VoIP telephony is getting more and more popular these days. As a matter of fact, it has out-modeled the era of PSTN or Public Switch Telephone Network. Thousands of companies now, big or small, are opting for this type of communication. There are several reasons why most companies now are choosing VoIP telephony over the traditional PSTN. By comparing VoIP vs. PSTN, it is possible to see clearly the advantages and benefits available with VoIP telephony. This fact makes it easier for business owners to choose between VoIP and PSTN. In order to make the right decision as to which kind of communication system is best for you, it is vital to know what VoIP has, which traditional PSTN does not have, and vice versa.
- Connectivity. VoIP telephony uses the internet to connect. On the other hand, traditional PSTN uses landline. When it comes to connectivity, both have advantages over the other. With VoIP, people can call you anytime as long as there is internet connection. With PSTN, you can only connect if you have installed a landline in your office or home.
- Cost. VoIP telephony costs are relatively low. Compared to PSTN, VoIP offers free phone calls for VoIP-to-VoIP calling. With PSTN, there is a specific cost per call. Installation is very cheap for VoIP too. It does not need large structures or expensive cables. With PSTN, since all calls cost you something, monthly expenditures are usually high, especially when international calls are made. With VoIP, you can make calls anywhere in the world for free as long as there is internet connection.
- Upgrade. Upgrading VoIP telephony system is very easy and inexpensive. Since there are no large equipment and cables required for VoIP, upgrading only means enhancing the internet bandwidth and additional software. On the other hand, upgrading PSTN system requires extensive tasks, expensive cables and large structures. With this, it is very easy to see which one is more advantageous.
- Phone extension numbers. In a big company where several people are interconnected through the phone, extensions are necessary. This feature is standard in VoIP telephony. It doesn’t cost more than the phone sets. In PSTN however, extensions are expensive to install. In this case, VoIP is more advantageous again.
- Disaster recovery. As long as the VoIP telephony system has disaster recovery plan on its system, there would not be much of a problem. This time, PSTN might be more advantageous. With PSTN phones, anyone can still make calls even during power outages.
- Free features. There are several features of VoIP telephony that are free of charge, but are costly with PSTN. Such features are call waiting, call forwarding, and call transferring. All these are free with VoIP but are costly with PSTN. Depending on what a company needs the most, there is a need to choose which type of communication is best.
- Emergency number. When it comes to emergency services, PSTN is more advantageous over VoIP. This feature is not a standard with VoIP phones,however it is with PSTN. Most VoIP providers do not offer emergency calls. With PSTN, anyone can make a call using the emergency number even if there is power shortage. Also, PSTN callers are easily given quick responses by the emergency dispatching team due to easy location detection.
Hence, choosing which is best between VoIP vs. PSTN is more likely focused on determining which features are best and needed most depending on the requirements of a company. Obviously, VoIP has more features and advantages. Choosing VoIP over PSTN has, without doubt, has become a very simple task.
Michelle Patterson has been learning and writing about the new IP based communication technologies. She loves sharing her information so that businesses and business owners could take advantage of these technologies.