Companies have been using landlines for more than 100 years and their usage is consistent around the world. But now that smartphones are readily available and offer more features than landlines, are they still needed? This article will explain the Pros and Cons of having a landline telephone for both large and small businesses.
Benefits of having a Landline phone for Companies.
Connecting with a customer or business has become a lot easier thanks to smart phones, but many businesses still choose to keep landlines.
Here are Four Reasons why Companies maintain Landlines.
The Perception of Dependability.
A landline number provides the perception of an established and credible business. Having a dedicated number for a business shows applicants that the business is legitimate and trustworthy.
The company that only uses mobile phone numbers as a contact can make potential customers and business partners feel uncertain about the credibility of the facility. Especially in cases of large transactions, people will wonder “Does this company exist?”
Having a fixed line number removes that doubt and brings companies closer to a better reputation. Landlines are also helpful in scenarios that require social confidence, such as applying for a loan or getting a credit card.
Better work-life Balance
Once your phone number is made public, you are likely to receive calls at any time of the day. The ability to mentally disable after 5pm is gone and enjoying privacy becomes difficult when work-related calls consistently arrive without filtering.
Wired telephones will create the necessary barrier between your job and your privacy.
Reduced Security Threats
Using your home number for a business means listing it on your website and having it displayed on Google. Everyone has access to a crucial personal detail from your own and businesses can become vulnerable to scam calls, telemarketers and SMS phishing’.
In addition, hackers have the possibility of accessing your banking data via your phone number. Wired phones mitigate this threat to safety, making it an important benefit.
Increased Efficiency
Smart phones do not have the ability to handle large volumes of calls. In the end, this has an impact on operational efficiency and increases the chances of missing important phone calls.
It is also likely to be distracted when you use your smartphone too much, and the receipt of personal messages or calls is unavoidable. Of course, a landline does not have this problem.
Disadvantages of Having a Landline Phone for Businesses
The cost of installing your fixed line is definitely one of the drawbacks. If not, the list of disadvantages is shorter than the advantages.
Remote Work Become Invalid
Landlines become an obstacle when companies try to adapt to new labour standards such as remote or hybrid work. Businesses that only use landlines will struggle to encourage remote work, as employees will still need to be in an office.
The need for Interception of Calls.
All land lines need a form of human call intercept.
Answering machines on fixed lines are often expressed as a frustration among consumers, and therefore human touch is always preferred.
However, in order for this to happen, a free staff member must attend the phone call and redirect to the appropriate person after listening to the request. During this time their productivity is reduced and often problems of communication can occur when the wrong person is called.
Types of Telephone Lines
It is important to know what options are available when looking for a telephone line. Each variant presents its own advantages and slight differences in features.
Below are some types of telephone lines.
Cloud PBX
A Private Branch Exchange (PBX) is a Internet-based telephony system. This includes a desktop phone connected to a router and all calls, as well as call-related functions, are handled via a server at the location of the PBX provider.
The advantage of a cloud PBX is that no physical material is required in your own office. As a result, you can save space and not have to worry in case of moving to another office space.
This system is ideal for:
- People working remotely
- Businesses which need to often relocate
VoIP Line
A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is generally a much cheaper system than conventional phone lines. These calls are made over the Internet, in which an analog voice signal is converted into a digital signal and sent as data via a broadband line.
This system is ideal for:
- Businesses which frequently need to make calls
ISDN Line
A Digital Integrated Services Network (ISDN) is a line capable of transmitting digital signals. One phone number can be used for two lines, so you can use fax and the Internet while using a landline phone.
This line is reputed to offer superior quality and faster speeds than your traditional connection.
This system is ideal for:
- If there is no internet connection
- The need to make calls even in natural disasters
Does your business need a Landline?
The short answer is, yes.
Each business needs a fixed telephone to maintain professionalism and credibility. Landlines also avoid the security threat of smartphones, but having the right technology and solutions in place is critical to keeping a business working effectively.