VoIP Vs. Traditional Phones: What's The Big Difference?

Have you ever imagined why an increasing number of companies (not to mention households) are opting to ditch their conventional telephone lines and move to internet-based telephony? Welcome to the world of VoIP there is no question the world of VoIP- short form of Voice over Internet Protocol.

What VoIP is, what the difference is between VoIP and standard phones, and why many of them are switching to VoIP. It looks at it all in layman terms whether you own a business or not.

Right then, what are we going to tell about it?

What and where is VoIP?

Using the technology known as Voice over IP, or simply VoIP, you have the opportunity to place your voice calls directly on the internet rather than on a conventional phone line (which is also referred to as PSTN--Public Switched Telephone Network).

Consider such apps as Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, or even such business options as RingCentral or Vonage. All this is with the help of VoIP behind the scene.

Old School: Traditional Phones:

Old fashioned landlines are connected using copper wires jammed in the ground. Otherwise referred to as PSTN, this system is more than 100 years old.

It is credible though restricted. That travels over your phone company and normally it involves some extra hardware as well.

Differences between VoIP and Traditional Phones: Main Differences

Simple, let us simplify it:

VoIP (Voice over IP)accentN Traditional Phones (Landlines / PSTN)

Connection                       Internet                                                           Phone lines (PSTN)

Hardware                           Smartphone, laptop or VoIP phone          Normal landline phone

Setting up cost  Low        Expensive

Call cost                          Calls are usually free or less expensive        International calls are usually more expensive

Mobility                         Able to be used everywhere                           Able to be used in only fixed location

Functions                       Triple play; Call forwarding, return/missed calls       Basic telephony only

Which One is A Winner VoIP Vs PSTN?

By contrast, VoIP is the definite winner in flexibility, price and the latest features when comparing VoIP vs PSTN. PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) is still good at handling basic necessities, but it does not allow one to be as mobile as they might need and lacks smart capabilities too.

VoIP vs Traditional landline telephones for Business

Shifting to VoIP may be a game changer to businesses.

Here’s why:

Reduced prices: No longer paying minute by minute either with long distance or international calls

Flexible workplace: Workers are able to answer calls remotely

High-end features: Voicemail-to-email, auto-attendant, call recording and others

Scalable: Modify users (increasing and decreasing numbers) without additional wiring

The decision about VoIP vs traditional landline phones in business is no contest anymore the former is proving to be more popular and successful.

Then, What is the Actual Differences between VoIP and PSTN Phone Systems?

In layman terms:

VoIP applies the use of the Internet

PSTN involves the usage of tangible wires and switches

VoIP is contemporary, all-round and next-generation-proof. PSTN is sturdy but old fashioned.

Final Thoughts

The communication culture is being transformed rapidly. With the understanding of the reality of VoIP compared to traditional phones, you will make wiser decisions and be more informed even when you are operating a business or only need a cheaper and more flexible solution to getting the phone at home.

You are still on a landline? Perhaps, it is time to pull the plug.

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