Can You Use a VoIP Phone as a Regular Phone?

Like the rest of the world, Australians are ditching the traditional phone lines. According to the latest report, just about a third of Aussies (34%) used both landline and mobile in 2020, while only 1.6% had only a landline.

If you are also considering doing away with your traditional phone line, you might want to switch to a VoIP phone. Yes, you can use it as a regular phone. However, a voice IP phone offers several benefits over its traditional counterpart.

Let’s take a quick look at what a VoIP phone is, how it works, what sets it apart, and its benefits.

What is a VoIP Phone?

Unlike a traditional phone, a VoIP phone (Voice over Internet Protocol) uses the Internet to make phone calls. You don’t have to rely on the copper-wire telephone network to make and receive calls. It converts our voice into digital signals that travel over the Internet. That’s what makes a VoIP home phone a more affordable alternative to regular phone service.

It usually comes in two forms:

• Hardware VoIP phones: These look like traditional telephones but connect directly to your internet router. They offer a more convenient way to make calls, making them perfect for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
  
• Softphones: These are software applications that run on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. After installing the application, you can start making the calls using a headset and microphone. It’s an excellent alternative if you work from home or have a home-based business.

You need three things to set up a VoIP phone:

1. Reliable Broadband Connection: You need a robust broadband connection since voice IP phones rely on the Internet to make and receive calls. If your connection is weak, you will face issues like call drops and poor voice quality.
   
2. VOIP Phone Provider: You need a trusted VoIP phone provider like RBE Internet. Our VoIP services can be bundled with your existing NBN plan. We offer unlimited local and national calls, with plans starting at just $15 per month without any lock-in contract.
   
3. VOIP Phone: While you can use your traditional phone as a VoIP device with some upgrades, we recommend installing a VOIP phone. These modern devices can work flawlessly with VoIP technology, offering excellent HD voice quality, background noise reduction, and echo cancellation.

A VoIP Home Phone Works Just Like a Regular Phone

A VoIP phone can function like a regular phone in many ways. You can make and receive calls, voicemails, caller ID, call forwarding, and even emergency services access.

Let’s break them down one by one:

1. Make and Receive Calls: Like a regular phone, a VoIP phone allows you to dial numbers and answer incoming calls. The experience is almost identical to using a traditional phone, especially when you use hardware VoIP phones.
   
2. Voicemail: Most VoIP phone providers offer voicemail services that are often better than traditional phones. For instance, you can check your voicemails on email, app, or VoIP device.
   
3. Caller ID and Call Waiting: You can see who is calling or keep a call on waiting, just like with your regular phones. Your VoIP home phone makes it easier to switch between calls.
   
4. Emergency Services: You can dial 000 to call emergency services using your VoIP home phone. However, you will need to register your VoIP phone provider so emergency services know where to send help.

Benefits of Switching to VoIP Home Phone

Switching to a VoIP home phone comes with several advantages:

1. Costs: Lower cost is arguably the biggest benefit of switching to a VoIP phone. Typically, voice IP phone services have lower monthly fees. At RBE Internet, our VoIP plans cost you only $15 a month, and you get unlimited national and local calls. That means you can save more money in the long run.
   
2. Faster Upgrades: When it comes to upgrades, traditional phones require hardware replacements, which are often expensive. However, VoIP phones usually require software upgrades, which can be finished in just a few clicks. Plus, you can add new features any time you want. 
   
3. Advanced Features: VoIP phones offer a wide range of advanced features that may not be available with their traditional counterparts. For one, you can send your voicemails to email and forward calls. Secondly, you can use this system for video conferencing and easily integrate it with other digital platforms or tools. These features provide greater flexibility and convenience, especially for those who need to manage communications across the board.
   
4. Superior Call Quality: VoIP technology has advanced significantly, providing superior call quality compared to traditional phone lines. With a stable internet connection, you can make crystal-clear calls. Most VoIP phone providers also offer high-definition voice calling.
   
5. Better Scalability: VoIP home phone systems are also highly scalable. You can quickly and efficiently add a new device, whether a laptop, smartphone or another phone device. You don’t have to install new phone lines or other hardware.

Find the Right VoIP Phone Provider

Since the quality of your voice IP phone service depends on its provider, it’s necessary to find a reliable, experienced operator. But how do you look for one?

Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

1. Call Quality and Reliability: Look for VoIP phone providers that offer high-quality service with minimal downtime. You are better off finding someone like RBE Internet who can bundle these services with a robust NBN plan. When you work with the same provider, it’s easier to set up and troubleshoot your phone and broadband.
   
2. Features and Flexibility: Different providers offer different features. Be sure the VoIP phone provider you choose offers all basic features, such as voicemail, call forwarding, and emergency calling. Moreover, think about whether you want advanced features like video calls, conference calls, or mobile app integration.
   
3. Cost and Plans: Compare different VoIP phone providers to find a plan that best fits your budget. However, be aware of any hidden fees or costs for additional features. Some providers offer pay-as-you-go plans, while others provide unlimited calling for a fixed monthly fee. Do speak with the provider to understand the overall cost.
   
4. Customer Support: As good as they are, voice IP phone services can go down or experience a glitch. In other words, you will need robust customer support to help you resolve any issues quickly. We recommend looking for a service provider with Australian customer support, like RBE Internet.

Conclusion

A VoIP phone can function much like a regular phone and offers basic features like calling, voicemail, and caller ID. It also provides flexibility, cost savings, and advanced features that regular phones do not. However, you’ve got to find a reliable VoIP service provider, someone who can cater to all your needs. That’s where RBE Internet comes in.We are one of the leading NBN and VoIP providers in South Australia. Our experts can help you select the right broadband and phone plan based on your needs and budget. Contact us now to know more!