| What
is VoIP? |
 Print
this article |
 Add
to favourites |
| |
| If
you’ve been shopping around for new Internet service,
you’ve likely seen the acronym “VoIP” or
Voice-Over IP. But what is it? And why do you care? |
| |
| Basically,
Voice over Internet Protocol is a technology that allows you
to make telephone calls over the Internet by converting your
voice signal to a digital signal that can be transmitted over
the Internet. |
| |
| There
are different types of devices that will work with VoIP technology,
ranging from microphones to your traditional telephone with
a VoIP adaptor. Different equipment offers a different range
of features, such as voice mail and auto-answer, so it’s
a good idea to compare your equipment options to find the
one that best suits your needs. In addition to the telephone
equipment, you’ll also need a high-speed Internet connection
to ensure a clear and consistent transmission. |
| |
| Why
use VoIP? |
| |
| VoIP
offers a number of advantages over traditional phone service.
For starters, with VoIP, there’s no need to pay for
an additional land line if you’re using a broadband
provider. |
| |
| VoIP
also helps cut down on long-distance charges by assigning
a local number to your VoIP phone. Unlike traditional phone
service, VoIP does not limit local calls to those made within
your geographical area. Instead, it looks for calls made from
your VoIP device. That means you can take your VoIP phone
across the globe, plug it into a broadband connection and
make a local call to your home area. |
| |
| Another
advantage of VoIP is that it makes conference calling a snap,
without all the additional fees you’d normally pay through
a traditional telephone provider. |
| |
| How
can you find the right VoIP provider for you? |
| |
| For
starters, ask about features. Are things like Caller-ID, three-way
calling and voice mail part of the package or will you have
to pay extra? Does your VoIP carrier offer 911 service? While
most providers automatically include 911 dialing, there are
still a few that don’t have this capability. |
| |
| Can
you keep your existing phone number? Many VoIP providers now
allow you to convert your existing home telephone number to
your VoIP service, eliminating the need to notify friends
and family of the change. |
| |
| Will
you have unlimited usage? What is the flat-rate monthly fee
and what all does it include? Just like traditional phone
carriers, VoIP providers have different plans, services and
rates. Do a little comparison shopping to find the best deal
for you. |
| |
