With VOIP technology, you can now make a phone call to someone on the other side of the world using your broadband Internet connection instead of a phone. VOIP technology, in essence, takes the analog signals of your voice and converts them into digital signals capable of traveling over the Internet. Then, at the other end, VOIP converts the digital signal back into spoken word. The types of VOIP service vary.

Some VOIP providers only allow you to call other users of the same VOIP provider; Other VOIP providers allow you to call anyone with a phone. To break it down, there are three basic types of VOIP service: With an ATA (An Analog Voice Adapter), which is a box that connects your computer (or your Internet connection) to your phone for VOIP use. With an IP phone, a special VOIP phone that looks like a normal phone but with special Ethernet connectors that allow you to connect it to your router. Before long, WIFI VOIP phones will be on the market, allowing you to make a VOIP call from any Internet access point. With just your computer, you can install VOIP software and make, sometimes for free, VOIP phone calls anywhere in the world. .

Get a sound card, speakers, a microphone, and an Internet connection, preferably broadband, and you’re ready to go. Probably one of the most apparent benefits of VOIP is how it frees you from the need to pay the phone company for phone service. That’s one more bill of your life! You only need to pay your broadband bill (plus VOIP charges) to meet your phone needs as well, and a VOIP bill is usually much cheaper than a phone bill. If you take a laptop with Internet access with you wherever you go, say on vacation, then all you need to do is bring your VOIP adapter and/or IP phone and you’ll have service as good as, if not sometimes better. So, a cell phone You should also consider the downsides before you dive in and use VOIP. For one thing, your VOIP service may not respond well during power outages and server failures. If the Internet is ever interrupted, your VOIP will also be interrupted and therefore your ability to make phone calls.

Also, not all VOIP providers offer 9-1-1 calling or directory assistance. Before you buy VOIP hardware and service, make sure the VOIP company you choose provides the services you need. Interestingly, you may have been making VOIP calls for a long time without even knowing it. Telephone companies have been using VOIP technology to make their services more efficient. You can also expect most of the same features from your VOIP service provider that you currently get from your phone company. VOIP service often includes caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, call return, and other convenient features you’re used to.

Additionally, some VOIP providers offer call screening services, allowing you to choose how calls from a designated number are treated. Maybe you forward the call to a different number somewhere else, maybe the caller gets a busy signal from you or a message that your number is “no longer in service.” Some even allow you to check your voicemail over VOIP and add voicemail messages as email attachments. VOIP is a burgeoning technology with extremely promising possibilities ahead. In a short time, Ma Bell can become obsolete.