VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a really exciting new service that enables consumers to take advantage of their DSL or Cable Broadband Internet Service for POTS (plain old telephone service) service. This technology has been around for 7 or 8 years and it's really getting to be an excellent alternative to traditional telephone service.
How does work? It might be best to start with the equipment. If you have DSL or Cable Internet, then you have some type of interface box between the wiring and your PC. You probably have a router too. If you want to use VoIP like a traditional phone, then you will need a router. A router gives you the opportunity to plug several devices on your single high-speed connection. Most Internet Phones include an adapter that will plug into your router. Then a telephone is plugged into that Internet phone box. I plugged a cordless phone base station into my adapter and then have a couple cordless handsets that work off the base station. Many people ask can I use my existing telephones. The answer is yes, if wire from the Broadband Phone adapter to your house telephone wiring. You'll need to be careful with your house wiring if you're using DSL - you'll need to rewire your phone jacks to use the spare wires for your phones.
When you dial a call, your voice is routed over the internet to the called party's local telephone switch where it rings their phone. When someone dials your number the local phone switch knows your number is connected to a IP Address-Computer type device and sends the call to the internet. Some folks will ask about the voice quality of VoIP. A very good question and it depends on several factors. Typically, the quality will not be good as your POTS line. Telephone service is a connected link from Point A to Point B. VoIP takes your voice and Packet'tizes it, so those Packets of Data/Voice will be sent like data taking different paths and arrive at different times over the Internet. That being said, the quality has improved immensely over the past couple years. I can hear a very, VERY slight difference on our Packet 8 VoIP Broadband Phone, but it's a very good service. I doubt most people can tell a difference, but having worked many years in Telephone Service I'm more sensitive than most.
Other factors to consider when ordering VoIP is power and 911 service. If your power goes out and you want your Internet Phone to remain working, then you'll need your own battery back-up for the Broadband Adapter, Router, Internet Phone Adapter and any telephones that need power. The other major consideration is 911 Emergency service. Some providers have it available in certains areas while others are working on it. It will continue to improve for everyone. It does work at our house and I have tested it with our 911 Center. Oh, one more small issue that takes some getting used to - I have to dial a 1 with every number whether local or long distance. Not a biggee, because all calls are included in the one monthly fee.
The other factor that determines your satisfaction with VoIP will be your Broadband Internet Connection. If your connection to the Internet has slow downs and periods of no connection your Broadband Phone will work poorly or not at all. That's a judgement call one your part. Overall, how satisfied are you with your Internet Connection?
What makes VoIP so attractive is the price. It is great for long distance calling and has lots of features ncluded in the base rate. We use it today instead of a telephone company phone line. We disconnected our $60/month phone service and now pay $24.99 for unlimited calling to anywhere in the US and Canada. Plus included in the base rate is voicemail, caller ID, 3-way calling, call waiting and more! It works for us because we have a good internet connection we also have cell phones to use as a back-up if there is an internet or power outage.
After looking at all the Providers for VoIP Phone Service, we decided on Packet8. It just made sense for our calling history to go with an unlimited calling package for $24.99month. We are really delighted with service and enjoy talking to more family members more often!
