With all of the new technology being released on a daily basis, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of new gadgets for your business. Advancements in technology isn’t a bad thing and new tech is revolutionizing the way business is conducted all over the world. However, sometimes you forsake certain technology in order to implement other, newer systems.

For many businesses, that dilemma is with landline telephones. It’s no surprise that landlines are fading away in homes, but what about for business phone systems? Many businesses are simply providing work cellphones to their employees to handle the majority of calls, with maybe one or two landlines for directory services. Others still have landlines in every department and on every desk.

So what should you consider before cutting the cord?

Costs

As with most everything in business, the majority of the consideration comes down to cost. Normally, traditional business phone system installations can be expensive and take time to get properly set up. There are numerous alternatives, however, such as VoIP services that cost much less and can be installed with relative ease and speed. Replacing a traditional phone line with VoIP can save you between 20% and 50% on your monthly phone bill. VoIP, or voice over internet protocol, are phones that connect using the internet rather than a landline. They can be hardwired or wireless (WiFi) phone systems.

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The downside to VoIP or cell phones can be the quality of service. VoIP services depend on the availability of the internet, and cell phones rely on a signal from a cell tower. How many times has your cell phone dropped a call or started breaking up due to bad service? At least a few, maybe more depending on your carrier and location. Same with VoIP, if the internet goes down or gets slow, then calls will be hard to make. Even though access to the internet is widely available and affordable, on the off chance you lose connection (and don’t have a cell phone), you’ll be without a phone system. Although a complete loss of connection doesn’t happen too often, there are instances (such as natural disasters) in which a landline might begin operation after the catastrophe sooner than the other systems.

So before you completely cut all ties to the cord, consider all options. Having more than one service is never a bad idea, but it comes down to your business and its needs. Contact a local communications provider to discuss possible options for your business and the benefits and hindrances of traditional business phones.

For more information about VoIP services, call ARG Communications today.