Some people and businesses still prefer using a landline.
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While some households still use their landlines frequently, other households give up the landline for alternatives, such as Vonage. An Internet-based phone service, Vonage requires a broadband Internet connection to operate. Choosing to use one over the other has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Which one you use depends on your needs and what each type has to offer.
Requirements
The requirements necessary to operate a landline phone and Vonage are very different. Most households come prewired for the use of a landline. All you need to do is ask the local telephone company to set up service and then plug a phone into the wall. However, with Vonage you must call the company to set up your service and plug your phone into your computer. You must also have broadband Internet service to use Vonage. Therefore, a landline will work at all times, even in a power outage, whereas Vonage will not work if there is a power outage, if you are having problems with your computer or if the Internet is down.
Features
Both a landline phone and Vonage offer many of the same features. However, with a service such as Vonage, many of those features are included in your monthly fee. You can usually use call waiting, caller ID and call forwarding with both types of service. A landline phone can also offer users long distance service. But the long distance service typically charges a fee per minute of use with a landline. Vonage includes unlimited long distance calling with its packages.
Cost
The basic cost of a landline can be low as long as you do not add additional features. Vonage, though, can also have a low cost if you request the basic service. The higher costs occur when you add features to your landline phone. Many landline phone companies charge extra for features such as call waiting and caller ID, which Vonage packages include in the regular monthly fee. Therefore, using a landline with all of the features can end up costing you more than service through Vonage.
Emergencies
Because a landline works when there is a power outage and Vonage does not, some people hesitate to get rid of their landline service altogether. In addition to the advantage of being able to use your phone even if the power is out, calling 911 automatically gives responders your address when you call from a landline. If you call from a service such as Vonage, responders are unable to track where the call is coming from.
Portability
When you move and you use a landline phone in your home, you will not be able to keep your phone number. Each locality offers its own set of numbers. Even moving a few blocks into another city can result in a number change. However, with Vonage you are able to take your phone number with you when you move. In addition, if you travel and have access to broadband Internet on your laptop, you can often make phone calls on the go.
References
Photo Credits
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