VoIP vs. POTS: What are the benefits of VoIP over the traditional landline
Traditional landlines are becoming more and more scarce, and many Americans rely on their cell phone for personal communications. However, cell phones simply can’t meet all the needs of businesses.
But still the traditional telephone system, known as POTS (plain old telephone system), has a number of weaknesses, including call cost and maintenance issues. To overcome these hurdles, many companies are transitioning to Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP. Let’s take a quick look at what the benefits of VoIP are.
What is a VoIP System?
A VoIP system transmits calls over the internet, so anyone with an internet connection can use the system. You may use VoIP through an IP phone or an ATA, analog terminal adapter. A third option is directly connecting with other VoIP users, although this route may pose some technical issues.
What is Voice over IP? – Systemize
Cost
The main advantage of using VoIP is cost. Phone companies, especially those without a lot of competition, can charge residents what they want. You can either pay up or live without the service.
If you have an adequate internet connection, you can often use VoIP for a minimal price (or sometimes, no cost at all). You can call people around the world and not worry about the rates or how long you spend on the phone.
You also don’t need to pay for a VoIP or virtual phone number. When people make international calls to your virtual number, they are charged the local rate because it appears to be part of the local exchange.
In addition, VoIP equipment is less expensive, and maintenance for these devices is approximately half that of traditional landlines.
Quality and Reliability
Listeners typically can’t tell if you’re using VoIP or a traditional phone. The sound quality is essentially the same.
However, VoIP does have a major vulnerability. If your internet goes down, so do your phones. Landlines, on the other hand, have backup power that allows them to operate during outages.
Fortunately, newer VoIP systems come with call continuity and built-in redundancy. If the internet goes out, calls will be automatically forwarded to the designated mobile phone numbers. (You can also access the system with any type of mobile device, including tablets and laptops.)
Extra Features
VoIP offers users voice mail and call forwarding, as do many POTS companies. However, VoIP stands out because it also includes advanced calling features — like a virtual assistant that can play hold music and route callers to other departments.
You can pay for extra features on your landline, but you have more choice for less money with VoIP.
Final Thoughts
While both systems — VoIP and POTS — have unique advantages, don’t expect landlines to evolve. Innovation is squarely concentrated in VoIP, which is generally seen as the system of the present and future.
Want to keep reading? Check out 4 remarkable ways companies are using the cloud.
PT 
EN