Many households have been replacing their traditional landline phone lines with cell phones or other alternatives for several years. A study by the National Center for Health Statistics in the U.S. last year showed that nearly one out of every six American homes (15.8%) had only wireless telephones during the second half of 2007.
But what about phone use for business? If your household is one that ditched your personal landline, you probably don’t have a separate dedicated landline for your business. If you are just starting your business, adding a landline may not be practical or cost efficient. Or, if you’re a seasoned freelancer who has found that you spend very little time on the phone, a dedicated business landline may not make much sense.
So what are your options? Here are a few alternatives to a landline that you can consider for your business, and a brief look at the pros and cons of each.
Cell Phone
As mentioned above, many professionals opt to use a cell phone as their business line. The benefits of doing this include reduced expenses, the ability to be accessible even when you’re away from work, and not having to maintain a separate line for business.
The biggest drawback is reception and the lack of professionalism in dropped calls and other common cell phone issues. Plus, some of the benefits can be considered drawbacks as well – being accessible all the time and mixing personal and business phone use.
VoIP
VoIP is a very popular alternative to a landline, with a number of providers to choose from. You can use VoIP through your computer, such as Skype. Or you can get VoIP service from your broadband provider or other VoIP providers, such as Vonage, that includes a modem to allow you to use a regular phone.
The benefits of VoIP typically include reduced cost for monthly service, a full set of typical telephone line features (such as caller ID and voicemail), faxing capabilities, and the ability to take your phone line with you when you travel.
One of the biggest drawbacks of VoIP is reliability. If you lose your Internet connection or have a spotty connection, your phone service will be impacted. You may also experience poor call quality, which can be a major negative for a business line.
Virtual Phone Line
A virtual phone line is another alternative to a landline for business. Through services such as RingCentral, you can choose a toll-free number or a vanity number, and your calls are either routed to a private voicemail box or forwarded to another phone line (like your cell phone). You can make calls from your primary phone line and mask them as if you are calling from your virtual line. Another benefit is the ability to setup voicemail boxes using a greeting and extension system which can add to your professionalism.
One of the drawbacks is the management and rule setting that is required to get your line to function as you want it to. For example, unless you set up the virtual line to forward to your primary phone line, all of your calls will be routed to voicemail. Another drawback is that it can be an expensive way to get a business phone number unless you use all of the features it offers.
There are other alternatives like telephone answering services and dedicated business cell phones, but with any option you will need to consider your needs and the pros and cons of each option to determine the best fit for you. Some areas to think about include:
- Call quality
- Professionalism
- Cost
- Security
- Accessibility of emergency services
- Reliability
- Convenience
Frequently Asked Questions about Landline Alternatives
What are the main benefits of switching from a traditional landline to a VoIP service?
VoIP services offer a range of benefits over traditional landlines. Firstly, they are generally more cost-effective, with many providers offering unlimited local and long-distance calling at a fraction of the cost of a traditional landline. Secondly, VoIP services offer a range of advanced features such as voicemail to email transcription, call forwarding, and the ability to use your number from any device with an internet connection. Lastly, VoIP services are more flexible and scalable, making them a great choice for businesses of all sizes.
Are VoIP services reliable and secure?
Yes, VoIP services are both reliable and secure. They use advanced encryption technologies to ensure your calls are secure. In terms of reliability, as long as you have a stable internet connection, you can expect high-quality, clear calls. Some providers also offer features like automatic call rerouting in case of an internet outage.
Can I keep my existing phone number if I switch to a VoIP service?
Most VoIP providers offer a feature known as number portability, which allows you to keep your existing phone number when you switch to their service. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the provider beforehand to ensure this is possible.
What kind of equipment do I need to use a VoIP service?
To use a VoIP service, you will need a high-speed internet connection, a VoIP phone or a regular phone with a VoIP adapter, and a subscription to a VoIP service. Some providers also offer softphone applications that allow you to make calls directly from your computer or mobile device.
How does the call quality of VoIP services compare to traditional landlines?
The call quality of VoIP services is generally comparable to, if not better than, traditional landlines. However, it’s worth noting that the quality can be affected by your internet connection. If your internet connection is slow or unstable, you may experience lower call quality.
Can I use my VoIP service when I travel?
Yes, one of the major advantages of VoIP services is their portability. As long as you have access to a stable internet connection, you can use your VoIP service from anywhere in the world.
Are there any limitations or drawbacks to using VoIP services?
While VoIP services offer many benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. For example, some VoIP services may not offer 911 services or may charge extra for this feature. Additionally, the quality and reliability of your VoIP service can be affected by your internet connection.
How easy is it to set up a VoIP service?
Setting up a VoIP service is generally straightforward. Most providers offer easy-to-follow instructions and customer support to help you get set up. In many cases, you can be up and running within a few hours.
Can I use a VoIP service with my existing home security system?
Some home security systems are compatible with VoIP services, but not all. It’s important to check with your security system provider and your VoIP provider to ensure compatibility.
What should I look for when choosing a VoIP provider?
When choosing a VoIP provider, consider factors such as cost, features, customer service, and reviews from other customers. You should also consider the provider’s reliability and the quality of their calls.
Alyssa GregoryAlyssa Gregory is a digital and content marketer, small business consultant, and the founder of the Small Business Bonfire — a social, educational and collaborative community for entrepreneurs.
