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VoIP, also known
as Voice over Internet Protocol, is a new
technology that utilizes the routing of voice
conversations over the Internet. Basically,
individuals can now use their broadband Internet
connections to place phone calls rather than
using their traditional phone lines. Ideally,
the sound quality is the same as that of a
standard telephone line and therefore the people
on the other end of the phone call will never
know the difference.
The technology,
though complex, is quite direct. The VoIP
provider takes the regular, analog voice
conversations and converts them into data that
can then be sent across the Internet using a
high-speed broadband connection. At the other
end of the call, the data is converted back into
an analog signal that the conventional telephone
system can deliver to the person whose number
was initially dialed. All of this is
accomplished seamlessly while using normal
telephones at both ends. In other words, you
don’t have to speak through your computer’s
microphone in order to get the most out of VoIP
services.
There are many
advantages to switching over to a VoIP service,
but the biggest one is cost. For the most part,
long-distance and international calls will be
significantly less expensive for individuals
using a VoIP service rather than a traditional
long-distance or international plan. Most VoIP
service providers also offer a number of
additional free features already established
with traditional phone plans, such as Call
Waiting, Caller ID, Voicemail and more.
There are other
advantages as well. For example, because of the
convergence between your VoIP phone service and
the Internet, some providers will even allow you
to receive Voicemail messages as email
attachments. Also, if you have a cable broadband
connection, you may be able to keep your current
telephone number as well.
Signing up for
a VoIP plan is actually quite simple. Really,
all you need is a broadband Ethernet connection
such as DSL or cable, any touch-tone phone
(corded or cordless) and a credit or debit card
with a U.S. billing and shipping address. Your
VoIP provider will supply you with the proper
phone adapter upon signing up, usually at no
additional cost. As for the person on the other
end of the call, all they need is a regular
phone. They don’t need to use a VoIP service or
even have an Internet connection for the call to
go through.
Lastly,
although VoIP calls are placed through your
Internet connection, they will not affect your
ability to use your computer. Thus, if you wish,
you can continue to surf the web and send emails
while you’re on the phone. Also, because VoIP
utilizes your Internet connection and not your
computer, your computer does not even need to be
turned on in order for you to place a call.
Will Thomas is a staff
writer for
useVoIP.org
which is an online resource providing
VoIP Information
and Articles
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