From Landline to VoIP: A Comprehensive Transition Guide

VoIP is a cloud phone system that transmits voice data over your internet connection. It works on any home phone or smartphone compatible with your provider’s software and apps.

VoIP offers lower monthly costs on local and international calls and has advanced features that can improve team productivity. It’s easy to see why it’s quickly replacing traditional landlines.

Upgrade Your Internet Connection

Your VoIP service converts your voice into data packets that travel over the internet. These packets are transmitted quickly and are put back together when they reach their destination.

You can choose between hardware-based VoIP phones or software-based VoIP “softphones.” Softphones look like traditional desk phones and work on any device that has a broadband connection. You can even use them while traveling. You will want to make sure you have dedicated internet access for your VoIP system to ensure you have a strong connection and it won’t be interrupted causing calls to drop.

Upgrade Your Phones

A VoIP phone system allows employees to work from home or anywhere else. This can boost employee retention while increasing productivity.

Unlike landline phones, VoIP converts voice data into small packets of digital data that travel to the person you’re calling through high-speed internet connections. It then reassembles that data into your message. This way, your customers won’t notice any difference in call quality. You may also check out Ooma guide to VoIP phones. With this resource, you will understand its best features and how it will benefit you.

Change Your Numbers Many VoIP services allow you to keep your old landline phone number when switching providers. This process is known as number porting.

Businesses that use VoIP phones benefit from increased mobility and scalability compared to traditional handsets. This allows employees to work from anywhere with an internet connection.

Change Your Phone Settings

VoIP devices can look similar to traditional landline phones, except they use ethernet cables instead of telephone cords. You can use a web interface to adjust settings, and many VoIP providers provide detailed guides for setup and general use. Evaluate your business’s communication needs to decide which VoIP features are right for you. Then choose a provider that offers a plan with the best value for your budget.

Install a Router

As a business owner, you can improve team morale and productivity with VoIP services that offer any-device, anywhere communication capabilities. Your VoIP service should be intuitive and make your team’s communication processes as simple as possible. A VoIP phone is an Internet-enabled device that connects to the network through a standard Ethernet cable. These devices typically have the familiar layout and features of traditional landline phones.

Install a Switch

Phones are a critical business tool that connects managers with employees and customers. VoIP provides best-in-class phone services solutions like voicemails as emails, auto-attendant and more to help your team work effectively anywhere and anytime. Unlike traditional landline phones, VoIP systems are scalable and don’t require additional copper wires. They can be connected to any device and easily be used by remote workers.

Set Up Call Forwarding

Landline setup fees, equipment costs, and monthly rates can add up quickly. VoIP services use the internet for calls and offer advanced features like PBX, auto-attendants, call logs, and more.

You can also set incoming calls to simultaneously ring multiple devices so that you never miss an important call. This feature is especially valuable for mobile workers and business owners who frequently travel.

Set Up a Call Queue

Whether you’re a one-person shop or an established business with multiple locations, call queues help you handle calls during peak times. Queues ensure that customers aren’t sent to voicemail and provide them with information on the estimated wait time for an agent. If the agent doesn’t answer a call when the Queue Ring Timeout is reached, it will be routed to a predetermined destination (Destination if unanswered). You can also configure a custom greeting and music on hold for your queue.

Set Up Call Routing

VoIP services make it easy to make calls to anyone you want. This allows you to be more flexible and agile as your business grows. Landlines require expensive hardware like PBX systems, routers, switches, phone sets and copper wires that connect to the PSTN. They also come with staggering long-distance bills. Switching to VoIP reduces these costs and helps you avoid paying for add-on features that don’t work well. Your provider can help you set up call routing to suit your needs.

Set Up Voicemail

VoIP systems offer better functionality than traditional landline phones, including video calls, multimedia messages and more. However, these functions depend on a stable internet connection to work properly.

VoIP devices can connect to your network using hardwired home ethernet ports or wirelessly through Wi-Fi. This flexibility allows employees to take calls anywhere they can access the internet.

Unlike landline phones, VoIP systems are scalable and easy to update without costly copper wiring. They also include features like call recording, text-to-speech and voice analytics at no additional cost.