Can The Internet Ever Replace Your Traditional Landline Phone?
The simple answer to this question is yes! There are lots of VoIP (Voice over Internet
Protocol) telephones available that make use of your internet connection rather than a traditional landline. However, whether or not they can ever offer the same kind of service as your landline is not yet fully known as the technology is still advancing.
As mentioned a VoIP phone operates using the internet instead of the phone network. In doing so you can benefit from free and low-cost international calls and take advantage of a range of functions that would not normally be available with your traditional house phone. This may include access to services like email, instant messaging and even video calls. Unlike a regular phone a VoIP phone can be moved from one location to another and can be plugged in anywhere that has an internet connection. You can take it with you wherever you go! The prospect of all of these features added to an overall low-cost system make the VoIP phone an attractive choice for many households.
If you are considering replacing your landline with a VoIP telephone system there are a number of important points you should consider. Firstly you will need a high-speed broadband connection to ensure the quality of your calls matches that of your traditional landline. A fibre optic connection would be ideal and if you already have such measures in place in your home then setting up a VoIP line will not be too costly. If, however, you do not use a high-speed internet service and will need to fork out for an upgrade it is worth first spending some time calculating if the VoIP line will be a worthwhile investment in terms of cost savings on call rates.
Next you should consider if the VoIP line would benefit you in terms of the services available. For example, most landline packages already offer cheap local calls and reduced evening and weekend rates. If you are someone that regularly needs to make international calls then a VoIP line could certainly be of benefit to you. Remember, if you want to take advantage of the additional services like video calls then you will need to purchase a handset that enables you to do so.
Finally, it is worth remembering that your VoIP line operates using your internet connection so if this fails then you will be left unable to make calls. Sometimes it is best to keep a traditional landline phone in your home in the event of such instances. Not many people realise that if you keep a corded phone that plugs directly into the jack of your phone line then this can be used if you experience a power cut because the device does not require an electricity supply.