● Guide
VoIP vs. landlines: replacing POTS lines
Copper phone lines are being retired and getting more expensive to keep. Here is what changes when a business moves to VoIP.
Should my business switch from landlines to VoIP?
For most businesses, yes. Carriers are retiring traditional copper lines, often called POTS, and the lines that remain tend to cost more. VoIP and IP phone systems carry calls over your internet connection and add features like call routing, auto attendants, voicemail to email and mobile apps.
The switch needs planning for a few things: a reliable internet connection, correct 911 location information, and lines that alarm panels, fire panels, elevators or fax machines may still use.
- POTSTraditional copper phone lines
- VoIPCalls over your internet connection
- Plan forInternet, 911 location, alarm and fax lines
- FeaturesRouting, auto attendants, mobile apps
VoIP and landlines compared
| Traditional landline (POTS) | VoIP / IP phones | |
|---|---|---|
| How calls travel | Copper lines from the phone company | Your internet connection |
| Availability | Being retired in many areas | Widely available |
| Features | Basic calling, add-ons cost extra | Auto attendants, ring groups, voicemail to email, mobile apps |
| Working remotely | Calls stay at the desk | Take business calls on a laptop or phone |
| Adding users | New lines and wiring | Add a user or phone in the system |
| Power and internet outages | Copper lines can work without building power | Needs internet and power; plan backup and failover |
| 911 | Location tied to the line's address | Location must be set and kept current for each phone |
What to check before you switch
Most of a VoIP move is simple. The surprises come from the lines nobody remembers until they stop working.
- Alarm and fire panel communicators on phone lines
- Elevator emergency phones
- Fax machines and credit card terminals
- Internet speed, reliability and a backup connection
- 911 dispatchable location for every phone
How TechCore handles the move
We review your current lines and what is connected to them, recommend the right phone system and internet setup, and plan the cutover so your numbers keep working. Because our sister company Turner Security services alarm and fire systems, we can also plan how those panels communicate once the copper lines go away.
Common questions
Can I keep my business phone numbers with VoIP?
In most cases, yes. Numbers can usually be ported from your current carrier to the new phone system.
What happens to VoIP if the internet goes down?
Calls can be set to forward to mobile phones or another location, and a backup internet connection can keep phones working. We plan for this before the switch.
Will my alarm system still work without a landline?
It needs a different communication path, such as cellular or internet. Turner Security, our sister company, can update alarm and fire panel communicators as part of the move.
Does 911 work on VoIP phones?
Yes, when it is set up correctly. Each phone needs an accurate location so emergency services know where the call is coming from.
Why are copper phone lines going away?
Carriers are retiring aging copper networks in favor of fiber, cable and wireless, and the cost of keeping old lines in service keeps rising.
Need cameras, access control or alarms?
Commercial security is handled by our sister company, Turner Security. Same owners, same offices, on the same network you already trust us with.
- Security cameras
- Access control
- Live video monitoring
- Fire alarms
Five-star reviews from real customers
I am a manager for 4 locations of Express Employment Professionals and we've recently used TechCore for our phone service. Our installation was easy and fast! Jamie and Alex took extra care to make sure all of our needs were met in each office, they had everything installed and running on the same day and Alex has been incredibly helpful for any changes we've needed with staff changes. I would highly recommend TechCore's phone and networking service.
Richard and Riley went the extra mile to make all our tech stuff work on our phones. They did a great job.
We used Turner Security when our business transferred to a new location and they went above and beyond to make sure we were up and running for business as quickly as possible. Jamie, Mike, Reid, Nathan, Greg, TJ and Dan were all very polite, professional, and friendly. I highly recommend them for all your IT needs!
Ready to retire your copper lines?
We'll map what's on your lines today and plan a clean switch.