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Make the Call: Choose VoIP Phone Service |
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Everyone who regularly surfs the Net and uses email has been bombarded with information about new VoIP telephone service.
Voice over Internet Protocol is the latest telephone breakthrough, allowing you to use your existing Internet line as your phone line. You can use your broadband connection to talk while you surf, chat while you email and speak to family and friends around the world for just a few pennies per call.
There are currently two types of VoIP services available to consumers. Hardware-based VoIP service requires the use of a converter box to connect your telephone to your broadband connection. Software-based VoIP services, on the other hand, operate through your computer using appropriate software and a broadband connection. Regardless of the type of VoIP service you choose, you can make phone calls and pay much, much less than you would with your ordinary landline telephone service.
Benefits of Choosing VoIP Telephone Service
* Customers using hardware-based VoIP services can call anyone at anytime, whether they are VoIP users, cellular phone users or traditional landline telephone customers.
* With software-based VoIP service there is no converter box to rent or purchase, so it's much cheaper than using a hardware-based service. Further, charges to other VoIP users are usually made free of charge.
* VoIP is location independent, which is a big benefit if you travel a lot. Just pack your VoIP phone adapter into your briefcase or luggage, plug it into any active broadband connection, and continue to use the VoIP service without changing your living information. As long as you have access to broadband Internet, you can freely use your VoIP hardware.
* Since VoIP is location independent, it's possible to have a phone number with the area code of one location, while living in or calling from another. Using these virtual phone numbers, you may be able to bypass provincial or state taxes or charges that you may otherwise incur. Another big advantage is that you may be able to keep your existing phone number, even if you move to a new territory. There's no need to inform all your friends, relatives and business associates of a new phone number, and you'll avoid the hassle of contacting the phone company to change all your living information.
* VoIP telephone service is largely free of taxes and fees, so you can save a bundle of money making your calls. The savings realized on long distance calls are particularly significant. Ask a VoIP customer or service provider, and you'll be surprised at how much less it costs to call long distance.
* Most VoIP services now offer access to emergency numbers. Many also offer page listings, so you can access important contact information when you don't have access to a phone directory.
* Wi-Fi handsets allow VoIP users to shift their service to mobile phones, allowing even more versatility and greater savings while you're on the move.
Disadvantages to Using VoIP Telephone Service
There's no question that VoIP service is easy and expensive. So, why has it taken so long to catch on? The trouble with VoIP is that it can often provide low voice quality, and the phone calls can sound scratchy and screechy. Callers are often interrupted by static. Another potential problem is that some services do not offer VoIP service to traditional landline phones, so the VoIP service subscribers can only call other VoIP users.
If you don't have an active broadband connection, you can't use VoIP service. This can greatly limit the versatility, especially for potential clients in Asia, Africa and Latin America, where Internet connections are largely dial-up systems. Moreover, VoIP services do not work in the event of a power outage.
For a growing number of consumers, the many benefits of VoIP service far outweigh the drawbacks. As the technology progresses, everyone may soon have the ability to enjoy the convenience and savings of VoIP telephone service. It's fast becoming the choice of callers at home, in the office and on the road.
VoIP is new, it's hot and it's here to stay. Just a fast Internet search will result in pages dedicated to service comparisons and consumer reviews. Browse online or speak to a VoIP service provider for more information and soon, you can talk all you want and save more than you though possible.
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