Landline vs. VoIP

We've talked before about the cell phone vs. home phone debate, but today I wanted to break down the home phone space a little and discuss the pros and cons of the two types of home phone plans available: landline service and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service.

First though, let's define each category. Landline service uses telephone wires and poles to send and receive call data and is marketed by traditional phone companies. VoIP service, on the other hand, uses the Internet to send and receive call data and is offered by cable companies, VoIP-only companies as well as some of the traditional phone companies.

So, which is best? Let's break it down:

• Call Quality – When VoIP first came out, there were a few glitches here and there, giving landlines a clear victory in call quality. However, as the VoIP products have evolved and Internet speeds have gotten faster and faster, call quality has improved to a level where there is no noticeable difference in call quality.
  Advantage: Draw
  

• Requirements – Home phone service can be ordered by itself, but VoIP requires a high-speed Internet plan. If you don't have broadband service at your house this make VoIP service a much more expensive proposition.
  Advantage: Landline

• Cost – While there are exceptions out there, VoIP is typicality little cheaper than landline service. To see prices in your area, just head over to our home phone center and enter your address.
  Advantage: VoIP

• Reliability – While VoIP service is reliable overall, it does rely on an Internet connection. That makes it just a little less reliable than landline service.
  Advantage: Landline

• Power Outages – As it requires an Internet connection, VoIP service will not be available during a power outage. Landline service will be available if you have a phone available that does not need to be plugged into the wall (such as a cordless phone). It might not seem like a big deal right now, but during a natural disaster it can be crucial.
  Advantage: Landline
  

• 911 Service – We all hope we never have to test our ability to connect to 911, but it's good to know it's there if we need it. While it used to be the case that VoIP service was unable to support 911, the FCC has now mandated that all VoIP providers support Enhanced 911 (or E911).
  Advantage: Draw
  

• Features – These are things like Voicemail, Caller ID and Call Waiting. VoIP plans typically have more total call features available than landline plans and more features included with the base plan.
  Advantage: VoIP
  

Ready to start comparing landline and VoIP plans available in your area? Head over to our home phone center and enter your address to get started!