VOIP is Turning Telephones Obsolete
Landlines could soon become an endangered species. And what does plummeting usage mean for landline users? Skyrocketing prices. But there are other options out there.
According to a CDC study1 reported by the Los Angeles Times, 53.9 percent of American homes have got rid of their landline telephone for cellphones. Because the number of landlines is decreasing rapidly, companies are charging higher rates to sustain revenues. For those still with a landline telephone, it may be time to look into a new option.
What’s Happening to Telephones?
While many people abandoned their landline telephone service years ago, some are now coming around to the idea that their cell phone shouldn’t be the only means by which they can dial out of their home. Yes, landlines still exist, but its infrastructure can hardly be supported and is often failing. With the landline exodus when cell phones came to market, today’s pricing has become unsustainable so these landline companies can stay alive.
But, this isn’t the only option! Even though smartphones dominate today’s telecommunications, there’s now a smarter, more efficient solution that carriers don’t want you to know about.
What is This Technology?
This industry is one that’s changing fast. While the vast majority of individuals and companies still rely on conventional phones, the Harvard Business Review2 found that an estimated 10% of international phone traffic now travels over the Internet using voice over Internet protocol, or VoIP. Most telling, this year, for the first time, U.S. companies bought more new Internet-phone connections than conventional phone lines.
It’s called VoIP and it’s changing the way we use phone services in our own homes.
How big is this change? Millions have already switched over to this new phone service. More than 200 airports are utilizing VoIP internationally, and 79% of businesses are as well, according to market research firm In Stat3.
We Tested VoIP for Ourselves
As VoIP has become increasingly popular, we were a little skeptical. How could international calls truly come without an expensive cost? So, we tested out VoIP for ourselves.
Setting up any VoIP service is actually pretty quick and easy. Connect any service, such as Skype or Vonage, via your internet. Within seconds, you’re able to call any friend, any family member, or anyone else as long as you have their number. The best part; you only (sometimes) have to pay a minimal fee if you call out of the United States (some services offer free international calling as well).
Instead of paying per minute, some services let you buy VoIP credits in bulk or a small one time membership fee. Additionally, you don’t have to sacrifice any call quality. As long as you have a good internet connection, you’ll be able to chat as easily with someone in New York as you would with someone in Mexico or Greece.
It’s as if you’re getting a traditional landline phone service for either mere dollars or for free (as long as you have an internet connection).
Our Verdict of VoIP
We firmly believe there’s no reason to have a landline phone service for your home or business anymore, VoIP is clearly a better service and technology. You can save hundreds of dollars each year by switching to VoIP, and you won’t miss a single call.
Where to Find the Best VoIP Deals
Setting up a new VoIP service is very easy because it connects to your high-speed internet. Better yet, when you cancel your landline, you may even keep your current phone number.
Whether you have Spectrum, Comcast, or one of the other major cable companies in North America, you almost certainly have the option for VoIP service today. That said, you most likely will be able to find deals anywhere where you look for VoIP.
1 Los Angeles Times, More Than Half of U.S. Households Have Ditched Landline Phones 2 Harvard Business Review, Using VoIP to Compete 3 ITLLC.net, 79% of American Businesses Use VoIP Phones at One Location