VoIP vs Landline: Why Canadian Businesses Are Switching in 2026
If your business still runs on a traditional landline, you're not alone — but you will be soon. Canadian carriers including Bell, Telus, and Rogers are actively decommissioning copper telephone networks, with most planned for shutdown between 2025 and 2027. The question isn't whether you'll switch to VoIP, but when.
What's Actually Happening to Landlines?
Traditional landlines run on copper wires — infrastructure that's been in the ground for decades. Maintaining it is expensive, and carriers are losing money on it. Here's what's happening:
- Landline subscriptions in Canada are declining at 9% year-over-year
- Landline long-distance minutes fell 18.1% in Q4 2024
- Major carriers are sunsetting copper networks by 2025-2027
- Over 70% of Canadian businesses have already moved to IP-based phones
This isn't a prediction — it's happening now. If you're still on copper, your carrier will eventually force you to switch.
VoIP vs Landline: Head-to-Head
| VoIP | Traditional Landline | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $15-30/month | $40-80/month |
| Long distance | Usually included | Per-minute charges |
| Setup time | 2-5 minutes | 1-2 weeks (technician visit) |
| Hardware required | None (browser/app works) | Phone + wall jack |
| Move offices | Take your number anywhere | New installation needed |
| Work from home | Yes — same number, any device | No (tied to physical location) |
| Auto attendant | Included | Expensive PBX system |
| Call recording | Built-in | Separate equipment |
| Voicemail-to-email | Standard feature | Not available |
| Extensions | Software-configured | Physical wiring per extension |
| Texting / SMS | Included | Not available |
| Call quality | HD voice (with good internet) | Standard quality |
| Reliability | 99.9% uptime (internet dependent) | 99.99% (dedicated copper) |
The Cost Difference
Here's what a typical Canadian small business spends:
Traditional Landline
- Business line: $45-60/month
- Long distance: $15-30/month
- Voicemail: $5-10/month
- Second line: $30-40/month
- Total: $95-140/month
VoIP (RingBase)
- Business line with all features: CA$17.99/month
- Long distance Canada/US: Included
- Voicemail-to-email: Included
- Second number: Add-on
- Total: CA$17.99-35/month
That's a savings of CA$720-1,260 per year for a single-line setup. For a 5-person office with multiple lines, the savings are even larger.
"But What About Reliability?"
This is the most common concern — and it was valid 10 years ago. In 2026, VoIP reliability is essentially equivalent to landlines for any business with a standard internet connection.
The facts:
- Modern VoIP providers offer 99.9% uptime SLAs
- Your internet is already mission-critical (email, payments, everything) — adding phone calls doesn't change that
- VoIP calls use minimal bandwidth (~100kbps per call) — even basic internet handles it
- If your internet drops, calls can auto-forward to your cell phone
- Landlines fail too — ice storms, construction, and aging infrastructure cause outages
"Can I Keep My Phone Number?"
Yes. Number porting is standard practice. You submit a porting request with your current phone number and carrier details, and the number transfers to your VoIP provider within 1-2 weeks. During the transition, your old line continues to work — there's no downtime.
The CRTC mandates that carriers must release your number for porting. They can't hold it hostage.
"Can I Still Use My Desk Phone?"
Yes. VoIP desk phones plug into your internet (Ethernet) instead of a phone jack. They look and work exactly like traditional phones — you pick up the handset and dial. Popular brands like Grandstream, Yealink, and Fanvil make reliable desk phones starting at $69.
You can also skip hardware entirely and use the browser phone or mobile app.
Features You Gain by Switching
Switching from a landline to VoIP isn't just about saving money — you gain capabilities that were previously impossible or expensive:
- Auto-attendant — Professional greeting with menu routing, no receptionist needed
- Voicemail-to-email — Transcribed voicemails delivered to your inbox
- Call recording — For training, compliance, or dispute resolution
- Work from anywhere — Take your business number to any device, any location
- Business texting — Send SMS from your business number
- Call analytics — See who's calling, when, and how long
- Multiple numbers — Local + toll-free on one account
How to Switch (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Sign up for a VoIP provider — RingBase takes 2 minutes
- Get a new number — Start using VoIP immediately with a new number while your old one ports
- Port your existing number — Submit your carrier details, wait 1-2 weeks
- Cancel your old landline — Once the port completes, cancel your old service
- Done — Same number, better features, lower cost
Start with RingBase at CA$17.99/month. No contracts, no technician visits, no waiting. Your business phone system, upgraded in minutes.