Can I Use My Old Phone On VoIP?

VoIP communication systems are a great option for companies that are looking for ways to reduce costs, improve productivity and boost customer satisfaction. Successful businesses today are shifting their focus to consumer demand, and to keep up with that you need to shift to advanced technology. VoIP also known as “Voice over Internet Protocol” phone systems are a great way to make your communications more efficient, cost-effective and flexible. 

Here we’ll be going over what VoIP actually is, why you should choose to upgrade to VoIP, and most importantly if you can use your current or old phone system to connect to VoIP. 

VoIP is a “cloud-based” technology that, in simple words, allows you to make calls over the internet from a computer, a VoIP phone, or a regular smartphone. Traditionally analog phones make use of telephone lines to make calls, but in the case of VoIP they make telephone calls through a broadband internet connection. 

VoIP service from top VoIP providers will allow you to connect your PC to a VoIP phone, others may allow you to connect your old phone/analog phone with a VoIP system through a VoIP adapter. 

A VoIP service works by converting your voice into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. Traditionally your phone systems have your physical location connected to a telephone line, VoIP systems are not dependent on this physical link, instead all you need is to have an internet connection. 

An  “IP” is a standard Internet protocol address; the unique address that represents your computer or device connected to the internet. “Voice over IP” will allow you to send your voice in the form of a digital signal; a VoIP service will route the call between participants. At the receiver end, the data signal will once again be converted into voice. This whole process is usually facilitated through VoIP “codecs” -  a technology that allows for audio signal compressions into digital form and then decompression into audio signals. 

VoIP services don’t just allow for calls, they allow for all sorts of communications unified under one system including voicemail, messaging, video calling, online faxing, voicemail-to-email, and CRM integrations.

VoIP systems have a number of benefits over traditional landline connections and phone services. Consider the rapid rise in remote work in recent years.

According to Gallup, nearly 3.7% of the workforce in the US, equating to 4.7 million people , works from home for half of the week.

A large catalyst behind this rapid growth has been the advent of collaborative technologies such as VoIP that assist in communications among staff - from anywhere around the globe. This is because VoIP networks allow you to receive calls from nearly anywhere on your device as long as you have a solid internet connection. As a result, many businesses are making the switch as VoIP is much better than PBX phone systems.

Since you’ll be using virtual networks in your VoIP setup, you don’t need to place phone lines for all your connected phones. As a result, you can lower your costs by up to 60% and access many more features that only VoIP can provide. Cost-savings is a huge driving factor for companies making the switch to VoIP. Moreover, making international calls can be a lot more cost-effective since it eliminates the need to have a wireline transfer your call overseas; instead, your call is made through the internet. This can lead to around 90% savings on international calls. 

The only drawback to VoIP systems is that they won’t work in the absence of high-speed internet, moreover, it may take a while to adapt to this system if your staff isn’t trained to utilize it effectively. 

VoIP is more secure than cell phones and offers a selection of security tools to protect communications from breaches.

A VoIP phone service may have you purchase VoIP phones to make calls, but not all require that you do so. While it is recommended to get a VoIP compatible phone to make the most of your VoIP system, you can use your old phone on VoIP linked to an adapter for the same purpose or even use VoIP to make calls to a landline. The adapter will allow your phone to work with VoIP and continue channeling voice into digital data packets and back again over the Internet. 

Yes, you can use your existing phone hardware for VoIP services, especially if you have access to high-speed internet. The entire process of setting up a VoIP network to connect to your team via old phones is quite inexpensive as you’ll be using your existing telephone setup. 

The only additional hardware you’ll require is an adapter. Your VoIP service provider may also provide you with software packages to assist in your communications. 

Traditionally, if you’re setting up a new VoIP system you’d need access to a broadband internet connection. Your VoIP phone service provider will then provide you with a VoIP number to use. But in case you already have an existing phone number and you want to connect to a  VoIP system then you use a process known as “number porting”. 

All you need is a broadband internet connection, an ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter), a speaker, and a microphone to function via VoIP. The adapter will plug into a wireless router or cable modem which can be configured to connect to your PC or internet-connected device. Then you can use your normal landline phone as a part of your VoIP connection. A good VoIP system is must-have for companies looking to improve communication and reduce costs at the same time. 

Yes, you can use your analog phone with VoIP. Analog phones use traditional landline systems but they can function quite well with VoIP. 

One of the greatest benefits of using a VoIP system for your communications is that VoIP doesn't require a special telephone or device to make use of it. You won't need a special router for VoIP but an adapter can help you connect devices or networks you need on your system. You’ll once again need an ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter) to send digital data via the internet. VoIP is a better option than landline phone service for modern communications and is very easy to setup and use without upfront costs of development.

The entire process is also extremely cost-effective, all you need to do is get in touch with a reliable VoIP service provider. Some service providers may charge you a one-time fee to port your number, whereas others may charge you a monthly fee to subscribe to their services and continue using the number. Others may port your number for free but have you pay a flat rate for every call you make. 

VoIP service providers can get your number ported to VoIP within 24 hours or less, however, porting multiple landlines to your system may take a lot more time. Grasshopper reviews, for example, is a great example of a VoIP service provider that will port your number in 2-14 days for FREE, the same applies for RingCentral reviews - but they take 7-10 business days comparatively. 

Bottom line, VoIP services are advantageous for improving your company’s communications and reducing costs for customer outreach & management. You can make calls to locations all over the globe and get charged according to your usual internet price or on local rates - even for international calls- all while maintaining HD voice quality!

When comparing VoIP to cell phone plans, the cost savings can also be substantial for businesses. It’s no wonder that VoIP is one of the most widely adopted technologies in offices today after they went mainstream back in 2016.