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Despite the popularity of text messaging, email, and social media, many people still use telephones as a way to contact each friends, family, and clients. However, many residences and small business owners are opting to not have traditional landlines. Low costs, the impracticality of using just cell phone service, and convenience are having consumers consider the use of VoIP rather than traditional landlines.

What is VoIP?
VoIP (voice over internet protocol) is one alternative many households and small business owners are choosing rather than a traditional landline. VoIP transforms audio speech signals into digital data which is then transmitted through a broadband internet connection, such as fiber optic, DSL, or cable. VoIP does not use a traditional phone jack, but rather uses a VoIP adapter that is plugged into your modem or computer.

What are the advantages of using a VoIP?
The main advantage of using VoIP is cost. For example, international calls using VoIP are inexpensive, while machine to machine calls are free. VoIP providers also offer free unlimited calling in the United States and Canada. Even with companies making landlines more affordable, VoIP is usually still cheaper. In addition, VoIP providers offer the same services you would get with a landline, as well as placing or receiving a call on your computer, laptop, or tablet.

What are the disadvantages of using a VoIP?
Sound quality is still better with landlines, as you can experience crackling, echoes, and phone interruptions with VoIP. If you experience a power outage, you will still have access to your landline, but you will lose your internet connection and therefore not able to use your VoIP service. Also, if there is a disruption of any kind in your internet connection, you will not be able to access your VoIP service.

Why should you choose VoIP over a traditional landline?
In the long run, the cost savings are a strong motivation for using VoIP versus the traditional telephone landline. International phone calls are very inexpensive, and you have unlimited calling in the United States and Canada. VoIP providers offer business plans and reward you with discounts for signing a long-term contract. An added bonus: you get to keep your same phone number!

Many landline companies have costly pricing plans and contract bundling. The deals seem like good ideas at the time, but later down the line, you find hidden fees and unnecessary services.

To recap, the leading advantages for VoIP are:

They are less costly.
You have access to inexpensive international phone calls.
You get to keep the same phone number.
You receive the same services as with a landline and can place or receive calls on your computer, laptop, or tablet.
Keep in mind, any business should always reevaluate their communication needs from time to time as you grow and your needs change