The Power of VoIP

Consumer Information | VoIP Service

By now you’ve seen all sorts of commercials and ads for the different VOIP programs that are out there. Who hasn’t seen at least one Vonage commercial while watching television? It’s very likely that you know at least one or two people who have chosen to use VOIP technology instead of the traditional phone services invented by Alexander Graham Bell. More and more often people are turning to VOIP as a cost effective alternative for keeping in touch. The fact is that VOIP is a powerful option for those who want extra features for less money and more convenience!

What is VOIP?

What is VOIP anyway? VOIP is an acronym that stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. What does that mean? There are plenty of technical manuals that you can read that will spell out the specifics of audio protocol and data storage, but the basics are these: VOIP takes analog audio signals (the same signals sent via telephone wire) and turns them into digital data which is then sent over the internet to another converter that turns the signal back into an analog signal and delivers it to the person you are talking to. This is how VOIP users can talk on the phone to people who are not VOIP users. The digital signal takes up less space than the analog, which means the communication happens faster than it does during regular phone calls.

What are my VOIP options?

When it comes to using VOIP there are a few user options available. Many people choose a device called an ATA (analog telephone adaptor). This is a device that acts as a translator between your regular telephone and your internet connection. You simply plug one end into your phone and the other into your internet source and then continue making calls as usual! Another option for people who want to switch to VOIP is an IP Phone. The IP Phone looks exactly like a regular phone but it connects to your internet router with an Ethernet cable. Finally, for those who don’t want to bother with special equipment, VOIP calls can be sent from computer to computer. This is the easiest way to use the technology and it is definitely the cheapest option. All you need is a microphone, speakers and a sound card and you can chat away!

What are the Cost Advantages to VOIP?

With the economy spiraling out of control, it is completely understandable that your household budget is under some scrutiny. The fact is, VOIP is quite a bit cheaper than most of the “regular” phone and calling plans that are available. In fact, in some cases, VOIP service is free for those who choose to make calls with their computers!

Even for those people who want to keep using their regular telephones (or an IP phone) VOIP is definitely more cost effective than most of your traditional phone services. In fact, if you have a broadband connection to the internet, you can eliminate your home phone line completely! Many of the services that come in your VOIP package are “extras” on a traditional phone service. Even better, you can access your VOIP from anywhere with your computer, which means you can cut down on the amount of time you spend on your cell phone while you are traveling. International calling is also much less expensive with VOIP than a regular phone line. If you make international calls on a regular basis, using VOIP could save you hundreds of dollars!

3 Hints to Help You Choose a VOIP Service

So now that you know how great VOIP service is, and how much better it is than traditional phone service, how do you choose a service? Here are some hints to help you chose the VOIP service that best meets your needs:

1. First, ask yourself what you need the most from your VOIP provider. There are plenty of companies out there that will try to “wow” you with extra features, but they might not have the features you actually need. What is most important to you? The best way to figure this out is to ask yourself why, exactly, you are choosing to use VOIP instead of traditional phone service.

2. Do your research. Do a search on each company you are thinking about using. Look for independent reviews of their services. Contact the better business bureau to find out if there have been any complaints made about the company.

3. Look into its 911 service. The better companies will have their 911 switchboards fully staffed and operational. The 911 dispatch offered by VOIP has had a few kinks to work out, so make sure that the company you want to use has a 911 dispatch that can truly help you if you ever encounter an emergency.

What about Porting Your Phone Number to Your VOIP Service?

Does switching to VOIP mean that you have to change your phone number? Not necessarily! Each VOIP service provider has different rules and methods for porting a phone number from a “regular” service to a VOIP service. Check with your chosen VOIP provider before signing up to make sure that the porting process goes smoothly.

The only problem most people have encountered is when they port their phone number to one VOIP service and then try to port the number to a different VOIP service. In fact, it is much better to port your traditional phone service phone number to your VOIP service than to get a new, VOIP-provided, phone number. This is because you don’t own VOIP phone numbers the way you do traditional phone numbers. Legally, a “regular” phone number belongs to you, but you need to make sure you are aware of the laws regarding porting a telephone number in your area and check with your VOIP providers before switching services.

How do VOIP Costs Compare to Current Phone Service Providers?

In terms of home phone service, unlimited long distance within the Continental US, here are the lowest rates offered the major VOIP providers:

Vonage: $14.99
Via Talk: $9.95
Zingotel: $19.95
Joi Phone: $17.95
VOIP: does not offer unlimited calling within the Continental U.S.

Here are the same costs from the major regular phone service providers. These are the monthly rates offered via each company’s website. Make sure to check your local providers for discounts that might be available in your area.

AT&T: $32.99
Cincinnati Bell: $39.99
Qwest: $20.00 added on to whichever local calling plan you choose
Comcast: $29.99
Verizon: $49.99

Traditional service is quite a bit more expensive than VOIP service!

In the end VOIP is the next generation in telephone service. With more and more people switching over to communicating via the internet (e-mail, instant messaging, video chat, etc); VOIP is the next natural step! After all, why pay for separate internet and phone lines when you can simply hook your phone up to your internet connection? You don’t have to worry about changing phone numbers as most VOIP providers will import your current number. VOIP providers also offer plenty of other additional features like money back guarantees, call waiting, voice mail, call forwarding etc. Of course, probably the best benefit of using VOIP is the money you’ll save every month!