Business telephone lines compared

Many businesses do not realise the importance of choosing the best telephone lines for their business. Their choice might be governed by cost, which is not always wise, especially if they plan to expand their business in the future. Reading the features of each telephone line will help you to make an informed decision when choosing which type of line is most suitable for your business.

PSTN or analogue telephone lines

PSTN or analogue lines are the most basic lines that can be installed. This is because they only provide limited functionality such as transmitting a conversion. If you own a business where conducting traditional telephone calls is your only requirement, this choice of line may be ideal. However, it is important that you do not lose sight of potential business growth when making the decision to invest in an analogue line. This is because upgrading your business line will incur further costs that you could have avoided. However, PSTN or analogue lines are adaptable to a certain extent. For example, you can add additional lines, also called auxiliary lines, to facilitate simultaneous conversations. PSTN multilines allow several lines to be used, but they are reachable under the same phone number. Auxiliary lines are connected using a PBX (Private Branch Exchange) switchboard. When several of the auxiliary lines are occupied, an incoming call will be routed to any available line in the group. Despite the limited functionality of PSTN or analogue lines, there are some useful features that provide more flexibility. Caller display, call diversion, call waiting and three-way calling are available features when using a PSTN or analogue line. These basic lines are relatively inexpensive, which is one of the main reasons why they are still popular.

ISDN or digital telephone lines

ISDN or digital lines are a sensible option for those requiring more features for their business. ISDN stands for Integrated Services Digital Network. ISDN circuits are digital telephone lines that are made from copper wires, which allow the transmission of both voice and data. This exciting development allows call barring, call forwarding, individual staff DDI numbers and more. ISDN or digital telephone lines are available in two options: ISDN2 or ISDN 30. Each digital line is called a channel. ISDN lines are installed in pairs of channels which is called a circuit. Because each ISDN line features two channels, you can make two simultaneous calls. ISDN2 lines are ideal for small businesses with 8 or less employees. If businesses need to make over eight simultaneous calls, they should opt for ISDN30 lines because they are able to support a greater number of users. There are some limitations with ISDN30 lines because they may struggle to support a vast amount of business numbers. They can also be costly if they have to be installed using fibre cabling due to distance limitations.

SIP or VoIP telephone lines

SIP or VoIP lines are cutting-edge and innovative because they use your internet connection to carry voice and data. Voice calls work on VoIP lines by converting voice into a data signal which is sent over the internet. VoIP lines have many options: you can use an adapter to connect existing phones, make calls directly from your computer or simply use a VoIP phone. VoIP lines not only offer many advanced features, but are also cheaper to install because there is no need for the extensive cabling work that traditional telephone lines require. Additional lines can also be added instantly via an admin web portal, which makes them a progressive option for any sized business. VoIP lines also have lower call charges, including long distance calls which make them a favourable and cost-effective option. Many businesses are choosing VoIP lines to be up-to-date with the latest technology. However, VoIP lines do require a reliable internet connection, which may be problematic for rural businesses.

Each telephone line has its merits; it is simply a question of which one you will benefit from installing. If you have a small rural business, a PSTN or analogue line might be the ideal solution. However, if you have a large company based in the city, no doubt a SIP or VoIP line will be the preferred choice.

For all types of business telephone lines across Redditch and the surrounding areas, get in contact with Midland Networks.