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Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that
converts the voice
signal from your telephone into a digital signal that travels over the Internet.
The signal is then converted back at the other
end.
What Kind of
Equipment Do I Need?
You need a broadband
internet connection and 2 pieces of hardware that you can purchase for under $100 including,
Many
VoIP service providers are compatible with
VoIP phone adapters that connect directly to your regular telephone. Some companies
require that you make calls using a computer software or their proprietary
(locked)
phone adapter. The best approach is to only use VoIP providers that let you use your own
phone adapter that are unlocked and can be
configured to their service.
If you are not pleased for any reason with their service, you can switch to another
provider instantly.
In general,
PC to Phone software applications do not generate the quality of a call that VoIP phone
adapters do.
What affects the quality
of my phone call using VoIP?
The speed of you broadband
internet connection affects the quality of your phone call. In general, you need to
have at least a 90 kbps upload speed from your Cable/DSL internet service
to get a good quality call. You can test your connection speed using several free services.
Two you can try are
Dsl Reports Tool and
Bandwidth.com
Also, if you frequently download large files from the internet with your computer,
this may reduce the quality of a call while you are downloading files.
.
What Are Some
Advantages of VoIP?
Because VoIP is digital,
it may offer features and services that are not available with a traditional phone. If
you have a broadband Internet connection, you need not maintain and pay the additional
cost for a line just to make telephone calls. Most monthly unlimited use
VoIP phone plans
are under $25 per month. Many include calls outside the continental US.
Does My
Computer Have to be Turned On?
Not if you are making
calls with a phone adaptor, but your broadband Internet
connection needs to be active. You can also use your computer while talking on
the phone.
Is There a
Difference Between Making a Local Call and a Long Distance Call?
It depends on what your plan you have with your VoIP provider.
Some
VoIP providers charge a flat monthly fee for unlimited calls. Others
charge strickly by the minute. You can even configure phone adapters to send and receive
free calls with limitations. Be sure to compare different providers pricing for the
most economical plan based on your normal monthly useage.
Can I Take My
Phone Adapter with Me When I Travel?
You are able to use
your
phone adapter anywhere on the planet wherever you travel as long as you
can access a broadband Internet connection. In that case it would work the same as in
your home.
Does the FCC
Regulate Internet Voice?
The Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) has worked to create an environment promoting competition
and innovation to benefit consumers. Historically, the FCC has not regulated
the Internet or the services provided over it.
Additional
Considerations
If you’re considering
replacing your traditional telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible
considerations you should be aware of:
Some VoIP services don’t
work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power;
VoIP providers may or
may not offer directory assistance/white page listings.
You cannot access
911 service
from many VoIP services at present.
Recommendations:
- If you don't have a cell phone, obtain a prepaid or
emergency-use cell phone in the event of power outage or emergency.
- Have your phone number listed using
List Yourself, if needed.
- Access free directory assistance toll-free at
Free411.
- Avoid "locked" adapters - when purchasing used or refurbished phone adapters, be sure they are unlocked.
Service providers like Vonage, Lingo and Packet8 sell "locked" adapters that can only be used with their
serivce (similar to wireless carriers phones). You can also try simple unlocking instructions if you
have a Linksys PAP2 phone adapter, for more info see
FreeVoipNews.com.
Where to Go
for Additional Information and Assistance
For further information
about VoIP, please visit the FCC’s VoIP home page at
www.fcc.gov/voip. For further
information about VoIP and 911 services see the FCC’s Consumer Advisory at
www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/voip911.html.
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VoIP How it Works
