Telephone calls aren’t going anywhere, but they are drastically changing. Each calling option has its benefits and downfalls. Read below to learn the difference between landline, cell, and VoIP calls and what’s best for your situation.
Landline calls are great for most call situations. All you need are a phone and landline telephone service to complete the call which are extremely reliable and high-quality. Your voice is converted into signals that travel through cables to the person on the other line to ensure clear communication. While landline services occasionally have downtime, they are most reliable for day-to-day use and in the case of power outages or emergencies. The voice quality is clear and feels immediate. On the downside, you’ll need a dedicated landline phone.
You probably use a cell phone all the time, but do you know how it works? When you make a cell phone call, your call and its audio data are transferred wirelessly from cell to cell to reach your recipient. Most of us use cell phones for the vast majority of our calls these days. In 2015, 47% of households were cell phone-only. According to TechTarget, “An ongoing trend towards fixed-mobile substitution (FMS), in which users cancel landline services and rely solely upon cellular phone service, has resulted in a sharp reduction in the numbers of landline subscribers.” You just have to walk down the street to see the complete proliferation of cell phones in our society. Basic cell phones are very easy to use and smartphones can help you do much more than just call. Also, most cell phone carriers offer unlimited long distance and international plans, so if you make a lot of calls to far-flung locations, you can be covered. Here are the cons of a cell phone: ● A working cell phone with a charged battery is required. The latest cell phones can be very expensive. ● Certain areas don’t have cell service, and you may not know prior to the call if you won’t be able to make it. ● Sound quality and service can vary based on location, phone and service provider.
VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol and calls work by transforming audio data into digital files and sending them over the internet. You can make a VoIP call from your computer or Internet-connected mobile device. In recent years (especially since the COVID-19 outbreak), internet call usage has increased dramatically, and it makes sense – many more people have broadband internet connections in their homes and offices than they did in years prior. VoIP calls are convenient. If you have a broadband internet connection, you can make a VoIP call to another internet user or phone number. This works well for travelers who can call over wi-fi from anywhere. They are also flexible. It’s often easy to add extra callers into your call, and you usually aren’t limited by call minutes. Sometimes the audio quality isn’t consistent, and if your internet connection cuts out your call will drop. All you need is an internet connection and a computer or phone to make a VoIP call.
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