Need information about traditional landlines and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems? Are you figuring out which one to use for your organization?
Luckily, we’re here to help. At Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS), we have decades of experience in providing cutting-edge communication solutions tailored to the unique needs of government entities.
We want to give you the right information to get you started.
In this article, we will compare traditional phone systems and VoIP for government use by answering the following questions:
- What are landlines and VoIP systems?
- What are the key differences in their features, potential challenges, and costs?
- Which is better for the public sector?
By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of which system will be better for your organization.
What are Landlines and VoIP Systems?
What are landlines?
Remember the days when you couldn’t use your internet and your phone at the same time? Or when there was a phone booth on every other corner?
Those worked because of the traditional phone system (more commonly known as landlines). It’s been the backbone of government communication for decades. Using copper wires to transmit voice signals, landlines provided – and still provide – reliable communication across borders.
What are VoIP systems?
Meanwhile, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows voice communication and multimedia sessions over the internet. Instead of using copper wires, VoIP systems convert voice signals into digital data packets and transmit them through your fiber cables.
If you’ve ever used Skype, Facebook Messenger, or WhatsApp, you’ve already benefited from the integration of VoIP in society.
What are the Pros and Cons of Traditional Phones and VoIP Phones?
Traditional Phones: Pros and Cons
1. Basic features
Traditional phone systems were made for efficient and reliable voice calls.
Because they’re meant for voice communication between parties, they don’t support additional modern communication methods such as video calls or instant messaging.
2. Highly reliable
Landlines make up for their basic features with their high reliability. Since landlines rely on established and dedicated phone lines, they are less prone to disruptions compared to systems that depend on the internet. When your internet goes down, or there’s a blackout, you can still expect your landlines to work.
3. Limited scalability
Scaling traditional phone systems – in comparison to VoIP systems – is challenging and expensive. Adding new lines or expanding the system typically requires physical installation, including laying down new cables and installing additional hardware. The work you’ll need to do isn’t particularly for rapidly growing organizations.
4. Generally Secure
Traditional phone lines offer a reasonable level of security because they aren’t susceptible to the digital threats that affect VoIP systems. However, they can still be physically tapped – hence, all the anti-wiretapping laws.
VoIP Phones: Pros and Cons
1. Advanced features
VoIP system features are above and beyond simple voice calls. They support a wide range of communication methods, including video conferencing, versatile call queuing, instant messaging, and seamless integration with other software, such as email clients and customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
Their adaptability and powerful features have made them the default method for organizations with modern communication needs.
2. Highly scalable
Another major advantage of VoIP systems is their scalability. Adding new users or lines is typically straightforward and can often be done remotely without the need for physical installation. This flexibility makes VoIP an attractive option for organizations that are growing or have fluctuating communication needs.
3. Depend on internet connectivity
Unfortunately, VoIP systems rely heavily on internet connectivity to function. While the use of the internet is the entire reason VoIP has the features it does, internet reliance is a huge drawback if your internet service is unreliable or unstable.
In such cases, your team might experience poor call quality, dropped calls, or complete service outages during internet disruptions. At the very least, you’ll need to set up a backup internet network for your VoIP phones.
4. Requires cybersecurity measures
VoIP systems, being internet-based, are vulnerable to various digital threats such as hacking, phishing, and malware. You’ll need cybersecurity specialists to set up security measures like encryption, firewalls, and multiple authentication methods.
How Much Do Traditional Phone and VoIP Systems Cost?
Traditional phone systems
Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Prices start between $100 - $250/month or higher, depending on the number of lines you need. This price also almost always includes internet plans.
Plus, landline providers have generally higher upfront costs for installation and maintenance, with ongoing expenses for long-distance and international calls.
VoIP systems
In comparison, VoIP phones have lower initial setup costs and reduced call expenses. If you're an organization with high call volumes, you’ll save much more money with VoIP than with landlines. However, there are usually phone setup and number porting fees and a monthly plan payment.
RELATED: How Much Does VoIP Cost?
Which System is Better for Government Use?
It may feel like a cop-out, but there’s no cut-and-dry answer. If you’re going to choose one for your organization, you’ll need to consider your budget, your overall communication needs, and your existing infrastructure.
Ready to Set Up Your Communication Lines?
Now that you know the differences between landlines and VoIP phones, what comes next?
At ITS, we have extensive experience helping government entities navigate their communication needs. Our tailored solutions ensure you get the best system to meet your organization’s requirements.
If you’re about to upgrade your communication systems to VoIP, read “Why Switch to VoIP: A Complete Guide,” where we explain everything you need to learn about shifting to a VoIP setup.
But if you need more information before committing to a new or updated phone system, check out the following free resources: