VoIP (Voice over IP) stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol and is a type of voice communications system. It enables users to setup their phone lines and to make calls using the internet. It’s sometimes referred to as broadband phone, Internet telephone or voice over broadband. They work with the standard telephone network, but in a different way.
Research into VoIP began in 1974 and in the 1980s was commissioned by the National Science Foundation. In 1995, VocalTech released the first software of this kind that used the internet to make phone calls. More research delved into making the process easier and less expensive for users and the first providers of VoIP began appearing in 2004.
To use VoIP, the user needs an analog telephone adaptor, which is usually provided by the service provider. This adaptor connects to the telephone and allows it to be used on the VoIP network. It connects the telephone jack in the house to the internet provider’s network. Once connected to the network, the caller can call anywhere in the world from their home phone, just as they would a regular phone line.
Another way in which to use VoIP is to use a dedicated telephone. This telephone attaches directly into the IP network, without the use of an adaptor. Users typically use a wireless internet connection or an Ethernet cable to pick up the connection. It allows the phone to work without the use of an adaptor. There’s also something known as the softphone, which is software added to the computer to make phone calls using speakers and a microphone.
The main benefit associated with choosing VoIP over a landline telephone is the cost. More and more internet providers are leaning towards digital phone, but their networks are often unreliable and quite expensive. Time Warner Cable for example, charges customers upwards of $60 for digital phone service. VoIP on the other hand often charges $25 or less for the same type of service. VoIP is also beneficial in terms of cost when compared to regular telephone service. Providers typically charge large fees for added services like caller ID, call forwarding and conference calling. All of those same services are included for free with VoIP networks.
Users of VoIP service will also find that they have the benefit of keeping their same telephone number, even if they move to a new area. They can request a new number or a new area code, or keep their same number. With landlines, when the customer moves to a new area, they have to change their number. They can also lose their telephone number even when they move into a nearby area within that same area code.
Those users that make frequent international phone calls can also save money by using VoIP. Some of the providers allow customers to make those calls for free, while others offer the calls at a reduced rate when compared to regular landline service. They’ll also find that they have better clarity with the VoIP than they had with their old service.
The top reasons to use VoIP can be found at VoIP Benefits and Benefits of VoIP. Users can also learn more by reading the Voice Over Internet Protocol entry at Wikipedia and VoIP at the FCC. Other useful sites include VoIP Providers and VoIP.
