VoIP or landline: which to choose?
Copper lines are being retired across Canada and VoIP has become the norm. But is it right for you? Here are the real differences, benefits and limitations included.
At a glance
- VoIP (IP telephony) carries your calls over the Internet. It usually costs less, rings anywhere (cell phone, computer, desk phone) and is managed online.
- A traditional line uses a dedicated copper wire. It may work during a power outage, but costs more and offers fewer features.
- For most businesses and households with a stable Internet connection, VoIP is the best choice, with a cell phone as backup for 9-1-1.
The differences, point by point
| VoIP (IP telephony) | Traditional line | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Your voice travels over your Internet connection, encrypted | A dedicated copper line from the phone company |
| Where it rings | Desk phone, cell phone, computer — anywhere with Internet | Only on phones plugged into that line |
| Phone menu, hours, voicemail-to-email | Included or low-cost options, self-managed | Rarely available, often extra or needs on-site equipment |
| Adding a line | A few clicks, live immediately | Technician visit, installation fees |
| Power or Internet outage | Calls forwarded to a cell phone; 9-1-1 unavailable during the outage | Copper lines may keep working during a power outage |
| Typical cost | Lower, usually no contract | Higher, often with a multi-year agreement for businesses |
Call quality
With a stable connection, VoIP quality matches or beats a landline: our systems use HD voice (G.722) when both devices support it. What matters is connection stability (latency, jitter, loss) more than speed: about 100 kb/s per call is enough. Test your connection in 20 seconds.
Security
A copper line isn't encrypted. At Xpert Télécom, every call is encrypted: TLS signalling and SRTP voice. International calls are blocked by default to prevent fraud.
Outages and 9-1-1
This is VoIP's real limitation: no Internet or no power, no calls. Two solutions: automatic forwarding of your calls to a cell phone when your line doesn't answer, and a UPS (battery backup) for the router and device. For 9-1-1, keep your address up to date and a charged cell phone.
Which to choose?
- Business with 2 to 30 employees: business VoIP, for the phone menu, mobility and savings.
- Household that wants to keep a landline number: Home phone service, with your current phone.
- Device that requires a copper line (old alarm, terminal): keep one line for the device and move voice to VoIP.
Frequently asked questions
Is VoIP reliable?
Yes, with a stable Internet connection. Automatic forwarding to a cell phone covers Internet outages for incoming calls.
Can I keep my number when switching to VoIP?
Yes. Number portability is a right in Canada; transfer is free and usually takes 5 to 15 business days.
Does VoIP work with fax?
Yes, with virtual fax: receive faxes as PDF by email and send them from your client area.
Free tools and guides
Ready to switch?
Order online in 5 minutes or call us: a local person answers, in English or French (Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Xpert Télécom — 4609 Route de Fossambault, Suite 301, Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, Quebec G3N 2T7. 9-1-1 over VoIP has limitations: 9-1-1 information. The order form and client area are in French.
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