5 Simple Steps to Switch to a VoIP

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) has been changing how we communicate with our friends, family members, and colleagues. This has especially been true as these systems have replaced landlines in many places of business, and even more so over the last couple of years, as more people have used them to work from home.

It’s also becoming more popular in residences, as more households are replacing their home landlines with a VoIP. Are you thinking about replacing your landline at home with a VoIP, but not sure if it’s worth it? We’re here to tell you it is! There are several advantages to using one of these systems, including a lower cost, an easier installation, and a much more convenient user experience. And if you need to keep your existing home phone number, many providers will let you port it to your new plan.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain from unbundling from your landline and using a VoIP. That’s why we’re sharing five easy steps to make the switch:

1. Test your Internet speed
2. Find the right VoIP provider
3. Find the right VoIP device
4. Install your VoIP 
5. Enjoy your new VoIP system

1. Test your Internet speed

Before making installing a VoIP, make sure that your Internet service is fast and reliable enough to support one. Run a speed test, and make sure that your Internet connection not only exceeds the 3 Mbps requirement for an Mbps, but is consistently fast and reliable. We recommend running several speed tests throughout the day to see if your connection ever slows down at certain times.

Looking for an Internet plan that can support VoIP? See if Tachus Fiber Internet is available in your area!

2. Find the right VoIP provider

You’ll find no shortage of options for residential VoIP providers. If you’re looking for recommendations, we have two that both our customers and employees love:

• Vonage

• Ooma

Visit Vonage and Ooma’s websites, or give them a call to learn more about what they offer. Each has its own pros and cons (costs, functionality, extra features, etc.), so be sure to do your research and find out which one suits you better. Figure out which features you want to use, and which plan you’ll be able to get to most out of.

3. Find the right VoIP device

Many providers will make it possible for you to access your VoIP service on a smartphone, through their app, or on a computer if you’ve downloaded their software. Of course, you’ll also be able to set up a phone in your home with your VoIP—with an IP phone. There are many great options for IP phones to choose from. Many VoIP providers will supply one, so it’s worth seeing what they offer. You can also use your own, and the VoIP will give you a hub plugin for access.

4. Install your VoIP

Now that you’ve got your VoIP service and your device, it’s time to set it up! This is by far the easiest part of this whole process. Of course, the steps will vary based on what system and hardware you’ve decided to use. If you use your VoIP provider’s equipment, you can expect a very simple, plug-and-play set up. Most providers will include detailed instructions with their equipment. The process could have a few more steps if you choose to use your own phone or additional devices, but overall it should go very smoothly.

5. Enjoy your new VoIP system

Now that you’ve set up your VoIP at home, you can enjoy an affordable, easy-to-use, and highly convenient home phone system in place of your landline. You’ll wonder how why you didn’t cancel your landline sooner.

Whichever VoIP service you do end up choosing will serve you well if you have fast, reliable Internet service. If you're interested in using a VoIP system and want to support it with a 100% Fiber connection with symmetrical speeds and no data caps or throttling, check your address on our website and enter your information for the latest community updates. If we're not in your area yet, find out how you can bring Tachus Fiber Internet into your neighborhood.

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