Table of Contents
Business landline phone service is a type of telephone service that provides the same number and features as traditional home or office phones. Business landline systems offer many business benefits, such as lower costs, better security, and greater reliability than mobile devices.
Despite the popularity of voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) solutions, commercial landline systems remain a valuable tool for company owners. VoIP needs internet access, but traditional phone systems depend on copper wire infrastructure. If you use a traditional landline, you won’t lose your ability to call if your internet or electricity goes down. Companies can easily remain connected to clients because of the dependability of a landline.
Landline Service Providers
Landlines providers use an extensive system of copper-wired networks to deliver services across the United States. However, conventional phone lines have long been controlled by a handful of Landline Service Providers, limiting competition and leaving many regions dependent on one provider.
Regional carriers maintain infrastructure to assure stable landline services for business clients in smaller areas. However, since there are few rivals, costs might be high. That’s why negotiating a service level agreement (SLA) that includes the number of lines and features your firm need is vital.
Despite the benefits of a business landline, you may want to consider moving to a small company VoIP system. Cloud-based phone systems are a great alternative to conventional landlines since they provide enhanced features and reasonable prices. With a service like RingCentral, you can receive unlimited calling and a virtual receptionist for $19.99 a month per user.
VoIP vs. Business Landline
For more than a century, business landline phones have been the norm. However, the public switched telephone network (PTSN) hasn’t gotten many changes in the recent several decades. Rather, phone companies are investing in fiber-optic networks that can serve both voice and data services.
As the cost of a traditional phone system rises, more businesses are turning to virtual phone services that leverage your current internet or cellphone network. The flexibility offered by VoIP systems makes it a more cost-effective and feature-rich solution for businesses.
Companies can communicate in the formats that today’s consumers desire without spending a lot of money by using VoIP services.
Who Should Use a Business Landline?
A business landline, such as a four-line service, maybe the best option for businesses with a restricted internet connection, such as those in rural locations with intermittent coverage or in places without high-speed internet access. A small company VoIP phone system, on the other hand, is usually a far better solution.
A virtual phone system, unlike a traditional corporate landline, provides functionalities that were previously only accessible via pricey public branch exchange (PBX) systems. Many small businesses are unable to benefit from the benefits of a PBX system due to the high cost of installation and maintenance. You may get twice the capabilities for a considerably lesser price with an internet-based PBX solution.
Only when a firm does not have a dependable and fast internet connection do we propose using a business landline. Otherwise, voice-over-internet-protocol services will give you more bang for your buck.
Why Landlines are necessary
Despite the fact that businesses are increasingly opting for an internet-based phone system, commercial landlines aren’t going away anytime soon. After all, your office building is almost certainly already wired for phone service, and you may not be ready to cut the cord just yet.
Setup time is minimal
A copper wire-based phone service is installed by your telephone company. If you simply need two to four lines, the contractor will run the cables to your building and install a phone jack on the inside. Many phone service providers assist businesses with connecting analog phones and ensuring that they are operational. However, if you want an on-premise PBX system, you’ll need to invest in extra equipment and maintain it yourself.
Reliability
When it comes to dependability, VoIP phone systems have gone a long way. However, knowing that your phone system doesn’t need an internet connection or energy to operate may make you feel more secure. Unless the cables are severed, business landlines seldom lose service.
Response to an Emergency
Because business landlines are linked to a particular address, dialing 911 will immediately route your call to the closest emergency call center, where dispatchers will be able to see your actual company location. E911 services may be included in cellular phones and VoIP plans, but they are not required, thus it is critical for company owners to check for this feature before acquiring a VoIP system.
Availability
No matter how remote a region is, landline phone service is accessible. You won’t be reliant on these services since it doesn’t need an internet connection or energy. Copper wire networks are also reliable and do not fail as a result of natural catastrophes or power outages. On a landline, the majority of your calls are perfectly clear, and you won’t lose connection.
Features of a Landline
A business landline allows you to make and receive incoming calls depending on the total number of lines in your company. The majority of designs include typical features such as:
- Caller ID is a feature that allows you to see who
- There is call waiting.
- Forwarding of calls
- Calling in three directions
- Transferring calls
Some carriers provide voicemail as part of their normal subscription, while others charge extra for corporate voicemail. Additional capabilities, like a corporate directory or an interactive voice response (IVR) system, are available with on-premise PBX systems, but the cost is sometimes prohibitive for small businesses.
Internet-based phone systems, on the other hand, generally incorporate dozens of functions. Along with the fundamental tasks outlined above, VoIP services may include capabilities such as voicemail-to-email, video conferencing, and complex call routing.
Costs of a Landline
Business Costs of a Landline vary by provider and are based on how many lines and add-on features you select. For example, one AT&T business phone line can range from $40 to $75 per month, plus taxes and fees. Most small businesses require at least two lines. For a multiline phone system, you’ll need the base hardware PBX unit, which costs between $100 and $200 per phone.
You may anticipate spending $200 to $300 per month for five landlines, plus $500 to $1,000 in upfront hardware fees. When compared to VoIP systems, which don’t need any additional gear and may cost half as much as a monthly landline subscription, this is rather expensive.
You may be charged extra costs for business landline service, such as:
- Installation and setup: For new landline services, some providers charge a one-time installation and setup cost. If you want a PBX system on-site, this might add thousands of dollars to your beginning costs.
- Maintenance: The phone provider is solely responsible for the wire that connects your business to the outside world; the wiring within your building is your responsibility. For a monthly cost, some companies provide an insurance package. They’ll take care of any issues that arise in your workplace. Otherwise, you will be responsible for maintaining and repairing any problems.
- Long-distance rates: While some companies provide unlimited long-distance calling, the majority charge per minute. So, if you’re calling anywhere outside of your local business region, you could have to pay a higher per-minute rate.
Hardware for Landlines
Hardware for Landlines can get expensive, and analog phones need replacing every few years. Since the amount of hardware required depends on your building’s location, size, and number of lines, it’s difficult to calculate your total costs without speaking to a phone company representative.
However, with VoIP service, you may make and receive calls from your computer or mobile phone. Some suppliers provide softphones or desktop devices, but their equipment and pricing are listed on their website, making it simple to estimate your expenditures before committing.
Conclusion
As more telephone service providers invest in fiber optic internet infrastructure, VoIP technology will advance and traditional phone lines will be phased out. Traditional copper lines, on the other hand, will not become extinct anytime soon since not all places have dependable high-speed internet. You may acquire rates from your local telephone and internet provider, as well as quotes from well-known VoIP providers if you’re searching for a new business phone system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best phone system for a small business?
For simplicity, the best phone system for a small business would be a softphone. This type of phone allows businesses to take advantage of their own internet connection and also reduces costs by making use of technology that is already installed in most offices.
What is the best phone system for an office?
The best phone system for an office is one that has a reliable, easy-to-use interface.
How do I set up a landline for my business?
There is no setup procedure for setting up a landline, it depends on what type of business you run. You could try looking at your phone bill and see if they have any information or contacting them to find out more about their services. If you are unsure how to contact your phone company please go ahead and leave that question in the comments section below so someone can help you out!
