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Find a VOIP Provider for Internet Phone ServiceWhat is VOIP? Voice over Internet Protocol - basically, using the internet to connect your phone call instead of using telephone company wires. Voice data is sent in packets like normal Internet data, and reassembled at the recipients end. You need a broadband connection to do VOIP (DSL or cable modem). As the FCC says: "Internet Voice, also known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line. Some services using VoIP may only allow you to call other people using the same service, but others may allow you to call anyone who has a telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. Also, while some services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, other services allow you to use a traditional phone through an adaptor." What's the advantage of VOIP? Cost, mainly. With all your voice data sent over the Internet, you can skip long distance and per minute charges. So how does VOIP work? Read on..
VOIP allows you to save money. No need for a PBX specialized phone system. Just plug into your Internet network, and you have a VOIP business solution. How Can I place a VOIP call?From the FCC: "Depending on the service, one way to place a VoIP call is to pick up your phone and dial the number, using an adaptor that connects to your existing high-speed Internet connection. The call goes through your local telephone company to a VoIP provider. The phone call goes over the Internet to the called party's local telephone company for the completion of the call. Another way is to utilize a microphone headset plugged into your computer. The number is placed using the keyboard and is routed through your cable modem."
So you need to find a VOIP provider that connects your broadband access to the world of the telephone. The leading VOIP providers are:
Who can I call with VOIP? From the FCC: "Depending upon your service, you might be limited only to other subscribers to the service, or you may be able to call any phone number, anywhere in the world. The call can be made to a local number, a mobile phone, to a long distance number, or an international number. You may even utilize the service to speak with more than one person at a time. The person you are calling does not need any special equipment, just a phone." Disadvantages of VOIP - may not work during power outages. May not interface with the national or local 911 system. VOIP providers may not handle information or 411 calls for local directory information.
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