Cutting Out the Cost of Landlines

VoIP technology allows users to place and receive calls over the internet. It’s not a new technology — some businesses have relied on VoIP since the 1990s — but the market has expanded in recent years. Today, businesses and consumers can choose from dozens of options.

The best part: VoIP works over the internet, so when you search for a provider, your search isn’t restricted to a limited geographical area. You can use any phone to connect to VoIP, and phones specifically designed for the technology have advanced features that landline phones can’t match.

On average, a home landline costs $42 per month, and prices can be much higher for commercial use. Many VoIP services have entry-level plans starting at under $20, so making the switch can actually save money. To get started, you’ll need to understand your options and determine what you need for your home or business.

Finding a VoIP Service with the Right Features

Because VoIP providers use the cloud — servers accessed over the internet — many offer software that expand the capabilities of your phone. Those might include:

• Voicemail Routing and Automatic Call Rejection- When you’re busy, you can set up a VoIP system to send calls to voicemail automatically without ringing your phone. This feature can be turned on or off easily, and many providers allow you to set up automatic routing on a schedule. In other words, if you’d rather not receive calls after 5 p.m., you can set your phone system accordingly.

You can also automatically reject calls, which is a huge benefit if you run a business — every business owner knows how annoying spam calls can become over time, and a VoIP system puts you in control.

• Smart Call Forwarding- VoIP systems can route calls to certain people based on a variety of factors. If you’ve got a business with several people, you can make sure that salespeople always answer new inquiries, while established clients are routed directly to support. On a residential connection, you might route calls directly to your cell phone when you leave the house.
• Hold Music and Call Queues- These features are most useful for small businesses. If you’ve ever missed a conversation because an important client got a busy signal, you can prevent that situation from happening again.

VoIP providers might also offer analytics for businesses, click-to-dial (people can click on a link online to call you directly), and other advanced features . Depending on whether you’re interested in residential or commercial VoIP, some of those features might be more than you need — but if your needs change, you can upgrade easily online without spending hours talking to your phone company.

Keeping Prices Down for VoIP Services

To take advantage of the competitive VoIP market, look online. Compare monthly rates, looking closely for hidden charges. Commercial VoIP services, for example, charge per user, which may be in addition to a base fee. Additional features might increase the cost of your service, though chances are good that you’ll still pay less than you’d pay a landline provider for the same features.

Consider your needs and don’t pay for any features that you won’t use. Many providers tailor their services to businesses, so if you’re looking for residential VoIP, make sure to find providers that specialize in that type of service. Look for information about security practices — most VoIP providers use high-level encryption to keep calls secure — and reliability.

Comparing VoIP Providers Online

Switching to VoIP is easy. If you’re upgrading a home or small business connection, you’ll usually sign up for a plan, then receive a bridge device in the mail that you can use to hook up your phones. VoIP-ready phones can plug directly into your internet router.

Researching VoIP providers pays off, particularly if you’re currently stuck with a landline. Consider at least 3-4 options, preferably more, and look closely at each one to make sure you know what you’re getting. With a bit of work, you can get a reliable phone system with advanced features while actually saving on your monthly phone bill.