A dedicated fax line is a must-have for any office that takes business seriously. If you use a single phone line for calls and faxes, you are just waiting for trouble to happen. Transmission interruptions only lead to frustration and paper waste.
But what many people ignore is that you don’t need to spend money on a new phone line installation anymore. You can get a virtual one and make faxing easier than ever before.
In this article you’ll learn how to say good bye to the cost of a dedicated fax line and use an affordable virtual fax number exclusively for receiving faxes. In just a few steps you can have a line ready to receive faxes, along with a dedicated fax number linked to that line.
Virtual fax lines are easy to obtain and they will change the way you fax forever. Faxes will arrive immediately with zero interruptions and you won’t have to depend on a fax machine anymore.
What Is a Dedicated Fax Line?
It is a physical phone line that you connect to a fax machine and is meant to be used only for transmissions. The main advantage is obvious: you can receive faxes without interruptions. You could compare it to a unclogged water tube that lets the incoming documents flow easily.
For years it has been tremendously useful as a business fax line, but there’s a big drawback to using a dedicated line: the cost. You see, new landlines aren’t cheap, and dedicated phone lines require physical installation which could take some days if you are lucky.
“Can’t I just use my phone line?”
Well, yes you can. As a matter of fact, most machines out there work perfectly with normal phone lines, but here’s the thing:
Your phone and fax lines are sharing the same cable; this means that they can’t be used simultaneously.
So, while it is technically possible, it is not the best idea, especially if faxing is a vital part of your company’s processes.
Do you Need a Dedicated Fax Line?
It depends on your needs and the type of faxing you plan to do. If you only need to send and receive a few faxes occasionally, you may not need a dedicated fax line. Instead, you could use an online fax service or a multifunction printer that has fax capabilities. These options allow you to send and receive faxes using your internet connection or a phone line that you already have.
If you need to send and receive a large volume of faxes on a regular basis, or if you need to ensure that your fax line is always available for incoming faxes, you may want to consider getting a dedicated fax line. This will ensure that your fax line is not tied up with phone calls or other uses, and that you are able to receive faxes at any time.
In general, a dedicated fax line can be a convenient and reliable option if you rely on faxing as a primary method of communication or if you need to ensure that you are always able to receive faxes. However, if you only occasionally need to send or receive a fax, an online fax service or a multifunction printer with fax capabilities may be a more cost-effective solution.
Virtual Lines, A Better Alternative
Now there is a great solution to this problem, and the best of all is that it doesn’t need a landline. I’m talking about virtual lines that you get via an online fax service.
These are services that provide a virtual dedicated fax line, so you can send and receive documents without interruption but in a faster and more cost-effective way. They give you a virtual number that works over an Internet connection, and they don’t need any physical installation. In addition, online fax services have many features that make them a better alternative than traditional numbers:
Online fax services such as RingCentral Fax let you start for free for a full month, just make sure to cancel your subscription before the month ends if you want to try another one or if you don't want to keep on with a paid subscription.
How It Works
A virtual fax line is a service that allows you to send and receive faxes using a computer or a smartphone instead of a traditional fax machine. Here's how it works:
You sign up for a virtual fax service and choose a virtual fax number. This number can be a local or toll-free number, and it can be used to send and receive faxes just like a regular fax number.
To send a fax, you can use a virtual fax service's website or app to upload the document you want to fax. The service will then convert the document into a format that can be sent over the phone lines and send it to the recipient's fax machine.
To receive a fax, the sender will send the fax to your virtual fax number just as they would with a regular fax number. The virtual fax service will then convert the incoming fax into a digital format and send it to your email or upload it to your account on the service's website or app.
Overall, a virtual fax line allows you to send and receive faxes without the need for a physical fax machine. It can be a convenient and cost-effective solution for individuals and businesses that don't want to invest in a fax machine or don't have access to a traditional fax line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a fax line cost?
A physical fax line installation can cost you between $30 and $45 in the US. Fax line service providers usually have a higher price for offices and businesses. If you opt for an online fax service, the fax line cost is between $5 and $20 depending on the features available on your service and the pages included each month. If you want a cheap fax line, this is your best option.
Do I need a dedicated fax line?
Having a dedicated line is a must if you rely on faxing. This will ensure there are no interruptions when transmitting documents.
Can you fax from a regular phone line?
Yes, if you have a fax machine you can plug it to your phone line. Just remember that when the phone is in use it can't be used for faxing, and if someone picks up the phone while faxing, it will interrupt the transmission.
Can I use a splitter for phone and fax?
If you already have a fax machine and want to use your phone line, you can use a splitter. Which will let you connect your phone and fax machine in one socket, without having to request for an additional installation. This is not needed for a digital fax line.
Paolo Basauri is a seasoned expert in technology, widely recognized for his insightful articles and expertise in the field of faxing. With a passion for cutting-edge advancements, he delves into the latest tech trends, demystifying complex concepts for readers of all backgrounds.
