If you have been shopping for a phone service for your home or home-based business, you have probably heard about VoIP phones. This cutting-edge digital phone service has taken the market by storm as traditional landline phones continue to disappear from Aussie homes.
Like the 63% of us, you might also want to chuck your old phone line for a better, smarter alternative like a VoIP phone service. However, if you are still on the fence about this decision, knowing the difference between a traditional landline and a VoIP phone can help make up your mind.
Let’s dive into the ins and outs of both.
What Is a VoIP Phone?
A VoIP phone, short for Voice over Internet Protocol, lets you make calls using the internet instead of a regular phone line. It converts your voice into digital signals that travel over the internet. It’s popular because the voice quality is exceptional and often costs a fraction of a regular phone line.
How Does VoIP Work?
When a VoIP provider hooks you up with this service, they install required software and a VoIP-enabled device. The software turns your voice call into small packets of data. These packets can race across the internet in a flash, allowing you to call virtually anyone anywhere, with an internet connection.
VoIP phone service supports voice calls, instant messages, and video calls. When bundled with your NBN plans, it opens a world of possibilities. You can make conference calls, attend virtual office meetings, and talk endlessly with your friends and family on the other side of the globe.
What Is a Regular Phone Service?
Regular phone service, or landline, was once the stalwart of communication. Unlike a VoIP service, your landline relies on a network of copper wires and switches to connect you with others. It’s a tried and tested communication system that has been around for nearly a century and a half, with the first public telephone exchange in Australia dating back to 1881.
How Do Traditional Phone Services Work?
While not as flexible as VoIP service, traditional landlines are reliable, maybe that’s why more than a third of Aussies still use them. This phone service converts your voice call into electric signals, which travel through the network of copper wires, connecting you with the caller at the other end. As they don’t rely on the internet, landlines can work during power outages or when the network is congested.
VoIP Phone or Traditional Landline? Which Is Better
Both VoIP and regular phone lines have their strengths and weaknesses. Let’s dive into a quick comparison of both options to help you make an informed decision.
1. Cost
When it comes to cost, VoIP phone service is a winner. Unlike traditional landlines, it allows you to make local, national, and international calls at a fraction of the cost. On the other hand, regular phone lines can be more expensive, especially for long-distance and international calls.
If you are looking to save money, bundle your home NBN plan with a VoIP plan. Most VoIP providers offer low-cost plans, as low as $15 a month, with unlimited local and national calls.
2. Flexibility
With a VoIP phone, you can make and receive calls from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. You can use your smartphone to make video calls and attend online meetings, and it can work as a landline when you want to call someone at home or office.
Landline lacks this flexibility. Even with a cordless phone, you can make calls from within the confines of your home. This can be a significant drawback for those on the go.
3. Call Quality
VoIP phones offer excellent call quality, but it depends on your internet connection. You can enjoy crystal-clear video and audio calls if you have a reliable home internet connection and the latest Wi-Fi router. If not, you might experience choppy or dropped calls.
Unlike VoIP phone service, regular phone lines don’t rely on the internet. Your call quality remains consistent irrespective of how good your home internet connection is. But if the phone line gets damaged, you might find yourself off the grid.
4. Features
VoIP phone systems pack a punch when it comes to features. Beyond basic voice calling, you can make video calls, attend conferences, send and receive voicemails and emails, and more. However, regular phone lines stick to basics, which means you will miss out on all these advanced features.
5. Reliability
VoIP service needs both internet and power supply. If one of them is down, it won’t work. But where VoIP falls short, regular phone lines stand tall. Your landline can work without internet or power supply unless the phone lines are down.
6. Security
As VoIP phone service relies on the internet, it can expose you to cyberattacks. Be sure your phone service has proper security measures, including data encryption, firewall, antimalware and antivirus. This will help you call your friends and family securely. But landlines are generally more secure as they don’t rely on the internet.
Bundle Your NBN Plan with a VoIP Service Now
Both VoIP and traditional phone services offer unique pros and cons, but the former is usually sought-after in this digital era. It’s cost-effective, flexible, feature-rich, and brings the world to your fingertips. Still, you should choose a service that best fits your needs.
If you want to go ahead with a VoIP service, RBE Internet can help. We offer VoIP plans, which you can bundle with your NBN broadband plans. Contact us today for details.
