VoIP is a radically more efficient way to make calls. Here are some things everyone should know to fully take advantage of the savings VoIP has to offer.
VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol or IP) telephoning has transformed not only the costs of calling but the way many people use their phones. To better take advantage of all it has to offer,
one should have a basic knowledge of it works, the different ways to make IP calls and their benefits and drawbacks. By doing so, it is possible to gain a better understanding of IP phones and use them for maximum savings.
How VOIP works
At its most basic level, VOIP simply breaks down calls and encodes them into packets that can then be transmitted over the internet. When they get to the intended recipient, they are then reassembled into sounds for the listener. The quality of the sound will depend on the codec’s used to encode the sounds and factors such as the quality of the connection.
IP phones can now be found in many forms. There are ATA phones that work through a connection between the net and existing telephone jacks, those that connect through any Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections and softphones that work through software installed on a computer.
Why IP calls are so much cheaper
In the past, it required a dedicated line between the two people talking for a any kind of a telephone conversation. If the people talking were across the country or the world, there would be a wire connection between those people used solely by them. As technology advanced, ways were found to enable these lines to be used by more and more people simultaneously. IP technology does this best since it allows calls to be broken down very efficiently so that they can be transmitted as regular internet traffic and at very minimal costs. Even regular long distance calls now often use the same technology for at least part of the transmission of calls.
Reasons to get an IP phone
The biggest single advantage of IP phones for most is obviously the cost. With their very efficient use of technology to transmit calls over the internet, marginal costs of any calls are primarily due to taxes or other fees. Distance, origin and the length of the calls do not matter.
IP phones that work off of Wi-Fi and Ethernet can also offer huge savings when traveling overseas. As long as one has an internet connection, it is possible to bypass expensive hotel calls and international roaming rates and charges. This portability can be convenient for domestic travel too.
IP phones often include extra services for free or nominal cost and can offer service that a traditional phones do not such as the ability to receive voice messages as emails.
Landline lubbers take heart
This by no means makes VOIP the perfect choice though. While a traditional landline will work as long as the line is connected, IP phones are dependent on an internet connection and a power source. This, and the fact that emergency services cannot locate where the caller from an IP phone is unless the address is registered beforehand, means that traditional landlines still offer more security.
Also, things like home security systems and digital subscription TV services still require landlines to work properly so it may be impossible for some to kill the regular landline.
For those getting an IP phone
Whether or not it will be necessary to keep a landline, the amount of calling that will be done and what services one desires are all things to take into consideration when deciding on an IP phone. VOIP service providers offer a lot of different packages from pay-per-minute plans to those with unlimited domestic and even international calling to selected countries. While the unlimited plans often look enticing, consider if they really are worth it with regular rates as cheap as they often are.
Check the latest reviews before going with any provider. Rates, call quality and service all should be considered. Call quality is often as good and is even sometimes better than traditional landlines but can vary with the provider and internet connection. Service can range from excellent to virtually non-existent depending on the provider.
IP phones can be a great way to savings while offering new ways to use phones for those who carefully consider all the options. Do careful research and review what is available and take advantage of all that VOIP has to offer.
