| Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a | | | | Some companies charge for a long distance call to |
| technology increasing in popularity among | | | | a number outside your calling area, similar to |
| consumers, thanks in no small part to the | | | | existing telephone service while others permit you |
| increased use of broadband internet technology. | | | | to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number |
| VoIP allows you to use your existing broadband | | | | of minutes. Since this is just a rough estimate, be |
| internet connection to make telephone calls | | | | sure to check with some recommended VoIP |
| instead of using a standard phone line. Some VoIP | | | | providers and compare their costs and the |
| companies only allow you to call other people that | | | | features they offer. |
| also have the same setup as you. However, the | | | | Choosing Your Own Phone Number or Keeping an |
| better companies allow you to call anyone you | | | | Existing One |
| want, regardless of what type of phone they're | | | | Some VoIP providers may allow you to choose |
| using on their end. That includes long distance and | | | | your phone number. If not, some may offer you |
| international calls and can even include many of | | | | the chance to use an area code different from |
| the add-on features you have to pay extra for | | | | the area in which you live. That way, you won't |
| when using your regular phone-features like call | | | | pay any long distance charges if you call a |
| waiting, caller ID, call block, call forwarding, | | | | number that's in your chosen area code, regarless |
| voicemail, etc. | | | | of if you actually live in that area code or |
| What's even better is that now, you don't even | | | | somewhere else. But it also means that people |
| have to sit at your computer (which was the | | | | who call you may incur long distance charges |
| case in the past). With many VoIP services, you | | | | depending on their area code and service, so you |
| can purchase a special adapter that will allow you | | | | should take into account your typical calling |
| to use your regular phone with the VoIP service. | | | | patterns when making this decision. You can also |
| And if that's not an option, you can purchase | | | | transfer an existing phone number if you'd like to |
| special VoIP-compatible phones, either online or | | | | keep the number you already have. |
| through your local electronics store, that look and | | | | Advantages of VoIP |
| feel just like your regular phone but that work | | | | Because VoIP is digital, it may offer features and |
| through your broadband internet connection. | | | | services that are not available with a traditional |
| What Kind Of Equipment Do You Need | | | | phone. In addition, if you already have a high |
| First, you'll need to have a broadband internet | | | | speed internet connection, it may be cheaper to |
| connection. This can be any high speed Internet | | | | switch to VoIP, allowing you to have the same |
| connection such as those offered through the | | | | features you have with your regular phone |
| cable company via cable modems or phone | | | | service but at reduced cost. You may also be |
| company via DSL or fiber optics. Unfortunately, | | | | able to use your VoIP service whenever you |
| dial-up connections don't have the capacity to | | | | travel, as long as you have a high speed Internet |
| support VoIP calls, so this requirement is a | | | | connection and a computer you can make calls |
| must-have. You'll also need either an inexpensive | | | | from, allowing you to remain in contact when |
| microphone to hook up to your computer (if you | | | | abroad as if you were actually at home. Finally, |
| want to make calls from your computer) or a | | | | with many VoIP companies, you can talk for as |
| phone that's compatible with your VoIP provider's | | | | long as you want with any person in the world (as |
| service (to make calls from a "normal" phone). | | | | long as they're connected to the Internet). |
| Overall Cost Compared to Your Current Phone | | | | Next Steps to Get Started Using VoIP |
| Service | | | | If you're interested in getting more information on |
| The cost varies depending on the service plan | | | | VoIP or checking out various services, you can do |
| you get and the service provider, kind of like | | | | much of your research right on the Internet. Most |
| mobile phone services vary. But in general, expect | | | | of the larger companies have websites and often |
| to pay around $15 - $20 per month, which will | | | | times run specials to attract new customers. This |
| usually include a certain number of minutes and | | | | can be a great way to try out VoIP to see if it's |
| and most of the other add-on features like call | | | | something you'd like to hold on to. There are also |
| waiting, caller ID and such. For a little more ($25 - | | | | several sites online that provide information and |
| $35), you will probably be able get the same type | | | | recommendations on various VoIP providers. |
| of plan but with unlimited minutes. | | | | |