Is Voice Over IP Right For Me?
For those of you that don't already know, Voice Over Internet
Protocol (VoIP) allows you to make telephone calls using your
internet connection. VoIP converts your voice to a digital
signal which is sent over the internet to where you made your
call. The digital signal is converted back to an analog one when
it reaches its destination. This allows you to make calls to
anyone you want, regardless if they use VoIP.
Setting Up Your VoIP System Setting up your VoIP system is
simple. To start you need to have a broad band internet
connection. If you choose a company like Vonage for your VoIP
service you will need to buy their hardware. It is a rather
inexpensive purchase that is installed like a router; between
your computer and your internet connection. Plug in a standard
phone and you are ready to go. The VoIP phone works the same as
your traditional phone system.
What Are Some Advantages of VoIP? The big advantage is cost
savings. Since your calls are made over the net there really is
no long distance. So right away you save on long distance
charges. This is the primary reason why VoIP has become so
popular.
Another advantage to VoIP is that it can allow you to disconnect
your regular phone line. If you have broadband internet there is
no need for you to maintain a telephone line as well. VoIP frees
you from having to have this phone line. More money saved. A
secondary phone number from a different area code is also a big
advantage. With some voice over IP services you can get a second
phone number from an area code where you receive a lot of calls
form. For example, if your parents live in Toronto and you live
in New York you can get a second number with a Toronto area
code. Now your parents can call a local number to reach you in
New York. Now they save on long distance as well.
Disadvantages of VoIP. With any new technology there are some
down sides as well. Voice over IP is no exception. With some
VoIP services 911 calls are not possible. In general this is a
small issue, after all how often do you call 911. However, when
you need 911 it is really important that the service works.
VoIP is power dependant. If there is a power outage your VoIP
phone will likely not work. Although this problem also happens
with most regular cordless phones.
If your internet connection has periods of slow service this
will have a negative effect on your VoIP phone. The result will
be calls where your voice will be broken up and garbled.
It is quite likely that you will not be able to access services
you enjoy with your regular phone service. Although features
like voice mail, call waiting, call forwarding, can be obtained
with your VoIP service directory assistance will likely not
work.
You also may not be able to use your current phone number. If
you do not live in a major center it is unlikely that you will
be able to simply roll your current number over to your VoIP
service. This is the problem I currently have and is the last
stumbling block before I can go with VoIP. The only number I can
get would be for a city 4 hours away. The result would be that
anyone calling from where I live would have to call long
distance to phone me.
Anytime you have to make a decision to go with new technology
you have to way the advantages with the disadvantages. If you
can live with the few disadvantages that voice over IP currently
has you can save a lot of money on your long distance calls.