VoIP call centers offer several advantages. Besides the obvious cost benefits, VoIP call center technologies are known to offer users’ seamless connectivity during power outages that are caused by natural calamities like hurricanes and earthquakes.
The effectiveness of fiber/VoIP communications technologies when compared to traditional copper lines is highlighted in a recent report from Consumer Reports.
The report, which highlighted nine ways to prolong services during outages, says that VoIP and fiber systems provide up to eight hours of stand-by service. However, the company warns
that VoIP solutions may lack the ability to offer service indefinitely due to the fact that unlike traditional copper wires, this solution does not provide the required power supply.
The advantage with copper telephone systems is that they can also carry power to operate a standard, non-cordless telephone. However, traditional copper-based telephone lines do not have the ability to handle large amount of data required for television and high-speed Internet services, especially over long distances, the report said.
"You don't want to wait until you have a fire, medical emergency or a serious problem to discover that your phone won't work during a power outage," said Anthony Giorgianni, associate finance editor for Consumer Reports, in a statement. "If you don't have traditional copper service or are planning to switch to VoIP or fiber, it's a good idea to plan ahead. We want to help readers do that."
According to the Federal Communications Commission estimates, nearly 28 percent of residential wireline 911 calls are made using a VoIP solution. If this trend continues and telephone companies continue to move to VoIP systems in an effort to reduce costs, it may completely remove or deactivate copper lines.
Ideally, customers should opt for a landline service that provides battery backup during outage without extra cost. Also, customers should keep extra batteries for emergency purposes. To ensure backup during outages, customers must monitor their backup system and understand ways to improve battery life.
Keeping a corded phone is always the best option to remain connected during outages, as most cordless phones will not work if there is no power. Alternatively, it is important that consumers get a cell phone that can ensure that the phone service will be work even in an emergency situation. Opting for copper service is always a better option as it will provide a reliable service during power outages.
Lastly, customers must opt for a generator and ensure that it is connected to their emergency fiber line or VoIP call system. They should also run an extension cord from the generator to the modem or network interface.
A recent TMCnet report confirms that landlines are becoming a thing of the past as cell phones dominate. According to recent survey completed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cited by the Salisbury post, nearly a quarter of North Carolina adults lived in cell phone-only homes as of June 2010.
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Rajani Baburajan is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Rajani's articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by Jamie Epstein