| VoIP, also known as Voice over Internet Protocol, | | | | free features already established with traditional |
| is a new technology that utilizes the routing of | | | | phone plans, such as Call Waiting, Caller ID, |
| voice conversations over the Internet. Basically, | | | | Voicemail and more. |
| individuals can now use their broadband Internet | | | | There are other advantages as well. For example, |
| connections to place phone calls rather than using | | | | because of the convergence between your VoIP |
| their traditional phone lines. Ideally, the sound | | | | phone service and the Internet, some providers |
| quality is the same as that of a standard | | | | will even allow you to receive Voicemail messages |
| telephone line and therefore the people on the | | | | as email attachments. Also, if you have a cable |
| other end of the phone call will never know the | | | | broadband connection, you may be able to keep |
| difference. | | | | your current telephone number as well. |
| The technology, though complex, is quite direct. | | | | Signing up for a VoIP plan is actually quite simple. |
| The VoIP provider takes the regular, analog voice | | | | Really, all you need is a broadband Ethernet |
| conversations and converts them into data that | | | | connection such as DSL or cable, any touch-tone |
| can then be sent across the Internet using a | | | | phone (corded or cordless) and a credit or debit |
| high-speed broadband connection. At the other | | | | card with a U.S. billing and shipping address. Your |
| end of the call, the data is converted back into an | | | | VoIP provider will supply you with the proper |
| analog signal that the conventional telephone | | | | phone adapter upon signing up, usually at no |
| system can deliver to the person whose number | | | | additional cost. As for the person on the other |
| was initially dialed. All of this is accomplished | | | | end of the call, all they need is a regular phone. |
| seamlessly while using normal telephones at both | | | | They don't need to use a VoIP service or even |
| ends. In other words, you don't have to speak | | | | have an Internet connection for the call to go |
| through your computer's microphone in order to | | | | through. |
| get the most out of VoIP services. | | | | Lastly, although VoIP calls are placed through your |
| There are many advantages to switching over to | | | | Internet connection, they will not affect your |
| a VoIP service, but the biggest one is cost. For | | | | ability to use your computer. Thus, if you wish, |
| the most part, long-distance and international calls | | | | you can continue to surf the web and send emails |
| will be significantly less expensive for individuals | | | | while you're on the phone. Also, because VoIP |
| using a VoIP service rather than a traditional | | | | utilizes your Internet connection and not your |
| long-distance or international plan. Most VoIP | | | | computer, your computer does not even need to |
| service providers also offer a number of additional | | | | be turned on in order for you to place a call. |