VoIP services are closing in fast on landlines. It’s estimated that today about one in three companies use VoIP in lieu of traditional phone lines, and VoIP is expected to reach a 40% market share by the year 2025. But do VoIP numbers and VoIP services in general live up to the hype? It’s VoIP number vs landline number today, let’s get it on!
The VoIP Number vs Landline Number Showdown
Advantages of Landline Numbers
We’ll start with the incumbent. Landline phones have been around for a century, but their days seem to be numbered. After all, technology on these hasn’t changed much in over 100 years, while internet connections have only gotten better. So, are there any reasons to keep using landlines today?
Honestly, there aren’t too many. About the only advantage that landlines have going for them nowadays is that they can remain connected in a power outage, provided the phone utility has power. Since landline phones are powered by the very lines they connect to, and these are separate from your electrical grid, landlines do provide some extra safety in emergencies.
In fact, businesses that provide emergency response services or respond to similar urgent situations may even need to have a landline installed by law to operate. However, VoIP numbers have found a workaround for this issue, giving them the upper hand in almost every conceivable way.
Advantages of VoIP Numbers
VoIP Numbers can quickly neutralize the landline’s one and only defense. There are now e911 services, for example, that you can call from VoIP lines with even more functionality than your regular 911 dispatch. Some IP phones can even be powered by Ethernet lines, as the Power over Ethernet standard can be used instead of an external power source.
However, you will still need some kind of UPS or power source for your Ethernet lines. If your internet connection goes out, you can fall on a backup, such as a second connection from a mobile provider. So, with that out of the way, let’s just look at a few of the biggest differences between VoIP numbers and landlines.
Portability
You can’t take your landline with you when you travel unless you’ve got a mighty long copper spool. VoIP numbers go wherever you do. With providers’ mobile apps, you can take your VoIP number anywhere.
Instant Setup
Go ahead, try adding another landline to your office right now. We’ll wait. VoIP providers let you add lines instantly, meaning you can order another number whenever you want and have it activated in minutes.
Save Big Money
Landlines aren’t cheap. Even the “low cost” options that come in around $20 are usually only available at that price if you bundle the service with something else. But VoIP numbers can be had for as little as $12 per month with unlimited calling!
We haven’t even begun to go through all of the other features that make VoIP numbers way more powerful than your average landline. Check out our in-depth coverage of these topics in our other articles.
