VoIP
- Voice Over Internet Protocol
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What is VoIP?
VoIP refers to any service that delivers standard voice telephone services
over the Internet.
How does VoIP Work?
VoIP converts your voice to a digital signal and sends it over your broadband
Internet connection as data "packets". It reaches the intended
destination and there the data is transmitted just like a standard telephone
call. If your connection is fast, the recipient will not be able to tell
you are using VoIP.
When someone wants to call you, they simply dial your number as usual.
One advantage of VoIP is that you can choose your area code, meaning you
can choose a number that will be toll-free for your most frequent callers.
Advantages of VoIP
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Lower Monthly Fees - Unlimited plans start at around $19.99. Compare
Prices.
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Included Features - At no additional cost, VoIP providers include
a dizzying array of features not even available on traditional residential
phone service. Compare
Features.
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Flexibility - A converter allows your regular phone to use VoIP by
programming your number into the converter. This means that you can
use that converter and phone number anywhere there is a high-speed
Internet connection. You can choose any area code you like. Some providers
will allow you to have more than one number for a small fee. This
is useful if you have a lot of friends or family in another area.
This can provide them a local number. Both phone numbers work at the
same time.
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Lower Taxes - Governments, VoIP providers and traditional telecom
companies are at odds about what to do about taxing VoIP service.
At this time, the only tax you will likely see on your bill is a 3%
excise tax. One user said her bill for a $29.99 service comes out
to $33 every month. Compared to traditional phone service, that is
a bargain!
Disadvantages
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Many companies charge a setup fee, which may be easily offset by
short-term discounts, or a few months of free service.
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You will need a cable or DSL modem and high speed Internet access.
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You will need an analog telephone adapter, which some companies
will loan to you.
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Some services disable fax capability.
What Kind of Equipment Do I Need?
A broadband (high speed Internet) connection is required, either DSL,
cable modem or LAN will work. You can use a microphone or headset over
your computer, or use your regular telephone along with an adapter. Some
users find they have trouble with cordless phones, but there seem to be
ways to work around it. Most users report good experience with customer
service.
What Features May Be Available?
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Call Waiting
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Caller ID
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Call Waiting Caller ID
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Voice Mail (retrieve from any phone, or the Internet)
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Call Forwarding
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Caller ID Block
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Repeat Dialing
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Online Account Management
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Choose your own area code
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Keep your current number
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Toll-free service (sometimes at extra cost)
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3-way Calling
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Distinctive Ring
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Do Not Disturb
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Block specific callers
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Call Hunt/Find Me feature
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International Call Block
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Telemarketer Block
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Extra phone numbers ("virtual numbers")
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Additional Lines
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You may find this information helpful:
VoIP
VoIP, VoP Chip Processors and Voice over IP packets solutions developed
by AudioCodes, leaders in the VoIP market for VoIP equipment and VoIP
technology.
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