Before we go on, let's clear up some misunderstanding about VOIP Internet Phone Service. There is some confusion stemming from TV commercials for internet phone service. There are different names by which these services are described. Some of these names are as follows:
Vonage and Verizon use Broadband Phone Service; Packet8 service providers use Internet Phone Service;
Comcast phone service is called Digital Voice Service while others use VoIP phone service. They all refer to the same thing.
What is VOIP Internet Phone Service?
VOIP stands for "Voice Over Internet Protocol", a technology that
allows you to make phone calls using your Broadband Internet connection instead of your regular phone service.
You still use your regular phone by dialing a number and talking. VOIP is simple and is for everyone. Its not necessary for the
person you're calling to have VOIP. This is all taken care of by your VOIP service provider.
The only requirement for this technology is a high speed internet connection, such as DSL or Cable, since the service is based on broadband Internet
communication. VOIP Internet Phone Service requires a speed of up to 90Kbps depending on the voice compression
algorithm chosen by the service provider. This is a higher speed than dial-up Internet provides so
a Broadband Internet connection is a basic requirement.
What are the benefits of VOIP Internet Phone Service?
There are numerous benefits to having VOIP. For example:
- One low monthly fee covers all phone calls.
- There are no unexplained taxes or regulatory fees. No taxes are charged for Internet based phone calls which is one reason why the service is so cheap.
- Long distance and international calling are cheaper. The Internet does not care if the person you're calling lives a block away or in Japan. This is why the VOIP internet service providers can give you such great rates.
What features can VOIP provide?
Because voice is an analog signal, it's converted into small packets of
digital data and sent over a Broadband Internet connection to your VOIP internet service provider. This digital data
is perfect for the Internet and it means your service provider can:
- Store incoming calls to voice mail.
- Send a voice mail to you as an e-mail attachment so you can listen to it on any computer.
- Provide 3-way calling. Many plans allow up to three people in one conference call.
- Offer caller ID and call waiting. These features are often included for free.
There are many other useful features that VOIP offers.
It should be remembered that this technology is growing fast so the
possibilities are endless.
What, if any, are the disadvantages of using VOIP?
Most VOIP internet service providers have Emergency 911 but there are still a few that do not.
Perhaps the biggest disadvantage is what happens if your
power goes out or you lose your Internet connection. Because VOIP relies on having a broadband connection, if that goes down you lose
your Internet phone service. However, most people do have cell phones so this shouldn't be an insurmountable issue.
As an option, many people choose to cheap regular local phone service to use on those rare occasions
when you lose your power or broadband connection.
What equipment do I need for VOIP service?
The only piece of equipment that a typical setup will need
is an Analog Telephone Adaptor (or ATA), which is usually supplied by the VOIP internet service provider when you sign up for service.
This allows you to make phone calls as usual, using your regular phone.
The ATA converts your analog voice to a digital signal that the Internet can understand.
It then sends that signal on to your Broadband Modem, which passes it over the Internet.
If your phone has multiple extensions, it's recommended that cordless telephones be used. The base
station of the cordless telephone plugs directly into the VOIP ATA. The additional handsets can then be placed anywhere in your home.
