If you love to talk on the phone, here's good news: You can now make local and long-distance calls for free! How? Through VoIP! Here's all you need to know about VoIP, without any technical terms to make your head ache.
What is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice-over Internet Protocol. It means that you use your Internet connection to send your voice to anywhere in the world.
This is similar to using MSN Messenger or Yahoo Messenger, where you type on your computer and your friend on another computer receives it instantly.
How is VoIP different from MSN or Yahoo Messenger?
One difference is that instead of typing on your keyboard, you talk on your microphone and your friend hears you on his or her earphone, instantly. Also, while Yahoo already offers voice, you can only talk to friends who also have a computer and have the same program loaded in their computer.
VoIP lets you call a friend on a regular phone. VoIP also lets you talk on the Internet without a computer.
How do I make free calls with VoIP?
You can make free calls if:
- you and your friend use your computer to talk, and
- you are using the same VoIP program on your computer.
How do I save money with VoIP?
Compared to your regular phone company, VoIP charges you much less for your long-distance and mobile phone calls. That's because they use your existing Internet connection to receive your phone call and send it to the person you are calling.
Also, features like call waiting, call forwarding, call barring, conference calls, user ID and other paid phone features are usually free on VoIP.
The call rates differ with different providers, though. Call prospective companies to find out their rates.
What is a VoIP service provider?
These are the companies that receive your phone calls through the Internet and transfer them to regular phone lines so your friends without VoIP can receive your calls.
So I can call friends even if they have no VoIP?
Absolutely. They will receive it like a regular call on their regular phone.
Can they call me too?
Yes. They simply dial your VoIP number, which looks just like a regular phone number, and your computer or VoIP phone will ring to let you know somebody is calling.
Your incoming calls are free. Your friends will be charged by their phone company in just the same way that they will be charged if they called a regular phone.
What is a VoIP phone?
It is a phone with a modem and software installed inside so that you can connect to your Internet directly and make online calls without turning on your computer.
Does a VoIP phone sound as clear as a regular phone?
Yes - if your Internet connection is good. Most companies require a speed of at least 100 kbps. The recommended speed is 250 kbps or faster. A reputable company will never install VoIP on a dial-up connection.
Can I choose my VoIP phone number?
It depends on your service provider. Some will let you:
- choose your phone number
- keep your old number
- even choose your area code! (This is great if your business clients or family all live in a different state. This will let them call you and be charged as if they were making a local call. On the other hand, if your neighbors call you, they will be charged long distance.)
Can I get rid of my regular phone line?
Technically, yes, because VoIP only needs your Internet connection.
However, keep in mind that if you use VoIP to call 911, they will not be able to track your location automatically, as when you are using your regular phone. The connection of VoIP to 911 is also rather unreliable. If you get rid of your regular landline, use your mobile phone to call 911.
Also, your VoIP will not work in a power outage. But then again, your regular phone might not either.
Can I use my Internet on the computer while calling on my VoIP phone?
Yes, although it may affect your connection speed, which will affect the sound quality of your call.
What do I need to use VoIP?
- a high-speed Internet connection
- a VoIP service provider
- a VoIP phone, or a computer with a headset, or a regular phone with a VoIP adapter
Is VoIP for me?
- Are you always online anyway?
- Do you make many long-distance or mobile phone calls?
- Would you or people important to you benefit from your having a phone number with an area code different from where you actually live?
- Do you want to get phone features like caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, conference calls or call barring for free?
If you answer “yes” to two or more of these questions, VoIP is probably for you.
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