Most internet service providers are now offering home phone plans alongside their primary internet services. The reason is the trending VoIP home phones that have made lives easier. But most people are often reluctant since they don’t know what a VoIP phone is and how does it work. That’s why we’re here shedding light on this matter. This article will cover what VoIP is and why you should opt for a VoIP home phone plan with your internet connection. So, let’s dive in:
What is a VoIP?
VoIP or voice over internet protocol phone (also referred to as telephony) is the latest way of using home phones. It allows you to place calls using the internet. For instance, if you’re getting an internet connection from a leading ISP such as Spectrum Internet, you can check out their home phone plans.
There, you can see whether the ISP is offering VoIP home phones or not. These phone plans are different, varying based on users and areas. That means, if you’re Spanish and want to see phone plans from Spectrum, you can check out telefono de Spectrum and view if VoIP is offered in your respective area or whether they’re offering discount offers for Spanish customers.
We’re just considering Spectrum here for reference. Whatever your ISP is, you can see if they offer VoIP services. These services are mostly placed within bundles such as internet + cable TV + phone services.
The reason for VoIP’s popularity is due to the potential benefits that it offers. Since it uses the internet for communication, it provides better communication while simultaneously connecting you with the internet.
How Does VoIP Work?
As highlighted earlier, VoIP allows placing calls using the internet. The only thing you need to worry about is disruptions with your internet connection. Otherwise, it’s a convenient and effective way for making calls, better than the conventional landline phones.
The VoIP provider is your ISP, which connects with telephone services providers. This is done to ensure that incoming and outgoing calls are regulated without any disturbance during calls or disturbing the internet.
VoIP phones depend upon Public Switched Telephone Network or PSTN. However, VoIP phones depend upon the internet. Special hardware is used for regulating VoIP. Most commonly Private Branch Exchange or PBX is used.
PBX connects internal phone connections to public telephone networks, maintaining the calls. However, it’s a costly process and requires high-end maintenance. If your ISP or any provider is offering VoIP, then it’s going to cost you more than a dime. Probably why most providers bundle it with other services.
What Are The Perks Of VoIP?
Apart from bringing competitive home phone plans, VoIP has some competitive perks that make it superior to landline phones. Here are some of these amazing features:
Reject List
Unlike conventional landline phones, VoIP brings an “always reject list”. As evident from the name, this list is for those annoying numbers that you want to block permanently. You can’t do that with a conventional landline but with a VoIP, you can.
Smart Call Forwarding
Awaiting an important call? Worried that you’ll miss it when someone uses the landline? Not to worry because VoIP brings smart call forwarding. It allows you to forward calls to not one but multiple phone numbers, added in a number.
For instance, you might be receiving a call but your number’s busy. VoIP will forward it to the next user, say your spouse. If that’s unavailable, it will forward it to another number added in the call forwarding list and vice versa.
Voicemail Routing
Don’t stress as it isn’t complex as it sounds. Voicemail routing, or for understanding, applying functions on your incoming calls is another great feature of VoIP. It allows you to apply various functions such as directing calls to voicemail or sending them to “do not disturb” mode if you don’t want to be disturbed during some hours i.e. office hours, personal hours, etc.
Virtual Phone Numbers
You have your phone number connected on VoIP. But what if you want another number? A number that you can add to smart call forwarding? Well, that’s easy with virtual phone numbers available with VoIP. You can easily attach these numbers with your current one after purchasing them.
Softphone
It’s another feature that is becoming greatly popular with VoIP. A softphone allows users of VoIP to use their device’s microphone, network connection, and speakers, turning it into a phone. What makes it amazing is that it will allow you to attend or make calls even from your device.
Therefore, you don’t have to be near your VoIP phone. All you need to do is install this software on your device. It’s even compatible with PC, iPad, and smartphones.
What Does It Cost?
One of the major questions that pop up in minds of customers looking for home phone plans is whether a VoIP is a cheaper alternative or not. What we can tell is most ISPs offer a triple play service.
This includes internet connection, cable TV, and phone service that are bundled together for the customers. Now, it depends upon the bundle’s pricing. In most cases, a bundle offer is usually a good choice since it comes with every service at a discounted rate.
You’d probably be spending more on each service separately. And in that case, opting for a bundle offer doesn’t sound bad. Plus, you’d be able to use your current devices to use VoIP services instead of buying a VoIP home phone.
However, make sure to view the pricing and additional elements mentioned (disclaimer or charges) on the website. In most cases, service providers don’t relay costs, and sometimes, availing bundle offers can put a hole in your pocket too.
Closing Thoughts
Well, there you have it! If you’re looking for home phone plans, then it’s better to get VoIP. Not only does it brings superb perks, better than conventional landline, but can be used with internet-connected to your devices. It’s a better choice until you’re able to manage your expenses for availing bundled offers.