Benefits Of Adding Voip

Writen by Alen Wilson

VOIP technology is on the rise and major corporations are transferring their business needs over to VOIP and houseolds worldwide are also switching to VOIP. VOIP is produced by transferring voice into digital data over the Internet. You can use VOIP only if you have high-speed broadband connection at home. You then need to purchase an equipment called VOIP phone adapter to use VOIP. The phone adapter will allow you to use all your telephones with VOIP technology. Also you may have to purchase a router. Most of the VOIP providers will supply you with the hardware that is required. You can even purchase phones designed for VOIP.

With VOIP becoming the wave of the future, major companies have started to integrate VOIP with instant messaging programs. If you are ready to enjoy unlimited long distance calling and lower monthly phone bills, a good idea is to make a list of your needs, wants and features in a phone, compare plans and choose the service provider that best fits your needs. If you are still unsure whether VOIP would be right for you, consider its benefits.

VOIP is cost efficient

VOIP is cheaper than other telecommunication applications. You can use VOIP to reduce cost on long distance and local telephone calls. Many VOIP providers have plans that allow unlimited local and long distance calling.

VOIP integrates your audio, data and video applications VOIP systems can incorporate your telephone needs with your computer applications such as email, fax, web conferencing and videophone needs. This saves time and energy by combining all of the services into one basic application.

VOIP provides flexibility

VOIP users can take their phone adapters with them, use their telephone number anywhere they have an access to an Internet connection and enjoy the advantages of a VOIP technology. If you have high-speed Internet connection, you can take calls on your regular number.

You can choose your own area codes

This is a fantastic option for those whose friends and family all live in one particular location and they are outside your current state of residence. By choosing your family and friends' area code you are allowing them to call you, whenever they want to and they will not have to pay long distance charges.

Free features

Some features are bundled with VOIP having unlimited calling plans. These features include voice mail, call waiting, call block, and call forwarding. With VOIP, users can practise great control on all of their phone features as well as save on charges.

As VOIP technology is advancing, new accessories in VOIP like VOIP headsets, VOIP headphones are coming in the market.

Alen
xpert4u.co.uk
UK mobile phone directory

Introduction To Voip

Writen by Mike Bromley

What is VoIP?

First things first, VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. At a base level that means phone calls over your broadband connection. You really do need a high-speed connection to take advantage of VoIP to get phone calls comparable to a normal landline phone. Traditional "dial-up" connections are not really sufficient.

VoIP works in a different way to your home phone. Your home phone is based on an analogue network, whereas VoIP is based on a digital one. Essentially when you speak into a VoIP enabled phone or headset your voice is converted into digital packets; it is then compressed to help your Internet connection run more efficiently and then it is transferred down the connection much like an email. Once it reaches its destination the process is reversed.

Why might I want to switch to VoIP?

It's a good question. We all have a working phone in our homes or business, why should we change? Lets look at the advantages and disadvantages of VoIP

Advantages

Well to put it simply - cost. VoIP makes calls significantly cheaper. And (Depending on your package) for a low cost monthly subscription local and national calls can be made for free, and international calls made at a significantly lower rate.

When you subscribe to a VoIP service it is possible to get a phone number for life. You will be able to take your number with you whenever you move (or even travel) with obvious benefits.

The contract packages that companies who are offering the service contain for the most part all the features and more that your current phone service supplier offers. You are likely to find most VoIP companies offering free voicemail, call forwarding, caller ID, call waiting, call waiting ID, 3 way calling, speed dialling and much more.

VoIP is very much in it's infancy; the technology is progressing all the time. Future benefits that we may not be able to envisage yet are certain to appear, you current analogue phone system will not be able to compete.

Disadvantages

Your VoIP phones system will be exclusively based on your broadband connection, if you ISP has a period of service downtime then you will not be able to make calls. Additionally if your electricity supply has a power out then you will not be able to make any calls, this includes calls to the emergency services. Some providers have already got a work around with the emergency calls, so make sure when you decide on a supplier they provide this.

A further disadvantage currently is the set up of the VoIP is not the simplest procedure to undertake, though many suppliers will assist with installation.

The quality of the call via VoIP can be slightly less than your current analogue phone, but the technology is steadily improving, and before long you will not be able to tell the difference in call quality between the two mediums.

© Mike Bromley 2005

The author runs a site about VoIP Service Providers at http://www.speakonline.co.uk

Voip More Basic Than A Basic How To

Writen by Tim ONeill

Have you not even heard the expression VoIP or Voice over internet protocol. It provides the ability to make phone calls over the internet at very low cost or even free. But what is it all about and how do you use it?

VoIP has several different ways in which it can be utilized. The first method is known as a softphone which basically means you download some software from a provider like Skype or VoipStunt, connect up a headset, set up the account and away you go. In other articles I have written I have provided comparisons of several providers including Skype, VoipStunt and Vonage.

The second method of making phone calls over the internet is by having an account with a VoIP provider such as Vonage or Skype (or Engin in Australia) and utilizing a piece of hardware known as an ATA or Analog Telephone Adaptor. This connects to your internet connection through an Ethernet connection to your ADSL or cable modem and allows connection of a standard telephone being normal, cordless or DECT. Often you can also connect a fax.

Methods of Operation
There are varying methods of operation. You may only wish to make outgoing calls through VoIP which means you will not need a 'normal' type phone number. If you wish to receive incoming calls from landline telephones, ie the caller isn't calling over the internet using VoIP, you will need to have that service ability with your provider and a number to go with it.

It is possible that you can retain your fixed line and have both VoIP and normal PSTN to the ATA which will mean both will ring at the same time. Additionally if there is a blackout or power failure you can still connect to the PSTN.

You will need to review your providers conditions to work out costs of calling outside of the VoIP network. In many cases this can still be free or very low cost indeed, including overseas calls. Often there is a flat rate for local and long distance calls but again this varies from Voip provider to provider. As mentioned earlier, previous articles I have written compare some of the services offered by the larger VoIP players.

There is an issue to consider around emergency calls. Skype and VoipStunt openly include in their terms and conditions that they do not provide access to emergency services calls. For this reason they are realistically utilized as a second phone service. However certainly in Australia, Engin provide access to emergency services through the triple zero 000 emergency number. Many people now have mobile phones so access to emergency services is much more available anyway.

Equipment
From earlier in the article you can see that equipment needed and relevant costs can vary from a headset, to an ATA or analog telephone adaptor. These are not overly expensive and often available for free or cheap when joining a VoIP provider. A google search or visit to eBay will provide ability to get updated on current costs however it does not cost a fortune to commence accessing cheap or free phone calls.

Summary
This article has looks at the absolute basics of VoIP and how to get started. Further articles, information about VoIP products can be accessed by reading previous articles I have written.

The Author has an Associate Diploma in Electronic Engineering. For further information, books or VoIP items, please visit All About Voice Over Internet Protocol.

Get A Quotvirtual Phone Numberquot Eliminate Long Distance Charges With Voip Phone Service

Writen by Allan Ramsay

There's a revolution brewing in the telephone industry. But it's not the recent demise of AT&T or the failure of Worldcom. It's a new, yet proven, technology that lets you talk with friends, family and loved ones over the Internet.

It's called VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) or broadband phone, and it lets you use your ordinary home or office telephone to dial and talk to anyone using the Internet as your "channel" of communication. Instead of dialing through the Bell System copper wires, you make calls through your DSL or cable Internet access provider. No microphones or headsets. Just use your existing telephone to talk throughout North America and the world.

This new technology not only saves you 50 to 60 percent on your monthly phone bill. It also provides a host of services the phone company cannot. One of these – a "virtual phone number" -- can eliminate long distance charges to friends and family who want to call you. Here's how it works.

When you order your VoIP phone service you can also order a second phone number in a distant city. For example, if you live in Philadelphia you're in the 215 area code. And, if you have relatives in Los Angeles, you can order a virtual number in area code 818 (Los Angeles). Then, when a family member in LA wants to call you, they simply dial the 818 phone number, which is a local call for them. Amazingly enough, your phone rings in area 215. Your family gets to talk to you for the cost of a local call: for free.

Virtual numbers are great for kids going away to college. Rick and Patti live in Cleveland and have a son going to college at Kennesaw State University, near Atlanta. They can order a VoIP phone number with the Cleveland area code for the home phone, and get an Atlanta area virtual number. Then, when their son wants to call home, he makes a local Atlanta call and the phone rings at Mom and Dad's house, 700 miles away.

Of course VoIP phone service also provides toll free numbers – usually at less than two cents per minute – giving you yet another way to make it easy for friends and family to stay in touch.

Get virtual! Join the millions of people jumping on the VoIP bandwagon and start enjoying the rich features and accessibility you can get through broadband phone service.

Allan Ramsay is a 25-year veteran of the I.T. industry and principal at http://www.VoIP-USA.net, providing voice over IP phone service, landline, long distance plans, cellular phones, cellular calling plans, broadband access to the Internet and a host of Internet and telecommunication services to residential, SOHO and small business customers nationwide.

Use Your Computer To Make Cheap Longdistance Telephone Calls

Writen by Nathan Smith

What is 'VoIP'?

Simply put, VoIP refers to the carriage of voice signals over the Internet. PC to Phone VoIP refers to using your 'Internet-connected' computer to make calls to conventional telephones around the world. Whereas traditional telephone calls take place over fixed line 'circuit switched' networks, VoIP calls are routed through the Internet using a far more efficient method known as 'packet switching'. Whilst carrying voice data more efficiently via the Internet is a benefit, the main advantage that VoIP has is one of cost. For example, a typical PC to Phone VoIP call to a telephone in the United States from anywhere in the world generally runs at just a few cents per minute. Keep in mind, the clarity/quality of PC to Phone calls is usually as good and in many cases better than that of a comparable Phone to Phone call.

How can it be so cheap?

Herein lies the beauty of PC to Phone calls. By using the Internet to route your calls, long-distance charges imposed upon you by the major telecommunications companies (Bell, Sprint, AT&T, etc) are all but eliminated. Furthermore, many of the governmental levies and fees associated with using the highly regulated 'traditional' telephone networks are also avoided. The result? Extremely cheap, long distance calling to conventional telephones around the world with little or no loss of call quality.

So how does it work?

In a typical PC to Phone call, your computer receives your voice input via a microphone and then translates your voice into a 'data packet'. This packet of data is then transmitted via the Internet to as close as possible to the physical destination of the telephone you're calling. Your voice 'data packet' is then switched to the conventional telephone network and routed to the phone that you are calling. All of this data transmission, translation and switching takes place transparently and extremely quickly. Chances are that the person whom you're calling would have no idea that you're talking to them using your computer.

So what do you need?

In order to start making long-distance telephone calls using your computer, you'll need a computer that's connected to the Internet, a microphone and speakers (a headset with a boom microphone is ideal). It's worth mentioning that although there are several companies that support both the Linux and Macintosh platforms (e.g., www.skype.com), the vast majority of PC to Phone software is designed for use on Windows' compatible PCs. As far as your Internet connection goes, the faster the better (e.g., high speed Cable or ADSL). However, PC to Phone does also work on dial-up Internet connections (the way I access the Internet).

The next thing to do is choose a PC to Phone Service Provider. These are the companies that provide the software and infrastructure necessary for you to make calls to conventional telephones via the Internet. There are many Service Providers and each have their own benefits and rates so it's a good idea to shop around. Almost all of them allow for pay-as-you-go usage (i.e., on a per minute basis) however some also offer unlimited calling plans to certain destinations for a low monthly fee. Some of the better known Providers include

net2phone.com

iconnecthere.com

skype.com

Once you've chosen a Service Provider, you'll need to open an account and deposit funds into that account. If you're reluctant to use your credit card online, many of the PC to Phone companies offer alternative forms of payment (e.g., PayPal, direct deposit, wire transfer, etc.). Next, you'll need to download the 'softphone' application from your service provider. A softphone is merely the interface program through which you dial the number of the person you're calling and usually only takes a few minutes to download on even the slowest 'dial-up' Internet connections. Softphones generally resemble the keypad on conventional telephones and work in much the same way. Depending on your service provider, the manner in which you 'dial out' will vary. Typically, the softphone will take into account where you are in the world and adjust the dialing settings accordingly. In other words, you'd dial the exact same series of numbers into the softphone that you would if you were using a conventional telephone.

Once you've made a few calls to friends and family around the world using your computer, you'll quickly realize the fantastic cost advantages of making 'PC to Phone' calls versus 'Phone to Phone' calls.

So what's the catch?

Whilst PC to Phone is terrific, it isn't perfect. There are some disadvantages that you should be aware of and these include:

a) Quality: If you access the Internet via a 'dial-up' connection (i.e., through a normal telephone line), you may experience call quality degradation if you are surfing the web and talking to someone via PC to Phone at the same time. In other words, the 'bandwidth' or 'capacity of your Internet connection' may be limited and this could affect your calling ability.

b) Echo: If you're using computer speakers to hear the person you're talking to, that person may hear an 'echo' of their own voice. This happens for reasons similar to that encountered with the 'speakerphone' function on conventional telephones. At the same time as you hear that person's voice coming through your computer speakers, your microphone will also detect the voice and re-transmit the signal back to the person you're talking to. This 'echo' can easily be avoided by using either a computer headset or by turning your speaker volume down so as to minimize the chance of your microphone picking up and retransmitting the incoming voice signals.

c) Cost: If you're calling relatively small and/or remote countries, you should check the rates of the PC to Phone Service Providers' to those countries before signing up for their PC to Phone service. For example, calling a country like Fiji in the Pacific Ocean is almost as expensive using PC to Phone as it is using a conventional telephone. The reason for these high rates to certain countries is usually due to the PC to Phone Service Provider not having the necessary switching equipment (required for switching your call back to the traditional telephone network from the Internet) physically located in that country. In these scenarios, your calls are routed through the traditional telephone network for a good proportion of the distance they travel and as such they attract many of the long-distance charges that the traditional networks impose. If you'd like to call one country in particular, it's definitely worth shopping around to find out whether prospective PC to Phone companies have the necessary switching equipment located in that country (and hence, can pass on the savings to you in the form of cheaper rates).

So give PC to Phone a try. You've really nothing to lose and have the potential to save yourself a lot of money.

Nathan Smith

Nathan is the operator of http://www.netphonedirectory.com - a directory of PC to Phone and free PC to PC VoIP Service Providers. Nathan currently resides in New Brunswick, Canada

What You Need To Know About Voip Broadband Telephone Service

Writen by Steadman Issenburg

If you haven't heard much about VoIP before now, you certainly will in the future due to its rapid emergence as a major communications technology. VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol, and it basically is the ability to make telephone calls over the internet to either a receiving computer or telephone.

For years standard telephone lines have used a circuit switching network to transfer telephone calls, but VoIP technology uses something called packet switching instead where audio is converted into packets of data that are sent over the internet and reassembled on the other end by the person's computer or telephone. If a high-speed internet connection is used, a conversation can take place that easily compares to a regular telephone call in sound quality.

All of this may sound like a very new technology, but in reality it's not. Programs that make use of VoIP technology were springing up on the internet more than ten years ago, although they were much less capable than those that are available today. Also every year continues to bring higher standards of quality for VoIP applications, and it will no doubt be a viable technology for many years to come.

A good example of the use of VoIP technology is instant messaging programs. If you have used an instant messaging program that is voice enabled, where you can communicate by audio, video and chat, it is in large part due to VoIP. This is because VoIP is able to integrate audio, video, data, e-mail, and more simultaneously. Although most consumers will use VoIP for telephone calls initially, many businesses are already finding expanded uses for VoIP technology.

Several telephone companies are realizing the potential for VoIP services and so companies like Sprint, Verizon, AOL and others are now offering VoIP plans to consumers. One of the distinct advantages of buying a VoIP solution is that it costs significantly less than most standard telephone services. In fact, most service plans will allow you to make unlimited long-distance telephone calls on your VoIP plan for very inexpensive rates. And the subscription rates are usually free of many of the taxes and regulatory fees that often accompany your local telephone bill.

Another major advantage of many of the current VoIP subscription plans that are available is that they often include extra features such as call waiting, call forwarding, three-way calling, voice mail and much more. Quite often, these extra services cost more when included by your local telephone service, but VoIP plans usually include them at no extra charge. Another interesting side benefit is that many providers will allow you to select a new area code and phone number for your VoIP calls, so if you have family or friends in a distant town, they can call you for free on a number that is local to them.

Hopefully this information on VoIP technology will help you understand more about how it works and how it can be beneficial for you.

Steadman Issenburg writes on many consumer related topics including communication. You can find a voip broadband phone provider and voip broadband phone service and more by visiting our communication website.

Voip Or The Phone To Call

Writen by Dan Cavalli

Basically Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) means that you have the ability to hold conversations over the Internet or any other IP- based network. VoIP is as easy to use as a normal phone.

When you make a call via VoIP it will normally cost less than other traditional phone services supplied by your local provider.

VoIP to VoIP is virtually free. However, if you use your VoIP connection to call a non-VoIP recipient there will be a cost. There are some doubts whether VoIP is at a service standard to cover all end users needs.

There are also a lot of questions that are unanswered about its reliability. Some of those questions are:

How many people can I call?

This typically depends on your provider. Larger companies that have a VoIP connection will allow calls to anyone.

If your call falls off the system (if you have the facility to carry out this function) then it is automatically picked up by the normal landline system. You are then charged at a higher rate for those calls separately.

Should I be concerned about the cost?

Again the cost depends on your provider and the rates they charge. The best idea is to compare cost of a number of companies that supply this service so you can make a well informed decision.

Special equipment may also be required. At the very least, you must have an Internet connection (broadband or DSL connection) and a computer to send and receive the calls.

Are there any problems with VoIP to note?

The number one problem is if your Internet goes down, so does your VoIP connection. That brings us to the consideration as to whether or not VoIP is suitable for a business.

It will obviously differ from country to country but in Australia, in our opinion, VoIP is still in its infancy.

We use it for personal local and international calls to select destinations. However the problem we find is that the call drops out frequently. Drop outs similar to that of cell or mobile phone users experience from time to time in non-signal areas are a nuisance.

If the consumer doesn't have access to a traditional phone in case of emergencies because of slow Internet connections, VoIP may not be suitable. The trade off here is whether the cost verses the reliability is acceptable.

Cost and reliability are the top factors that a businessperson should consider when assessing VoIP. We find that there are select service providers (SP's), which sell VoIP after assessing a businesses position and make recommendations based on that assessment whether to recommend VoIP.

These SP's take into consideration whether it is cost effective for the business to stick to the landline business. In these cases they may offer similar rates on landline business to that charged for VoIP services to get the business.

This service has influenced a large number of businesses to consider staying with traditional landline services. There is only one company, Telco Blue that has developed a "Virtual VoIP" product although it isn't true VoIP it has prices that are very similar to VoIP prices, but all on the standard quality landline service, which gives business the best of both worlds.

Is VoIP right for business?

When making a decision that answers this question the business person will have to consider whether or not they accept the trade-offs in cost verses quality.

There are cost savings to the business consumer. Especially where they have an existing network capacity that can be used for VoIP at little or no additional cost.

Additional costs to consider may include the technical requirements to have VoIP intergraded into their system.

On the bright side VoIP is a growing service and eventually will, arguably, take over the traditional phone system. As a final note something to consider is to avoid any long-term contracts with providers that insist on term contracts.

The arrangement may lose the benefit to the business next week and if you are tied in to a contract it may cost you more in the long run.

Dan Cavalli helping businesses and people to be the best they can be now! For more details about this and similar articles and to claim your free subscription to news and views go to http://www.telcoblue.com.au

Voip Telephony Basics

Writen by Jeremy Maddock

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) Telephony is the process of routing voice conversations over an Internet Protocol network, rather than through traditional circuit-switched telephone lines. The voice information is converted into digital data packets and then transmitted over an IP network, such as the internet, or a local area network.

The main advantage of VoIP is the fact that it is highly efficient, and thus very affordable. The cost of transferring digital information over an IP telephony network is significantly less than that of transferring analog information over a traditional telephone line. Because of this, VoIP users can make long distance and international calls to anywhere in the world, at any time of day, for a fraction of what an ordinary phone company would charge.

Although call quality was originally a problem for VoIP customers, this issue has improved greatly with today's progressing technology. Because of the fact that VoIP traffic goes over a broadband line, there is enough bandwidth available to allow for very good sound quality.

As anyone familiar with telecommunications would probably tell you, VoIP Telephony is revolutionizing the way that people around the world make phone calls. More and more people are seeing the benefits of VoIP, and the number of users worldwide is growing at an astounding pace.

If you have a broadband internet connection, and a touch tone telephone, you are fully equipped to set up your very own broadband phone system, and start making use of VoIP Telephony to save money on all your long distance phone calls.

For more information on the benefits of VoIP, and how you can start using it to save money on your phone bill, please click here.

Jeremy Maddock is the owner of a successful telecommunications news website.

Will Voip Make The Telephone Ring

Writen by John Sheridan

As a large proportion of people worldwide are increasingly favouring the Internet as a means of communicating with others, it should come as no great surprise to see it being adapted to encompass that other technological marvel of our age, the telephone.

Once again, the Internet has taken another step forward in its evolution, this time with the arrival of voIP (voice over Internet Protocol). By using the Internet as a signal carrier, this system allows users to make and receive free or cheap telephone calls anywhere in the world. Whilst voIP is still in its fairly early stages, it is however showing all the signs of being a huge success.

Apart from a computer, there is only a minimal amount of equipment required to access this service. Users would have to route calls through a voIP provider,then what is needed is a fast connection such as broadband together with a telephone and voIP adapter and you're up and running. Calls are then made and received in the normal way.

This latest technology whilst advancing the capability of the Internet even more could simultaneously be signalling the onset of a decline in conventional telecoms companies, who may find that they will have to adapt rapidly to keep up and compete in what could turn out to be another communications revolution. There are at present quite a number of voIP providers already in existence who have obviously seen the potential in this system and taken early action to be a part of it from the outset.

Is it a possibility then that the telephone could become the number-one method of communication again and eventually gain superiority over email? One of the main attractions of email is the fact that apart from the standard ISP charges it is otherwise free to use. It is therefore hardly a shock that since its inception email has relegated the art of letter writing to third place with the telephone only just above it as a preferred communication medium.

So, is all that due to change with the arrival of voIP? Will free or cheap telephone calls compliment or outstrip email usage in the next year or two? That remains to be seen. To the far-sighted among us, voIP is a natural progression that was bound to happen sooner or later. To the rest of us it is an exciting new concept that will not cost a fortune to operate, a benefit many will welcome with open arms.

There is however, a certain amusing irony in the fact that as the very system that contributed to the decline in telephone usage, the Internet could now turn out to be the biggest aid to its revival. The constant growth and ever-increasing abilities of the Internet has most of us asking the question, how much further can it go? As far as our imaginations will take us, would for the time being be as good an answer as any.

This article is the property of the author and may only be reproduced in its original form.

John Sheridan is a professional proofreader of hard copy items and website copy. He also writes web copy and occasionally accepts small copy-editing assignments. He can be contacted via: http://www.textcorrect.co.uk

Voip Internet Phone Service The Future Is Here

Writen by Debbie Jacobsen

In 2004 the terms VoIP, internet phone service and IP phone were foreign to almost everyone except technology professionals and geeky computer types. Now most people I talk with are at least slightly familiar with these terms, as the internet phone service market is now starting to take off. Contrary to what many people believe, VoIP is not a new technology. It was introduced to the public in 1995, by a company called Vocaltec. By using internet phone software, registered users could make phone calls via their computer using a dialup internet connection. I made my first internet phone call in 2000 using my computer, a headset, a dialup internet connection and a free account with Net2Phone. The sound quality was terrible, but it was an absolutely fascinating experience to be making a free long distance call over my computer. Now in 2005, ten years after the first commercial use of VoIP, the technology is finally ready for prime time!

Significant improvements have been made with VoIP in the past five years, and communications companies have started investing heavily in the technology. The quality and reliability of service has improved so much within the past year or so that VoIP is now suitable and reliable enough for everyday residential and business use. In fact, so much attention is now being given to the continued improvement of VoIP technology that it's well on it's way to becoming the PREFERRED method of communication by home users and businesses alike.

There were around 1.5 million internet phone users in the USA in 2004, and around 2.1 million today according to Telecommunications Industry News. According to various statistics I've seen, the number of VoIP users in the United States is projected to be around 17 to 18 million between 2008 and 2010. This in an increase of over 1000% within the next 3 to 5 years! Experts also estimate that by 2007, 75% of long distance calls worldwide will be made via the internet. The US is currently not the biggest user of VoIP technology - there are about 7 million users in Japan out of approximately 12 million worldwide today. The internet phone industry is booming, and will continue to grow over the next decade. It seems that everyone including EBay wants in on the exploding VoIP market now, as evidenced by their purchase of VoIP provider Skype in September 2005.

More people are showing interest in obtaining Internet Phone Service because they are starting to hear more about it. This is due in part to more "converted users" raving about the amount of money they are saving and the great features they get for free (I love my VoIP service so much I wrote a website about it!). A greater awareness has also come from increased advertising efforts by major cable and communications companies. Many cable television and phone service companies (like Verizon) have been pouring money into VoIP technology in order to capture some of this new market share.

In an effort to hold on to their customers, many regular PSTN (public switched telephone network) phone companies are now offering "unlimited long distance calling" for a flat monthly fee of around $39 per month. Current subscribers are starting to cancel their traditional phone service as they are convinced that VoIP is a better option. Not only is VoIP cheaper (under $25 a month for unlimited calling), but most Internet Phone providers throw in all of the optional features for free. Phone companies charge extra for services like voicemail, caller id and call waiting. I think phone companies have missed the boat when it comes to competing with VoIP, but that's a topic for another article……

With all of the telephone service options now available, it is becoming difficult for consumers to choose the right provider for their needs:

Should you subscribe with a true VoIP service service provider (like Vonage, Packet8, SunRocket, Voip.net, etc…), or should you choose the phone service that your cable company provides? If you compare VoIP provider rates with those of the cable company, "pure" VoIP providers are clearly the winner. Cable companies do provide free installation, but VoIP is really very simple to install. Many cable companies offer discount through "package deals", but it's always smart to compare total cost and included features with VoIP providers before making a decision.

Should you switch to VoIP and get rid of your landline phone, or keep what you've got and pay for unlimited long distance calling? If you don't use the internet, keep your landline phone and forget about VoIP for now. To get the most bang for your buck out of VoIP service, you need to have cable internet service. This eliminates the need for a phone line and "dial tone" that you have to pay the phone company for. To use VoIP in the most cost effective way, calls should go through your cable broadband connection – this eliminates the need for standard phone service. VoIP does not work well over dial up internet; you really need broadband in order to get the best audio quality.

Depending on your long distance calling habits, VoIP internet phone service can save you between 20% - 80% per year vs. traditional PSTN phone service. The technology is mature now and the quality of service is great (and getting better all the time). It's hard to beat unlimited local and long distance calling for less than $25 per month, plus you get free voicemail, caller id, call waiting, call return, and all the other features you're used to paying extra for.

VoIP is definitely here to stay, and cost savings is only one of the many benefits it offers. Internet phones will change the way the world communicates. It's now possible to live in another country and have a US phone number, you can have several "virtual" phone numbers in different states or travel the world and bring your home phone with you. It's an exciting time in the world of communications – are you ready to switch to VoIP?

(c) Copyright 2005, Debbie Jacobsen. All rights reserved.

To learn more about Packet8 VoIP service, visit http://www.savewith8.com. For more information on VoIP internet phone service, visit my blog: Internet Phone Service - The Future is Here.

How To Choose A Voip Services Provider

Writen by Alen Wilson

VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is relatively a new addition to the cutting edge telecommunication industry. Using VoIP one can make a call over a broadband connection by installing certain VoIP hardware as well as VoIP software configuration.

The biggest benefit of using VoIP is its cost effectiveness against traditional phone lines. The VoIP services provider plays a bigger role in saving costs; therefore utmost caution should be taken before choosing a VoIP service provider. Here are some of the points worth pondering before choosing a VoIP service provider:

Calling charges: Using VoIP technology can save up to 60 per cent of your telephone bills. The market is buzzing with VoIP service providers who are coming up with attractive call charges to lure customers. Therefore shop around in the market and look for a calling plan which best serves your needs. If you make most of your calls, to one particular destination or one number, check whether you can get a discount.

Phone number: Some providers allow you to carry your existing phone number to the VoIP services while some providers give you a new number. It's always sensible to check the functioning and utility of your VoIP system before switching your existing number. Also verify whether your calling plan has free emergency services.

Extra features: VoIP has some value added features like call waiting, call routing three way calling, teleconferencing, videoconferencing etc. These features are usually included in the rental cost of the service providers. Some service providers offer certain features at extra cost. Make sure that the calling plan is very clear in your mind before choosing the service provider.

Long distance calls: If you want to reach across the globe using VoIP, then compare long distances charges of various service providers before choosing one. Also look for plans which can give you discount for international calls.

Money back scheme: VoIP is a fairly new technology therefore most VoIP providers offer a money back guarantee or a free testing period. The period ranges from two weeks to four weeks.

These are some of the points you can think about while choosing your VoIP services provider. But the most important point is to analyse your needs and choose a service provider which best suits them.

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How You Can Benefit From Voip

Writen by Ramzes Berezecki

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and is quickly taking the internet over by storm.

The most obvious benefit of VoIP is the big savings it provides compared to what people pay for their phone service from their telephone company.

Let us have a closer look. Say you pay $30 a month for your basic telephone line, that will be $360 a year. That does not include any extras like Caller ID, Call Forwarding or Voice Mail. Those alone can easily bring the annual basic phone bill to over $500 plus taxes.

All that without considering any long distance costs. And you know how much that can add up to.

Now, many VoIP providers give you a year of full featured internet telephony for under $200. And that includes just about any extra calling features, like Caller ID, that you can think of. Then, you also get with it a long distance to and from traditional phones - for a fraction of the cost of what you can get from your local telephone company or even from the best long distance discount service! Plus - you can also get some extra perks like local phone numbers in various parts of the words.

As if that weren't enough the voice quality of VoIP is often much superior to what you get from a regular phone. The main reason for that is that the regular phone everyone is so used to carries the voice over a very narrow band of sound frequencies - from zero to little over 3,000Hz (cycles per second). Meantime VoIP, in it's original digital range, gives you much wider voice bandwidth - comparable to the hearing range of an average human being which is 20Hz to 20,000Hz. When I first time used my VoIP phone and heard the voice quality of it for myself I could hardly believe my ears - it was that good!

If you are ready to join the VoIP wave there is no better time then now - the surf is up!

Ramzes Berezecki is recognized for his informative writings relating to VoIP and Internet Telephony. For more informations and help in choosing you VoIP visit his blog at http://voipchoice.blogspot.com as well as http://selectinvoip.com

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How To Switch To Avaya Voip

Writen by Cameron George Elliott

Avaya Phone Systems has taken several steps to ensure a smooth transition traditional, circuit- based phone systems to VoIP phone systems. The company views the evolution to converged network as a three- step process:

Install IP architecture, laying the foundation for a wireless network capable of supporting data, voice, and video on a single cable.

Incorporate applications, taking advantage of features that increase your productivity and efficiency.

Employ IP telephony, connecting all branches and locations of your business, making the conversion from an outdated, inefficient network, to an industry- standard one.

Step One: Install IP Architecture

The first step in switching to VoIP phone systems takes one of two routes, depending on whether your company has POTS or a PBX. The route from POTS to VoIP phone systems is longer and more expensive, and is generally not recommended unless the monthly toll charges and fees are so unwieldy as to outweigh the high cost of converting.

However, VoIP phone systems architecture can be installed alongside the existing POTS, preserving your earlier investment. Over time, you can phase out your POTS and replace circuit- based telephones with IP- enabled ones, as you embrace IP telephony.

The process is much simpler with a PBX: The computer data network is expanded to support IP telephony on the LAN and VoIP and the WAN, creating a common infrastructure connecting all locations.

Step Two: Incorporate Applications

After a foundation for IP telephony has been built, and a converged network is in place, your company is ready to take the next step to VoIP phone systems: incorporating applications, taking advantage of integrated voice, data, and video.

VoIP phone systems enhance business communications by allowing for critical applications that improve productivity and efficiency: many applications and features that allow you to stay connected and accessible. Cell phone connect and remote call forwarding let your receive business calls when you're out of the office, and Unified messaging gives you greater control over your voice and email messages.

VoIP phone systems keep you informed: the network has proactive monitoring programs that alert you when it needs repairs before something breaks down.

Step Three: Deploy IP Telephony

The final step in the transition to VoIP phone systems is to deploy IP telephony, creating converged communications. Deploying IP telephony and realizing the full potential of VoIP phone systems allows your company to flourish in an adaptive environment, easily integrating with multiple configurations.

This is possible because of modularization; VoIP phone systems have modular applications and components, increasing flexibility while making it a cost- effective solution.

As a completely optimized and integrated infrastructure, VoIP phone systems can save your business thousands upon thousands of dollars. VoIP phone systems eliminate fees for leasing phone lines, and greatly reduce monthly regulatory fees.

Cameron Elliott is an Telephony specialist at avaya voip phone systems where he extols the benefits of Avaya Phone Systems

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Introducing Voip

Writen by Michael Bell

As VoIP gets more popular, more companies are beginning to offer this service to its customers. Some think that VoIP will replace the traditional telephone system. To help you make the switch, here is a list of VoIP service providers and some general information about what they have to offer.

Verizon VoiceWing - Their plans start at $19.95 a month for 500 calling minutes to the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. If you already have Verizon DSL, they offer a discount on their unlimited plan ($29.95 instead of $34.95). (https://www22.verizon.com/ForYourhome/voip/voiphome.aspx)

Comcast Di gital Voice - They have both national and international calling options. If you use Comcast for any other services, you are eligible for their discounted rates. If you have Comcast Cable and High Speed Internet, Digital Voice is an extra $39.95. (http://www.comcast.com/Benefits/VoiceBenefits.ashx)

Lingo - This seems to be one of the best services. They offer your first month for free. Plans start at $19.95 for both national and international calling. Their basic service starts at $7.95 a month. (http://www.lingo.com)

Vonage - Prices start at $14.99 for their basic service and $24.99 for their unlimited service. Long distance calling rates are listed on their site, as they change depending on the country. (http://www.vonage.com)

Earthlink - Even Earthlink has begun offering VoIP service. TrueVoice offers home internet phone for rates starting at $14.95 a month. If you also use Earthlink for your DSL connection, yo u are eligible for their package deal. Also check out Vling- a free software download called Vling which allows you to talk with other Vling users for free. (http://www.earthlink.net/voice/dslhomephone/)

Mike Bell is the webmaster of http://www.VoIP-Journal.com, a site devoted to providing users with VoIP news and information.

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