Overview

Internet Voice or Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line. Some services using VoIP may only allow you to call other people using the same service, but others may allow you to call anyone who has a telephone - including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. Also, while some services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, other services allow you to use a traditional phone through an adapter.
VoIP means connected workforces-mobile sales teams, at-home workers, branch offices and HQs-seamlessly integrated within a single communications environment that delivers advanced applications to users, no matter where they are. It means higher productivity, faster decision-making and lower costs.

How VoIP Works

VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that travels over the internet. If you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is then converted back at the other end. Internet Voice can allow you to make a call directly from a computer. If you make a call using a phone with an adaptor, you'll be able to dial just as you always have, and the service provider may also provide a dial tone. If your service assigns you a regular phone number, then a person can call you form his or her regular phone without using special equipment.

VoIP FAQ

What kind of Equipment do I need?

o A broadband Internet connection is required to make VoIP calls.
Some services allow you to use a regular telephone, as long as you connect it to an adaptor. Some companies allow you to make calls form a computer or a VoIP phone that doesn't require an additional adapter. If you are calling a regular telephone number, the person you are calling does not need any special equipment, just a phone.

If I have VoIP service, whom can I call?

o Depending upon your service, you might be limited only to other
subscribers to the service, or you may be able to call any phone number, anywhere in the world. The call can made to a local number, a mobile phone, a long distance, or an international number.

What are some advantages of VoIP?

      A major advantage of VoIP and Internet telephony is that it avoids the tolls charged by ordinary telephone service. When you are using Public Switched Telephone (PSTN) line, you typically pay for the time you use: The more time you stay on the phone the more you'll pay. And you generally don't have the option of talking with more than one person at a time (or you can, but at increased cost). With VoIP, you can talk all the time with any person you want (the requirement is that the other person has an internet connection), with no regard to distance, and you can talk with many people at the same time. Also, at the same time, you can exchange data with people are you talking with, sending images, graphs and videos.

      There are significant financial savings on running VoIP on the network itself. One infrastructure carrying both data and voice, provided by one supplier, can be managed, maintained and upgraded much more efficiently than two separate networks for voice and data. More importantly while each network has its own value, that value is maximized when the two systems are consolidated. Computer applications and communications technologies can be intelligently linked to streamline the working environment.

      VoIP allows businesses to integrate their telephone, fax, e-mail and other applications to capitalize on the benefits of unified messaging. Such a system can eradicate unnecessary interruptions while ensuring individuals always receive information in the most convenient format wherever they are in the world.

      VoIP system can be used to support flexible working practices, whereby members of staff work from home or in dispersed, 'virtual' teams. Using the VoIP network, team members can see when their colleagues are logged on to the LAN or using the telephone. VoIP offers improved bandwidth capabilities and makes video-conferencing a viable and cost-effective option for discussions between dispersed team workers.

      VoIP technology can contribute to an effective management strategy. The larger the businesses the more information that must be shared and using efficient communications system are particularly important. The VoIP network provides individuals with the opportunity to tap into colleagues' areas of expertise, allowing them to search according to specific criteria.

      Businesses can also use VoIP to enhance relationships with its customers. For example, converged call centers, or 'IP contact centers, allow agents to answer all customer enquiry mediums, including telephone, e-mail, fax, web call back, web chat and instant messaging. Customers appreciate the flexibility of interacting with an organization that can handle feedback from a range of different sources, and are even more inclined to do business with those who can offer an integrated response.

Is there a difference between making a local call and a long distance call?

      Some VoIP providers offer their services for free, normally only for calls to other subscribers to the service. Some VoIP providers charge for a long distance call to a number outside your calling area, similar to existing, traditional wireline telephone services. Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes.

      Your VoIP provider may permit you to select an area code different from the area in which you live. This means that if your provider charges for long distance, then charges could be based on whether you call within your area code rather than geographic area. It also means that people who call you may incur long distance charges depending on their area code and service.