Many businesses still use landline phone systems to communicate with customers and team members. Learn how to choose the best landline system for your business by comparing costs and features. Some people prefer to keep a landline because of its reliability. Landlines aren’t dependent on cell towers or the internet; they work during power outages. Other people like the improved audio quality of landline phones.
Cost
While it’s true that cell phones are more widely used than landlines, many people still want to keep a traditional home phone line. The main reason is that it can serve as an emergency phone. It won’t lose power during a storm and can also help locate the person calling in an emergency. However, these advantages come at a cost. A single basic landline from Verizon can cost a month. This can be expensive, especially when compared to cheaper VoIP options.
Call Quality
Call quality is among the most important factors in providing a great customer service experience. A bad call experience can ruin a customer’s perception of your business and drive them away. HD calling (typically offered through VoIP technology) breaks your voice into thousands of tiny digital packets conveyed across the network. The best landline phone services will reliably deliver these packets to their destination to be put back together into a clear sound.
Caller ID
A landline home phone system relies on physical copper wires to transmit signals. That means it’s able to provide reliable service even during power outages. Caller ID is an important feature that allows people to screen calls. It also shows the calling party’s number and, with solutions Caller ID, a name. This information is pulled by carriers, which then display it on your incoming caller ID. Luckily, most providers are careful to keep up-to-date with this data. However, if they make a mistake, it can take a while to show up on your display. This can be frustrating if you get a lot of scam calls.
Equipment Fees
People often get their landline phone service as part of a bundle with other services, such as high-speed Internet and cable TV. Bundling can be cheaper than getting those services separately. Some people rely on landlines for 911 location services or home security systems requiring a landline connection so they won’t go down during power outages. Some also prefer the call quality of a landline. If you’re considering dropping your landline in favor of a VoIP provider, consider the equipment fees (purchase and rental options) and contracts. These can add up. In addition, if you travel abroad frequently.
Contracts
A VoIP landline might be the right choice if you run a business. These tried-and-true systems are known for their reliability and consistency. Many providers offer home phone service as part of a bundle with the internet. Some even offer standalone home phone plans. When choosing a landline, it’s important to consider the features you want and how much you’re willing to pay. Be sure to consider things like call quality, equipment fees and whether or not you’re required to sign a contract.
