“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the 2025 INTERNET TELEPHONY Excellence Award winners,” said Rich Tehrani (News – Alert), CEO, TMC. “These companies are setting the standard for what excellence in IP communications looks like today. Their case studies show undeniable value—strong performance, clear ROI, and meaningful customer impact. End users trust these providers for a reason, and this recognition reinforces why they remain top choices for businesses seeking proven communications solutions.”

About TMC
For more than 20 years, TMC has been honoring technology companies with awards in various categories. These awards are regarded as some of the most prestigious and respected awards in the communications and technology sector worldwide.  Winners represent prominent players in the market who consistently demonstrate the advancement of technologies. Each recipient is a verifiable leader in the marketplace.

TMC also provides global buyers with valuable insights to make informed tech decisions through our editorial platforms, live events, webinars, and online advertising. Leading vendors trust TMC, thought leadership, and our events for branding, thought leadership, and lead generation. Our live events, like the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW, deliver unmatched visibility, while our custom lead generation programs and webinars ensure a steady flow of sales opportunities. Display ads on trusted sites generate millions of impressions, boosting brand reputations. TMC offers a complete 360-degree marketing solution, from event management to content creation, driving SEO, branding, and marketing success. Learn more at www.tmcnet.com and follow @tmcnet on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

TMC Contact:
Stephanie Thompson
Manager, TMC Awards
203-852-6800
sthompson@tmcnet.com

The post Phone.com Awarded the 2025 Internet Telephony Excellence Award appeared first on Phone.com.

Reliable Business Phone Service, Ready When You Are

Phone.com has been a trusted name in VoIP and cloud communications for over a decade, serving thousands of small businesses and professionals across the U.S. Our platform offers everything you loved about VoIPo—plus a whole lot more:

Keep Your Number – We’ll help you port your existing VoIPo number so your customers and contacts can still reach you. Phone.com does not charge for number porting.

Flexible Plans – Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or running a growing team, we have affordable plans designed to scale with your business.

24/7 Support – Our expert support team is here every day to help you get up and running fast. Reach us by phone or chat.

Powerful Features – Enjoy HD voice, mobile apps, AI call routing, video meetings, texting, voicemail-to-email, and our new ProSIM service, which turns your mobile phone into a full-featured business line.

No-Risk Guarantee – If you are not delighted with your Phone.com service for any reason, you can get a full refund within the first 30 days with our money-back guarantee.

We’ve helped many businesses transition from other providers quickly—and with minimal downtime. Our onboarding team is ready to assist VoIPo customers with account setup, number porting, and feature configuration.

Don’t Let the Shutdown Disrupt Your Business

If your phones are essential to how you connect with customers, now is the time to take action. We’re standing by to help you make the transition without missing a beat.

Get Started Now or call us at 877-746-6310 to speak with a representative.

Questions?

Feel free to reach out to our team with any questions about porting, pricing, or how to choose the right plan. We’re here to make your move from VoIPo to Phone.com as seamless as possible.

The post VoIPo Is Shutting Down — Phone.com Is Here to Help appeared first on Phone.com.

A Legacy of Recognizing Innovation

INTERNET TELEPHONY’s Product of the Year Awards celebrates the full spectrum of innovation in VoIP and IP Communications. Past winners range from industry giants with significant market share to emerging disruptors bringing fresh ideas to the field. These awards recognize breakthrough solutions across every corner of the industry—whether from established leaders shaping global communications or agile startups pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Each year, the awards highlight the diverse companies driving the industry forward, honoring their contributions to technological advancement and customer success.

“Congratulations to the winners of 2025 INTERNET TELEPHONY Product of the Year Awards,” said Rich Tehrani (News – Alert), CEO of TMC. “These recipients represent the best and brightest in the IP Communications industry, setting the standard for innovation and excellence. We are excited to celebrate their achievements and look forward to their continued leadership in delivering cutting-edge solutions to the market.”

The post TMC Awards Phone.com 2025 INTERNET TELEPHONY Product of the Year appeared first on Phone.com.

A Milestone Event

You are invited to join me, Jeff Pulver, for a landmark celebration – the 20th Anniversary of The Pulver Order. This significant event is set to take place at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on the morning of February 12th. (https://www.pulver.com/feb-12-dc)

The Genesis of a Revolution: My Journey with Internet Telephony

My adventure in Internet Telephony began in 1994, a time when the concept was still nascent. The real turning point came in February 1995 when I first used VocalTec’s iPhone. This was more than just a technological breakthrough; it was a moment of revelation. The iPhone, not to be confused with Apple’s product of the same name, was a pioneering software by VocalTec that facilitated voice communication over the internet. It wasn’t just a new product; it was the dawn of a new era in communications.

In those early days, the internet was largely uncharted territory, primarily used for academic and military purposes. VocalTec’s innovation transformed the internet from a medium for data transmission into a tool for real human connection. This transformation wasn’t immediate, but the seeds were sown.

VocalTec: A Beacon of Innovation

VocalTec, an Israeli company co-founded by Alon Cohen, now CTO & EVP at Phone.com, was instrumental in the evolution of Internet Telephony. VocalTec didn’t just create a product; they envisioned a world where distance and geography no longer dictated the terms of communication. Their iPhone was the first step in democratizing voice communication across the globe.

Reflecting on VocalTec’s contributions, I realized that their courage and vision had a profound impact on me. They showed that with innovation and persistence, boundaries could be pushed, and industries transformed.

The Pulver Order: A Milestone in Telecommunications

Fast forward to the early 2000s, my passion and belief in the potential of Internet Telephony had grown exponentially. It led to a pivotal moment in 2004 – The Pulver Order. This FCC Order declared that certain IP-based communications services were exempt from traditional telecommunications regulation. This decision was monumental. It recognized the unique nature of internet-based communication technologies and laid the groundwork for a future where these technologies could flourish without being hindered by outdated regulatory frameworks.

The Pulver Order was more than a regulatory victory; it was a validation of the potential of Internet Telephony and a signal to the world that this technology was here to stay. It opened doors for innovation, investment, and growth in the field.

Two Decades of Transformation

Over the past 20 years, the landscape of communication has been radically transformed. Today, we live in a world where internet-based communication is not just common; it’s integral to our daily lives. From voice over IP (VoIP) to video conferencing and beyond, the seeds planted by early pioneers like VocalTec have grown into an industry that connects billions of people across the globe.

This upcoming trip to Washington isn’t just a celebration of an FCC Order. It’s a testament to a journey that began with a single product from VocalTec. It’s a story of how a nascent technology blossomed into a global communication revolution. It’s about celebrating the spirit of innovation and the relentless pursuit of what was once deemed impossible.

Join Us in Celebrating a Legacy

As we gather in Washington, D.C., we’re not just commemorating an order or an industry; we’re celebrating a vision that changed the world. Your presence would mean a great deal to everyone attending, adding to the richness of this celebration.

If you are able to join us, I look forward to hosting you. Additionally, if you are interested in supporting this special event, you can find more details on The Pulver Order 20th Anniversary website. Please visit the site for more information and to confirm your attendance. (Please share link to: https://www.pulver.com/support)

Conclusion:

Twenty years ago, the limits of possibility in communication were redefined. The Pulver Order, inspired by the pioneering spirit of companies like VocalTec, set the stage for an era of unprecedented connectivity. As we celebrate this milestone, we also look forward to the future – a future that continues to be shaped by the spirit of innovation and the relentless pursuit of the impossible.

Looking forward to being in Washington on February 12th. Join us! For details visit: https://www.pulver.com/feb-12-dc

The post Celebrating 20 Years of Innovation: The Pulver Order and the Legacy of VocalTec appeared first on Phone.com.

What does moving from a phone line to a VoIP system mean for your business?

1. You are no longer tied to a physical location for those calls, which means it’s easier to conduct business from anywhere.

As of late 2021, around 25% of employees were still working remotely, and about 45% of workers worked from home at least part-time. Remote work has become part of the norm for a reason: around 67% of employers report that productivity while working remotely is the same as productivity when employees come into the office, while about 27% note that productivity increased when they allowed their employees to work from home. 

Allowing employees to work remotely, where possible, may have several advantages for your business. Many employees now expect to be able to work a flexible schedule or at least part of the time remotely: in fact, as many as 70% of candidates will turn down a position requiring full-time in-person work. Allowing your workforce to work remotely may allow you to cut costs on in-office space and technology. You’ll also access a larger pool of candidates for your open positions, increasing the likelihood of finding the best person for the job. 

2. You can access better tools for better collaboration and communication.

Thanks to the shift away from traditional phone lines, many businesses have discovered that they can offer better features and integrations for their employees and customers. Communication isn’t just about two-party phone conversations; VoIP technology can provide many advantages as you try to communicate during meetings, with vendors and contractors, or with your employees. 

Video Calling

With VoIP technology, video calling and conferencing are as simple as calling over a phone. Video calls can help increase overall connection and make those longer meetings more engaging for employees. A video meeting may make it easier to share vital information with the other parties on the call. You can quickly bring together multiple people for a video meeting through your VoIP system—something a traditional phone system cannot accomplish.

Increased Security

VoIP technology, with the right provider, provides secure technology that helps maintain HIPAA compliance or ensure high-level security for your business. With cyberattacks on the rise across industries, that security has become increasingly critical for companies, whether they need to protect vital client information or keep up with essential details. 

Business Numbers

Businesses often want to use professional business numbers rather than their personal phones for business communications. Business numbers may need to include the area code where that business is being conducted. Business owners may want to create a unique number system that will make it easier for customers to connect that number back to them. VoIP technology makes it simple. You can select from various available numbers and area codes, allowing you to easily customize your number to reflect the unique needs of your business.

Enterprise Features

Many big enterprises want to offer better technology and features to their employees. VoIP technology makes it easier than ever. Enterprise features may include options like hold music or even automated attendants to keep people engaged while they wait to speak with a representative. You can also use your VoIP system to offer an automated greeting to customers while waiting for a live person to get on the line. VoIP lines provide all the features both businesses and customers are looking for.

Live Receptionist Access

Even small businesses can benefit from having a receptionist who can screen calls and ensure they’re directed to the correct location. Often, a receptionist serves as a vital tool for making customers feel heard or ensuring that important calls get through when you need them most. Furthermore, a live receptionist can provide that essential human touch. Your VoIP system can use a live receptionist, even when you don’t have one in the building.

Related: What is a Business VoIP Phone System?

3. VoIP technology is quick and easy to scale.

As your business grows, you may need to be able to quickly add more lines so that you can bring on additional employees. Thankfully, VoIP technology makes it simple. You can have as many or as few numbers and lines as you need—and you can change your plan according to your current needs, which may make it easier to ensure that your business can grow as needed. 

A landline system can be complicated to scale. Not only does it rely on physical technology, but you may also have difficulty arranging for new lines, especially when you have employees working from multiple locations. You may have to wait for a service provider to come out any time you need to add new lines, and subtracting those lines can prove just as tricky. With a VoIP system, that transition is much easier, whether your business is growing or you’ve found that your phone support needs have decreased.

4. With a VoIP line, you can do more than just call customers, coworkers, and vendors. 

Many of today’s customers no longer want to speak verbally with a customer service representative. They prefer text or email: a less-personal form of communication that allows them to engage in other activities while taking care of the essentials or provides them with a record of the communication. Text and email also enable customers to engage on their preferred timeline, rather than being stuck waiting on hold for an extended period or having to take a call at an inconvenient time just to get the help they need.

Texting

VoIP options will allow you to communicate with customers via text just as easily as texting from a personal line. Thanks to the convenience of texting, you’ll be in a better position to communicate with customers the way they prefer to communicate, and you may find that you’re able to provide better overall levels of customer satisfaction. 

Texting is also a non-intrusive way to stay in touch with customers. Around 99% of text messages are opened and read, 97% of which are read within 15 minutes. While that’s great for text message marketing, it’s also an excellent way to check-in with customers to make sure that you were able to resolve their problem or that they’re happy with a new product. Customers can then answer at a time that’s convenient for them.

Emailing 

Your VoIP program can make it possible for you to send an email in response to a text message. The text-to-email feature can send a more detailed email to customers’ inboxes, which will provide them with more information or a longer-form response to a quick query. That feature may also help keep all of your communications with a customer together in one place, making it easier to keep up with all the touches you’ve had with a customer. 

5. The end of landlines means freedom for employees on the go.

Many of today’s employees are no longer working from the confines of an office. Some of them work from home. Others may have work tasks they may need to take care of while on the go. For example, some of your employees may need to work in the field or while visiting client sights. Others may even work while traveling.

With VoIP services, employees can handle calls no matter where they are. That means employees can work from wherever they are, making it easier for small business owners or employees to remain in contact while on the move.

Convenience for Business Owners

Business owners, too, will find a great deal of convenience in the ability to take their business lines with them on the go. You may not want to take business calls on your personal cell phone, especially since you may not want to share your private contact information with employees, vendors, or clients. However, you may need business contacts to be able to reach you even while you’re out on the go. Much of your day may be spent attending meetings or meeting with potential clients, often in the field. With a VoIP line, you can take your business communications with you, allowing you to stay in touch with your business contacts while keeping your private contact information private.

6. Cellular networks are, in modern times, more reliable than landlines.

Increasing numbers of people and businesses are shifting to VoIP services and cellular networks rather than relying on landlines for their phone needs. As a result, phone providers are also changing how they approach those lines and grids. Many providers are choosing to focus on maintaining their cellular networks. On the other hand, providers may no longer maintain landlines regularly. Landline repairs may take longer to complete, leading to unexpected outages that may make it difficult for your customers to reach you.

VoIP lines are, in general, highly reliable. Cellular networks are often more regularly maintained than landlines. Since many people rely heavily on cellular networks for many of their needs, your VoIP provider will have a customer support team that can provide you with much-needed support during an outage. 

7. Landlines are becoming increasingly less popular and could soon be phased out altogether.

Many providers are moving away from landline support and taking advantage of cellular networks to provide the support businesses, and private users may need. If your company hasn’t made the switch to VoIP, you may find yourself struggling to catch up when that inevitable transition does occur. 

By switching to a VoIP line now, you can ensure that your business is ready for whatever may come, including the general shift away from landline technology. Unfortunately, if you’re still reliant on your landline when the switch takes place, you may find it much more challenging to keep up with the changing needs of your customers and your business. 

Related: Will Internet Phone Services Replace Landlines?

8. VoIP can help you save when compared to the cost of a traditional landline.

Many business owners fear shifting to new technology because they worry about the potential cost of making that switch. VoIP technology, however, is often less expensive than using a landline for your business needs. A VoIP provider can help you compare your current budget to the options available when choosing a new VoIP plan.

Is Your Business Prepared for the End of Phone Landlines?

Phone landlines are on their way out. Increasingly, more businesses are turning to VoIP technology or using cellular networks to help enhance their overall connection and decrease costs. The shift to VoIP can have several advantages, including improving your ability to utilize available technology like video calls, texting, emailing, and more, all from the same location.

Is your business ready to make the switch to VoIP? At Phone.com, we aim to help increase overall communication and make it easier for you to make the most of your business communications. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your communication goals.

The post What Does the End of Phone Landlines Mean for Your Business? appeared first on Phone.com.

Residential use of landlines is also declining. According to Statista, 90 percent of US adults lived in households with landline phones in 2004 compared to less than 40 percent in 2020.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) offers more potential at a lesser cost. As the name suggests, it relies on an internet connection to make and receive calls.

This article will focus on landlines and VoIP: what they are, how they work, the benefits of VoIP, and why you should consider moving to VoIP.

Why Are Internet Phone Services Replacing Landlines?

Also known as an analog phone system, a landline is a traditional phone system with copper wires running from the local phone company to the physical location of the phone.

Invented in 1876, landline phones have remained unchanged and function the same way they did more than a century ago. Although it’s a tried and tested technology that has worked well, it’s also old and has had little to no advancement.

How Landlines Work

Landlines work by transmitting electrical signals through copper wires from one phone to another. This makes them fast and reliable, and the voice is clear.

However, they rely on hardware, making them considerably more expensive.

A business requires the installation of an on-premise PBX (Private Branch Exchange) consisting of one or several phone lines. A PBX allows users to switch calls by creating an internal phone network, thus, a shared phone system.

This requires hardware such as:

• PBX (Private Branch Exchange)
• Copper wires
• Telephone adapters
• Hubs
• Switch boxes
• Routers
• Phone sets, etc.

Additionally, you’ll need to pay an installation fee and a monthly fee to your provider.

Related: Why Should I Use an IP Phone for Business?

Benefits of Landlines

There are some definite benefits to traditional landlines. These benefits include:

• Reliability: Analog landline phones are incredibly reliable. Since the connection uses wires, it is not affected by issues like internet downtime and power outages.
  
  This is especially crucial for businesses that prioritize internal communication or customer service. If customers can’t reach you consistently, you risk losing them to your competitors. 

Additionally, productivity among your workers can significantly reduce if there’s no reliable communication between them. The old-fashioned analog landline promises, in almost every circumstance, an uninterrupted connection.

• Excellent Audio Quality: Unlike VoIP, which converts sound waves into data packets, landlines convert them directly into electricity and back. The result is excellent audio quality, and few dropped calls.

• No Bandwidth Limitations: Landlines do not need an internet connection to place calls.
  
  While broadband reaches almost 95 percent of the US, the 5 percent without access affects almost 16 million people. A small office with internet phone services can require more broadband than what is available in the business area.
• No Learning Curve: Most employees are already familiar with landlines. You won’t require training workshops to teach your workers how to operate a new system.

 If you’re running a small business that makes fewer calls, a landline may have served you well. However, it may not be a perfect fit as it comes with some downsides.

Disadvantages: Why Businesses Are Switching to VoIP

• High Cost of Installation and Scaling: Landlines require physical installation, which can be expensive and time-consuming. You’ll need to buy the hardware, and if you need to scale, you’ll need to install another phone line to handle simultaneous calls. Additionally, each line will be installed in your office, making it more difficult to make changes.

• Outdated Technology: While the world is moving away from analog technology, telephony is no different. Landlines have limited features which reduce your business capabilities. For instance, more people are working remotely from different regions of the world. You want a communication system that enables you to make calls from anywhere in the world, to anywhere in the world. The traditional landline system does not support that unless you have an expensive phone plan, thus limiting productivity.

• Single-Channel Communication: Landlines offer only one channel of communication—calls. However, people are looking for a more personalized experience in the current business world. Your clients may want to communicate via video chat, message, or even live chat with your customer support team. Moreover, if you need to engage your customers more, like giving them a virtual tour of your business, a traditional landline cannot help.

• High Running Costs: Apart from the costly installation, running a landline is also more expensive than internet phone services. You will need to budget for the monthly fees and expensive maintenance costs to use traditional landlines. Additionally, depending on your service provider, making international calls will cost more, unlike a VoIP system where you only pick an affordable monthly plan with access to advanced features and no installation or maintenance costs.

• Vulnerable to Spam Calls: Landlines are more susceptible to spam calls than VoIP phones, as they lack a vigorous call screening process. In 2019, scammers used landlines for about 25 percent of their spam call attempts. Most VoIP systems come with features to prevent spam calls, such as caller ID so you can answer only the calls you recognize and a blocking functionality to block any known spam calls.

VoIP: The Affordable Internet Phone System

VoIP is a digital phone system that allows you to make and receive phone calls through the internet, unlike a traditional phone.

Communication is transmitted through different methods such as smartphones, computers, tablets, traditional phones, and VoIP phones.

 VoIP is also referred to as IP telephony or internet calling.

How VoIP Works

VoIP works by converting sound into data packets. These packets are then transmitted to the VoIP provider, who routes and directs the calls to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The process happens in milliseconds thanks to fast internet connections. 

The VoIP provider offers the option of selling you hardware so you can host the phone system locally on your premises using an IP-PBX with a virtual phone number. Alternatively, you can opt for the provider to host the complete setup on the cloud. You can access the system any time, wherever you are in the world.

Because it’s internet-abled, VoIP offers advanced features that are not available in traditional systems — built into the system at a fraction of the cost.

If you’re looking for more control over your communication system and calling experience, a VoIP phone will meet your expectations.

What Features Make VoIP Popular?

Technology has come a long way since analog landlines were the only option, and the features that are now available with VoIP are pretty impressive, not to mention very useful. Some of these features include:

Call Forwarding

Call forwarding automatically directs calls from your VoIP line to other phone numbers of your choosing, including mobile, home, office, or another line.

For example, if you’re working in the field, you can direct calls to your mobile phone. If you’re in a meeting, you can direct calls to your receptionist.

Some VoIP platforms even allow you to forward based on more specific factors, like when the call comes in or what number is on the caller ID.

Caller ID

Caller ID displays the caller’s information, including their name and phone number. With this functionality, you can know who’s calling you and, if they are spam calls, block them using the call blocking feature.

 You can also create your Caller ID in a VoIP system, which will be displayed to recipients whenever you make calls.

Virtual Receptionist

A VoIP system can actually perform some of the functions of a receptionist, also known as a virtual assistant. Your VoIP system can automatically answer, forward, and record calls. It can also deliver recorded messages, among other tasks. 

You can use this feature on customer support lines or in automated directories to accomplish things like informing your callers of system changes or delivering up-to-date information.

Queues

Call Queues include specific phone numbers. These queues allow you to direct incoming calls to these numbers. If one member is on a call, the call is directed to the next member who’s available while the caller waits in line.

Video Conferencing

Video conferencing or video calling allows you to communicate with your customers through video. Instead of traveling to where they are to show them a product, you can conduct a product demo through video call.

 Additionally, employees working remotely can collaborate on projects or even hold virtual meetings using this functionality.

Voicemail to Email

This feature transcribes your voicemails into emails. It does not convert the message into a written text. Instead, it converts it into an audio file and sends it to your email.

 Whenever you’re not available on the phone, you can always receive the message via email, open it, and listen when convenient.

H3: Related: Is VoIP the Best Phone System For Your Small Business?

Benefits of VoIP

In sharp contrast to the landlines of old, VoIP offers inexpensive, flexible, scalable options with extensive technology benefits for businesses. Let’s outline some:

• Inexpensive: Communication on VoIP takes place over the internet. Unlike landlines, you are not charged for minutes or extra phone service. You also don’t incur hardware installation charges. Making international calls is also cheap through VoIP apps.

• Flexibility: You can take your VoIP phone when traveling and still make calls. Also, if you need to upgrade or downgrade, it’s easy and flexible.

• Advanced features: VoIP systems come with a wide variety of advanced features suited for business. You can mix and match features according to your needs.

• Connection anywhere: Since VoIP is internet based, you can connect to the system from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. In the continuously growing business world, the ability to make calls from anywhere maximizes the capabilities of your business.

• Reliability and scalability: As long as you have a good internet connection and enough bandwidth, you can depend on VoIP to make quality calls. And when your business grows, no more hardware or installation is required. Just upgrade your package to match your needs.

• More communication channels: Unlike traditional landlines where you only have the phone as a communication channel, VoIP offers expanded communication options, such as video chat, messaging, and video conferencing. You can give your customers a customized experience at a fraction of the cost.

Disadvantages

• Dependent on good internet connection: VoIP relies on strong bandwidth and good internet connection. If your connection is weak or you have downtime, you might have dropped calls and poor sound quality.

• Difficult to track call location: You can use VoIP anywhere without tying it to one location. While this is excellent when working anywhere, it makes tracking calls difficult. Consequently, you’re not guaranteed the phone will support emergency services like 911. To resolve this, VoIP providers enable the Enhanced 911 (E911) feature, where you can set a physical address that appears whenever you dial 911.

Switching to VoIP: Business Implications 

The move to VoIP offers significant benefits like advanced features and seamless migration; however, the switch will require planning and consideration. You may also need to replace, upgrade or reconfigure some services that rely on the landline system for perfect functioning.

These include:

• Security systems and fire alarms that call monitoring centers
• Fax machines
• Lift communication systems

Things To Consider When Switching

Internet Reliability

Do you have a strong internet connection you can depend on? Without it, you’ll have problems using your phone.

Your Business Needs

VoIP service is offered in packages containing different features and at different prices. The one you choose will depend on your business needs. You don’t have to pay for features you won’t need.

Costs

What’s your budget for the switchover and monthly costs? Determine the features you’d like for your system. Will they come with the package or as add-ons for which you have to pay extra? 

Switch to VoIP Today

Will internet phone services replace landlines? Yes. People are recognizing the advantages of VoIP over landlines and will continue to switch to the more affordable and flexible phone system.

You may not know where or how to start the migration process, but you don’t have to do this alone.

At Phone.com, we’ll do all the work for you so you can concentrate on the more important matters of your business. We’ll provide you with an affordable and easy-to-use communication system for your growing business in just minutes. You’ll no longer have to worry about being responsive or whether your employees are connected (wherever they are in the world).

Just pick a plan, then mix and match users so you only pay for what you need. Plus, you’ll get a 30-day money-back guarantee. Sign up today and take your business communication to the next level.

The post Will Internet Phone Services Replace Landlines? appeared first on Phone.com.

• Illegal robocalls are a nuisance and a vehicle for bad actors to commit fraud. 
• The telecommunications industry has developed a framework called STIR/SHAKEN to verify the authenticity of caller ID numbers.
• The deadline to implement these protocols is June 30, 2021.
• Phone.com complies with these requirements.
• The change will have no customer impact except for hopefully reducing the number of illegally spoofed caller-IDs. Some carriers may also flag calls as “Trusted.”

Background

Illegal robocalls are a nuisance and a vehicle for bad actors to commit fraud. The recent surge in robocalls is due to the accessibility of tools that enable fraudsters to spoof outbound dialing numbers and effortlessly generate millions of calls. This has led to consumers losing trust in phone calls. 

Between 3 and 5 billion robocalls are made each month, and research suggests that more than 40% of those calls are thought to be fraud-related.

What Does STIR/SHAKEN Mean?

STIR/SHAKEN is a framework of interconnected standards. STIR and SHAKEN are acronyms for the Secure Telephone Identity Revisited (STIR) and Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using Tokens (SHAKEN) standards. This means that calls traveling through interconnected phone networks will have their caller ID “signed” as legitimate by originating carriers and validated by other carriers before reaching consumers. STIR/SHAKEN digitally validates the handoff of phone calls passing through the complex web of networks, allowing the phone company of the consumer receiving the call to verify that a call is, in fact, from the number displayed on the Caller ID.

How Will Caller ID Authentication Help Consumers?

Caller ID authentication technology enables subscribers to trust that callers are who they say they are, reducing the effectiveness of fraudulently spoofed calls. This technology is critical to protecting Americans from scams using spoofed robocalls because it erodes the ability of callers to illegally mimic a caller ID, which scammers use to trick people into answering their phones when they otherwise wouldn’t. Caller ID authentication technology also allows consumers and law enforcement alike to more readily identify the source of illegal robocalls and reduce their frequency and impact. 

As implementation continues to progress, it will give people more confidence that the caller ID information they receive is accurate and will allow voice service providers to provide helpful information to their consumers about which calls to answer.

How Does it Work?

In a STIR/SHAKEN call, the originating service provider signs (or attests) to their relationship with the caller and their right to use the calling number.

The SHAKEN attestation value can be used as an input to robocall analytic algorithms to determine the riskiness of a call.

Once STIR/SHAKEN is implemented, the major mobile carriers in the USA will have the ability to communicate the trust level of each call. For example, calls with level “A” may be flagged as “Trusted.” Calls with level “C” may be flagged as “Likely Spam” or blocked entirely. 

What Does it Mean for Phone.com?

Phone.com is “STIR/SHAKEN compliant ahead of the June 30, 2021 deadline. 

Phone.com has protocols in place to determine the attestation level. Phone.com is committed to protecting our customers from illegal calls. These new protocols are an essential step in the war against fraud.

The post Phone.com Complies with New FCC mandated Anti-Fraud/Spam Requirements appeared first on Phone.com.

Here’s what we’re reading this week:

Smartphone charging cable can steal your data too via The Economic Times

“Next time when you borrow a charging cable for your smartphone or iPad, think twice. A hacker has shown that an iPhone charging cable can steal your data…”

Verizon sues City of Rochester over 5G fees via Telecoms.com

“US telco Verizon has filed a lawsuit against the City of Rochester [NY], suggesting a newly created telecommunications code violates federal law and the maximum fees telcos can be charged…”

iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max Names Tipped by Case Maker via Gadgets 360

“Going by Apple’s annual rituals, the new iPhone range is expected to break cover in September. For the third time in a row, Apple is said to launch three iPhones. Recent reports however tipped that all three of the latest iPhone models will go on sale…”

Report: 38% of broadband subs want data security bundled at no extra cost via FierceTelecom.com

“With the proliferation of devices in subscribers’ homes, broadband security and privacy are top of mind for consumers, according to a report.

According to a report by Parks Associates, 75% of the heads…”

FTC warns of break-up of big tech via Telecoms.com

“The technology industry has often been a political punching bag over the last 18-24 months, and now the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is adding to the misery.

In an interview with Bloomberg, FTC Chairman Joe Simons has suggested…”

The post Telecom News Roundup appeared first on Phone.com.

Here’s what we’re reading this week:

There’s no evidence 5G is going to harm our health, so let’s stop worrying about it via TechXplore.com

“Hype continues to surround the roll-out of 5G technology in Australia and across the world. While there is promise of faster network speeds, and talk of exciting technologies like driverless cars, there’s also a growing movement to stop the implementation of 5G due to concerns about the effects it may have on our health…”

Click here to read more >

 

Orlando publisher adopts realistic voice technology via TechXplore.com

“An Orlando digital publisher has adopted technology distributed by Amazon that makes the stilted robotic voices often associated with text-to-speech services sound more natural…”

Click here for more >

 

Huawei security chief: We pose no greater risk to US than any other foreign telecom company via CNBC

“The chief security officer of Huawei USA told CNBC on Wednesday that the Chinese technology giant poses no greater threat to U.S. national security than other foreign telecommunications companies…”

Read more here > 

 

Verizon Connect delivers new field service dispatch solution via FierceTelecom.com

“In order to make it easier for dispatchers to coordinate jobs with field technicians, Verizon Connect announced its Field Service Dispatch solution. Field Service Dispatch enables dispatchers to schedule jobs and communicate job information to technicians and customers in near-real time…”

Read more here >

Apple and Google suspend some of their eavesdropping via Telecoms.com

“Two of the world’s leading voice assistant makers pulled the plug on their respective analytics programmes of Siri and Google Assistant after private information including confidential conversations were leaked…”

Read here > 

The post Telecom News Roundup appeared first on Phone.com.

Here’s what we’re reading this week:

Google builds gesture controls into new Pixel phone via The Economic Times

“Google on Monday revealed that it is building gesture controls and face recognition into a next-generation Pixel smartphone as it looks to fuel early enthusiasm for its upcoming flagship handset…”

AT&T reels in $984M contract with Department of Justice via Fierce Telecom

“AT&T announced on Monday that it has reeled in a 15-year, $984 million contract with the U.S. Department of Justice…”

 

Cybersecurity is becoming impossible without AI – Capgemini report via Telecoms.com

“According to a new report from the Capgemini Research Institute, 69% of respondents believe they will not be able to respond to cyberattacks without the use of AI. Such is the velocity, volume and variety of threats thrown towards businesses nowadays, there will never be enough budget or hours in the day for humans to effectively deal with the problem in its entirety…”

 

Huawei helped North Korea build wireless network – US reports via The Guardian

“Huawei Technologies, the Chinese company put on a US blacklist because of national security concerns, secretly helped North Korea build and maintain its commercial wireless network, the Washington Post reported on Monday, citing sources and internal documents…”

 

How T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon and Sprint fight robocalls on their network via Phys.org

“Answering the phone nowadays can be like playing Russian roulette—eventually, you’re going to answer a robocall, and that’s a game nobody wants to play…”

 

The post Telecom News Roundup appeared first on Phone.com.