| Unless you live in a bubble, you have probably | | | | distance calls. |
| been hearing alot of buzz lately about something | | | | You will also be plesantly surprised to find that |
| called Voice Over IP (VoIP). Perhaps you have | | | | many services such as caller id, call forwarding, call |
| heard that you can use VoIP to get cheap or | | | | waiting, three way calling, and even voice mail |
| free long distance calling, even Internationally. The | | | | features often come standard with most VoIP |
| good news is that this is true! | | | | plans. Another great benefit is that as it currently |
| VoIP, which stands for Voice Over Internet | | | | stands (in January 2006), the Government does |
| Protocol is an exciting synergy between | | | | not apply a tax to your VoIP service, unlike the |
| computers and telephony, but don't let that scare | | | | additional taxes and fees that are applied to your |
| you. VoIP is just as easy to use as any ordinary | | | | standard phone bill. This can amount to a |
| telephone. So, you have heard the buzz and | | | | substantial savings alone, but this may only be a |
| perhaps you are curious about taking the plunge | | | | temporary benefit. As VoIP gains in popularity, it |
| and getting set up with VoIP service. Being so | | | | is more than likely that the Government will find a |
| new, VoIP is still somewhat shrouded in mystery. | | | | way to tax that as well. |
| Help is here! In this article we will answer several | | | | Do I Need "Special Stuff"? |
| common questions most people have about VoIP | | | | This depends on the provider, once again. One |
| Service and help clear up the confusion about the | | | | thing that you must have is an always on |
| technology and how it can work for you. | | | | broadband internet connection. This means DSL or |
| What Exactly is VoIP (Voice Over Internet | | | | Cable Internet, for home users. Depending on |
| Protocol)? | | | | whom you get service with, you will likely have to |
| VoIP is a new technology that makes use of | | | | connect just regular phone to an adapter, or |
| your broadband connection to route your | | | | maybe purchase a special phone to use with the |
| telephone calls over the internet, rather than using | | | | service. Check for specials before you sign up, |
| the traditional analog telephone lines. This has | | | | sometimes the equipment is given away for free |
| proven to be a very efficient and cost effective | | | | to encourage you to sign up. Regardless, the |
| way to place phone calls to anywhere in the | | | | investment in hardware for home users of VoIP |
| world. | | | | is very minimal, if it costs you at all. |
| Who Can I call? | | | | Can I call 911? |
| This depends upon your service provider. There | | | | You need to check with the provider to ensure |
| are a few different flavors of Voice Over IP | | | | that they do indeed provide this functionality. That |
| Service. Most of the larger VoIP service providers | | | | said, in May 2005, the US Government ordered all |
| you see advertised to the consumer market | | | | interconnected VoIP Providers to provide 911 |
| (such as Vonage, BlueSky, etc..) work just like | | | | functionality to their subscribers. |
| your existing phone and enable you to call any | | | | Sounds... Too Good, What's the Catch? |
| phone, anywhere. | | | | Well, there is a minor catch which is that if your |
| What's It Going To Cost? | | | | internet goes out, so does your phone. This isn't |
| The cost for this service varies depending on the | | | | usually too big of a problem, however as most |
| provider and the service plan you select. | | | | modern broadband ISPs do a great job of |
| Currently, most service providers have plans that | | | | maintaining reliable service. |
| cost in the $10 - $25 monthly, which is | | | | Where Do I Find VoIP Providers? |
| considerably cheaper than ordinary phone service. | | | | Usually, it is not important that you find a local |
| Keep in mind that this service includes long | | | | provider just as long as the provider you choose |
| distance calls. Usually, you can choose from | | | | is based in the same country. Therefore, the |
| several plans that vary in cost depending on the | | | | internet is a very valuable resource for finding and |
| level of usage you desire. Most companies also | | | | comparing VoIP providers. |
| offer an unlimited plan that includes unlimited long | | | | Which one Do I choose? |