What is VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It allows you to make phone calls over a data network, such as the internet. VoIP converts your voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that travels over the internet then converts it back at the other end so that you can speak with anyone with a regular phone.

What kind of equipment do I need?

An essential part of VoIP is a broadband connection, also knows as a high speed internet connection. This is required for anyone who is using VoIP. This connection can be found through a cable modem, or a high speed service such as DSL. You can either hook a phone up to your personal computer or you can connect a phone through the telephone adaptor.

What is the difference between making local calls and long distance calls?

The difference is dependant upon your broadband phone service provider. Some providers offer free calls to other subscribers within your service. Other providers may charge an additional fee. Some broadband phone providers may charge for long distance calls, others may have a flat rate or a fixed number of minutes. It is all dependant on which plan you obtain from the VoIP provider.

Your provider may also allow you to choose an area code different from the one in which you live in. This means that you may not acquire any long distance charges if you call a number within your area code. No matter the actual geographical position in which you live.

What are the main advantages of broadband phone services?

One of the advantages of broadband phone service is that digital phone offers many additional features that a traditional phone is not equipped to offer. If you have a broadband internet connection, there is no need to pay the additional cost for a line just to make phone calls.

A second advantage to broadband phone service is that you can talk to people around the world for as long as you want if they have an Internet connection. Also you can talk with multiple people at the same time without any additional cost.

A third advantage to switching to a broadband phone provider is it may significantly decrease the cost of your phone bill.

Can I use multiple phones with my VoIP service?

Yes you can use multiple phones with your service. One option you have is some services allow you to hook your VoIP connection through your traditional phone lines running throughout your house. Another option is to purchase multiple jack extension to hook up more than one phone to a single VoIP line.

Can I keep my existing phone number?

Yes. Your phone number can be transfered from your old phone company to your new phone company. When you sign up for VoIP service make sure you check for this option. The transfer usually takes about 20 days to process.

Will the VoIP phone line sound the same as my normal Phone Number?

Yes. Millions of dollars have gone into research and development by VoIP providers to ensure the best quality service possible. Providers are making certain that the phone quality is indistinguishable from your regular phone line. Most internet customers are not able to tell the different between their old phone lines and their new VoIP phone lines. Occasionally you may experience some difficultly with your internet line because it is based on your internet connection. This occurrence is extremely rare and customers usually experience an extremely small amount of downtime and interference.

Will VoIP save me money?

Yes! You may save a considerable amount of money over your traditional phone service. Generally, VoIP is much cheaper than conventional phone services. This is because of current government legislation tends to favors Internet phone companies over traditional phone line companies. As technology continues to grow and become more conventional, prices are expected to fall.