VoIP (on a landline) vs SIP (on mobile)? What do I miss not using VoIP

Question

A bit of a background. Thinking of moving away from a softphone, which I predominantly use for a long distance calls, a few months ago I got myself a Linksys SPA3000, got it configured (was not easy, but ...) only to find that I wasn't really using it (kept using internet softphone application to long distance calls as it was easier).

But when I got a mobile phone with a SIP client - I almost immediately stopped using softphone in favor for SIP calls on mobile.

Since running Linksys SPA3000 all the time is not going to get our Earth any greener, I am wondering thinking of getting rid of it. But at the same time (since I am not very knowledgeable in a phone technologies) - I would like to ask - what I am missing (features, etc) by not using VoIP on a landline?

Just to get things straight (because I know I could be misusing the terminology): when I say "VoIP" I mean - making cheap long distance calls using the landline phone connected to VoIP router (connected to the internet router with a cable), and when I say "SIP" I mean making cheap long distance calls using the SIP client on a mobile phone (connected to the internet wirelessly).

Cheers.

Answer 1

First, a clarification. "VoIP" is a buzzword that refers to any form of Voice-over-IP, including that carried by SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) and its associated protocols.

If your landline and mobile phone are configured to use different providers then you'll miss out on any emergency services (911, 119, 999, etc.) provided by the landline provider. If both devices are configured for the same service or if your landline provider doesn't have emergency services then the only thing you'll miss is being able to use your old landline handset.