In this article we will educate you regarding VoIP and landline services. VoIP telephony is becoming more popular as businesses move across to this modern connection. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, which we’ll discuss. Plus, we will mention the new changes happening with landline services. But before diving into the pros and cons of each, lets first explore the history and what’s in store for the future.
The History
Since 1891, the method in which homes and businesses connected with the world was through cables…lots of them! This is what the landline is composed of. These copper cables underground have enabled people to dial a number to connect with the entire world. These cables have been the veins of Britain’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
The Future
UK engineers are racing to end the landline network by 2025. This is the date that has been set and after 2025 landlines will no longer be in use (unless connected to the internet). The copper network has been the lifeline of the UK and it has kept us all connected, even throughout the pandemic. After 2025, the copper landline will become a thing of the past like, VCR’s, floppy disks, and Walkman’s.
VoIP
What is VoIP telephony? VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is a way of making phone calls using the internet, rather than traditional phone lines (landline). One of the first popular services was Skype, where phone calls could be made using an internet connection. Currently around one third of all businesses in the UK use VoIP.
Advantages
The first advantage of VoIP is that as it is cloud based, there is no need for on-site hardware maintenance. Therefore, this implies that there will be lower costs. Employees can simply use their existing devices. This could be their laptop or mobile. You will only pay for what you need. Therefore, adjusting how many users you need for this service is based on your own requirements. This leads onto the second advantage of flexibility. As VoIP telephony operates using an internet connection and therefore you can have an unlimited number of lines. VoIP technology can also incorporate cloud-based phone systems and other software applications such as Microsoft Teams.
Further flexibility includes making and answering calls wherever you are. This could be using a desk phone, mobile or computer. As we’ve entered the hybrid working age, this is most convenient.
Disadvantages
Often it is said that the call quality of VoIP is not as good as landline telephony and always included as a disadvantage. At Cambridge Support we believe this is a myth. If the speed of the user’s internet connection is slow, then call quality and stability will be affected. But the technology of VoIP is far superior to a landline telephony. Providing enough bandwidth is available, calls should be crisp and clear.
Traditional landlines do not require electricity, but of course VoIP’s do. Therefore, if a power cut was to happen landlines could continue, but VoIP’s couldn’t. However, it is still possible to reroute calls to your mobile phones. So, there is a way round it.
Landline
As mentioned before a landline is connected through copper cables under the ground. Despite landlines having limited features, they have stood the test of time and performed well for many generations.
Advantages
Landlines are a very stable, steady connection. They have kept us connected for over 100 years. They provide much security in an emergency with reliable 999 connections. The sound quality is clear and crisp. It will work during an electrical outage and there are no batteries to charge. Landlines also can’t be hacked.
Disadvantages
Long distance calls can be costly. Landlines are also open for telemarketers to call and thus can be susceptible to spammers of unwelcome phone calls. Landlines also have an element of being inconvenient. Mobile phone can be taken anywhere, but landlines must stay within its fixed location on the property of where they are located. This could be the office or your home.
Lastly, of course, in 3 years they will no longer be in use. So, if you do currently use landline services for your business, we recommend switching to VoIP.
We Can Help
If your business needs help with integrating a VoIP system to your business; don’t worry, we can help. Just contact us today at ask@cambridgesupport.com.