Should You Dump Your Old, Expensive Phone Service?

In a traditional phone system, analog audio signals are sent through fiber optic telephone lines to the traditional telephone companies, where they are converted into the voice that you hear.  With a VoIP phone system, analog signals get converted into digital packets, which are then transmitted over the Internet and then distributed to a telephone exchange for the completion of the call.

Actuallly, you already make calls on the IP network if you make international calls, as they are frequently routed through the IP infrastructure due to the lower cost. 

VoIP phone services offer a tremendous range of digital features not always available in conventional phone systems, such as: voice mail caller ID, conference music while on hold, conference calling, call filtering, and call blocking.  Plus, you can receive voicemails into an email inbox or web page.
 
You can also do seriously advanced things such as selecting multiple new inbound area codes, which lets you create an assumed presence showing a different city.  You can also use this to provide a local calling number for your family and friends.  You can even make video phone calls if your PC has a digital camera, as well as use online chat while you’re talking on the phone.

VoIP service providers typically have lower monthly fees than traditional phone companies, especially for long distance and international calls.  Plus, you have the ability to take your phone number with you whenever you travel and have access to a high speed Internet service.

In fact, many telephone companies and Internet service providers are currently expanding to provide VoIP phone services.  The most well known of these is Skype, although Verizon and other large conventional carriers are also getting on the VoIP bandwagon.

Today, there are many VoIP phone plans available that enable you to make unlimited long distance calls as well as provide plans with very inexpensive domestic and international calling rates.  These plans typically include many of the features that you pay extra for with a traditional phone service, such as: call blocking, call waiting, call forwarding, conference calls, and voice mail.  This is one more way a VoIP phone service can save you money.

With their growing popularity and acceptance, a VoIP telephone service is definitely worth considering.
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Another name for phones that use VoIP technology, instead of a conventional phone line, is “Ethernet hard phone”.  Basically, an Ethernet hard phone looks like a conventional telephone.  However, instead of having a normal phone jack, it has an Ethernet port instead.  The Ethernet port communicates with a VOIP server, gateway, or another VOIP phone.  Because this type of phone uses its own VOIP server, it doesn’t need to be directly connected to a PC in order to make calls.
 
This type of VoIP phone can be used so long as an Internet connection is available.  This is one reason why many businesses that have reliable Internet connectivity have switched their office phones over to VoIP phones.  It saves money and is more efficient because the number of phones is not limited by the number of available phone lines.
 
When talking about residential VoIP, it refers not to the physical phone but to the software program.  At you residence, VoIP software can be downloaded and used with a VoIP phone to make calls.  You can even use a regular phone if you purchase and adapter to connect it to your PC.  Or, you can buy a VoIP phone.  Another way to go is use a headset with a microphone.  You should note that  making VoIP phone calls using your computer requires you to talk to someone who also has a VoIP system.  That is, unless you have one of the newer systems from companies such as Linksys, which have models that, using a special base unit, allow you to make calls without being connected to your computer.

Another option is to use a Wi-Fi phone, such as is used by Vonage.  These work the same way that a lap top works with a wireless “hot spot”.  They require a wireless Internet connection in order to work.  These are particularly useful in that you can make phone calls while traveling, instead of using your cell phone.

These are all good options for VoIP phones.  Which is best for you depends on if you are an individual or a business, how many features you need, how much of your calling is long distance and international, etc.

With the growing number of choices now available, it’s important to do your research and select the VoIP service best for you.