Surprisingly many people haven’t heard of VoIP technology. It basically allows you to call and talk to anyone, anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. With VoIP you avoid all problems with regular cell phone or landline service, including high international calling fees and limited minutes.
In 2021, it is estimated that around 26% of UK homes have given up on their landlines completely. That has taken away a massive amount of customers from phone companies, who have been scrambling to stop losing money. One of the methods employed is to raise prices to make up the difference, which is bad news for their remaining users. For those that are ready to make that leap now, a quick online search could save you a lot of money.
Why Have a Home Phone?
For various reasons, having a phone at home aside from a smartphone is appealing to many people. It represents another line of communication in case you can’t get cell service. This was especially true during an era where cell phone service wasn’t perfect. As technology marched on though, more and more people are not willing to pay higher prices just to have a secondary phone at home. As a result, the landline market appears to be unsustainable.
The thing is, you don’t have to stay with those companies for the luxury of a home line. If you have the internet, there is a much better solution right around the corner.
Going Online
With the internet spreading further and further every year, the web has become an easy way to reach someone on the other side of the world. Research has shown that about 10% of international phone calls are made online with Voice over Internet Protocol. This is otherwise known as VoIP, and it may be the future of the landline. In fact, it’s already deeply rooted in the business sector of the United Kingdom. Companies are now buying more internet-based phone lines when compared to traditional services.
A big indicator of this is the airline industry. Many large airports all over the world have swapped to VoIP in order to reduce communication costs. Airlines also rely on the tech heavily, such as taking reservations for tickets over VoIP. However, does this necessarily mean that you should swap over to it yourself?
A Test Drive
Of course, the easiest way to analyze a service is to try that service for yourself. To that end, we decided to give it a whirl to describe our experience in a non-biased fashion.
From the very start, it was easy to see how convenient VoIP can be. As long as you have the internet set up already, all it takes is to sign up with a service like Skype or Vonage. Once that is done, you can immediately start placing calls to whomever you want. As a bonus, a lot of these services don’t charge you to call inside of the United Kingdom.
Call quality was also pretty fantastic, no matter who we called. So long as both parties have a strong internet connection, everything was crystal-clear. Given the services we tested were all free or free trials, that’s pretty outstanding value.
Our Conclusion
If you have access to the internet, we do not believe that there is a need to have a landline at all. This applies to both residential and business situations, as the value is so big. When you consider how much a landline can cost nowadays even when part of a larger package, you could be savings hundreds annually by swapping to a VoIP.
The easy argument in the past was that the internet wasn’t fast enough to maintain a good quality call. Speeds are getting quicker and more reliable now though, so it’s somewhat of a moot point. Besides, if you are paying for both a landline and internet service already, it’s likely cheaper to upgrade your internet than to continue paying for the landline.
Where to Start Looking
As a creation of the internet, the easiest way to get started with VoIP is, well, the internet. Just a quick online search will show you many services that you can try. It’ll be up to you to figure out which is perfect for your own use case. Be sure to do your research and compare prices, and you’ll be able to have that second phone line at a fraction of the normal cost.
Best VoIP Providers in 2024
As of 2024, several VoIP providers have established themselves as industry leaders in the UK. Prominent names in the market include Vonage, RingCentral, BT Cloud Voice, and Ooma. These providers offer reliable service, advanced features, flexible calling plans, and excellent customer support. To find the best VoIP provider for your specific requirements, consult technology websites, read user reviews, and explore each provider’s official website.
Unlimited Calling with VoIP Phones
One of the key advantages of VoIP phones is the ability to make unlimited calls without worrying about excessive charges. Unlike traditional phone services, VoIP providers often offer unlimited calling plans as part of their packages. This allows you to make local, long-distance, and even international calls without the fear of per-minute charges. To enjoy unlimited calling, select a VoIP provider that offers such plans, ensuring seamless and cost-effective communication.
Goodbye Old Phone, Hello VoIP
VoIP technology has made traditional phone systems obsolete, prompting many individuals and businesses in the UK to bid farewell to their outdated phones and embrace the benefits of VoIP. VoIP phones offer a host of features, including call forwarding, voicemail-to-email transcription, virtual numbers, video conferencing, and more. By switching to VoIP, you can say goodbye to old phone systems and welcome a modern, integrated communication solution.
VoIP Phones Are Cheaper Than Smartphones
Contrary to popular belief, VoIP phones are often more cost-effective than traditional smartphones. While smartphones require expensive data plans and frequently come with limitations on calling minutes, VoIP phones utilize your existing internet connection to make calls at a fraction of the cost. Furthermore, VoIP providers offer competitive pricing and various plans to suit different budgets. By opting for a VoIP phone, you can enjoy significant cost savings without compromising on call quality or features.
Benefit from a VoIP Phone
VoIP phones provide numerous benefits that enhance your communication experience. These include high-quality audio, advanced call management features, scalability, portability, and integration with other business applications. Whether you’re an individual or a business, a VoIP phone can streamline your calling experience, improve productivity, and reduce communication costs. Research VoIP providers to find a phone that meets your specific needs, and explore the features and benefits they offer.
Why Everyone Is Switching to VoIP
The increasing popularity of VoIP can be attributed to its wide-ranging advantages over traditional phone systems. VoIP offers cost savings, flexibility, scalability, advanced features, and the ability to integrate with other communication tools. Additionally, VoIP eliminates the need for physical phone lines, simplifying setup and maintenance. With these benefits, it’s no surprise that individuals and businesses in the UK are switching to VoIP for their communication needs.
Web’s Best VoIP Phone Deals in the UK
To find the best VoIP phone deals in the UK, there are several avenues to explore. Start by visiting reputable online retailers such as Amazon, Curry’s PC World, and eBuyer, which often offer a wide range of VoIP phones at competitive prices. These platforms provide customer reviews and ratings, helping you make an informed decision.
Additionally, check the official websites of VoIP providers mentioned earlier, as they frequently offer exclusive deals and promotions on their phone hardware. Keep an eye out for bundle deals or discounted packages that may include both the VoIP phone and the service.
Another valuable resource is technology deal websites like HotUKDeals or MoneySavingExpert, where you can find discounted VoIP phones or special offers. These websites aggregate deals from various retailers, allowing you to compare prices and find the most attractive offers.
Moreover, subscribing to newsletters or following the social media accounts of VoIP providers and online retailers can provide you with real-time updates on flash sales, limited-time offers, or exclusive discounts.
Remember to compare prices, read product reviews, and consider factors such as warranty, customer support, and compatibility with your chosen VoIP provider when making a purchase decision.
The prices of VoIP phones can vary depending on factors such as the brand, model, features, and where you purchase them. Basic VoIP phones typically range from £30 to £100, while mid-range options may cost between £100 and £300. High-end VoIP phones with advanced features can range from £300 to £500 or more.
To find accurate and up-to-date pricing, I recommend visiting reputable online retailers like Amazon, Curry’s PC World, or eBuyer, as well as checking the official websites of VoIP providers. These platforms will provide you with the most current pricing information for VoIP phones in the UK.
Additionally, keep an eye out for any ongoing sales, discounts, or special promotions on these platforms, as they may offer opportunities to save money on your VoIP phone purchase.
Remember to compare prices, read product descriptions and customer reviews, and consider your specific needs and budget when making a purchase decision. Finding the best VoIP phone deals in the UK requires thorough research and comparison. Visit reputable online retailers, check the official websites of VoIP providers, and explore technology deal websites for the latest offers. By leveraging these resources, you can discover attractive deals on VoIP phones that perfectly match your communication needs while offering significant cost savings.
