanced efficiency, such as call recording or mobile integration.
Which Phone System is Right for My Business? Tips to Choose Between VoIP vs. Landline
Ultimately, the choice between VoIP and landline phone systems will depend on several factors, including business size, budget, communication needs, and more. Businesses should carefully consider their unique requirements when choosing the right phone system.
If you’re not sure which system will better suit your business, consider the following questions:
- How many of your employees need access to a business phone line? Are there congestion issues from sharing phone lines that need to be addressed?
- Do you have team members frequently away from the office, such as field agents, remote workers or salespersons?
- Do customers or team members have difficulty reaching you or your customer service agents?
- How much does your company spend each month on company-issued cell phone bills? Would call-forwarding features as part of your phone’s business system enable you to reduce this amount?
- Do you expect your business to grow and hire new employees or, perhaps, open a new office?
- Is your current phone system causing you problems that require a bespoke solution?
If you answered yes to most of the above questions, you likely need a solution that will offer flexibility, lower costs, and increase communication efficiencies. Now is a good time to reach out to a trusted communications provider and discuss VoIP phone system options.
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When selecting a phone system for your business, partner with a reliable business communication solutions provider that can offer your company support and training in addition to VoIP and landline equipment and services.
At Sunco, we are a leading VoIP provider in Canada, committed to helping businesses select the right phone system for their needs and budgets. We focus on finding communication solutions that deliver unmatched flexibility, customization potential, and scalability.
Sunco: Canada’s VoIP Service Leaders
At Sunco Communications, we understand the unique communication needs and challenges of businesses in Canada. That’s why we offer VoIP services tailored to your specific requirements, backed by expert support and training.
Let Sunco help you find a phone system for your small or large business. Our communication solutions can help you achieve greater flexibility, customization potential, and reduced costs.
