What Is VOIP?

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What Is Voip?

V.O.I.P. stands for Voice over Internet Protocol.  It is a technology that allows transmission of voice calls over the internet instead of the regular phone lines.  “Internet Protocol” was originally designed for data transfer, but due to its success, voice transfer was adapted to the same technology.  With the use of VoIP phones, one can make local and international calls to another person using the same service.  Old phones may also be used if you connect it to a VoIP adapter.

VoIP service requires minimal investment on equipment.  You only need a computer, an adapter for traditional phones, or a specialized VoIP phone.  Add to that a reliable broadband or high-speed internet connection, and you’re ready to make phone calls.  VoIP services allow conversion of your voice into digital signals to pass through the internet.  If you’re calling a traditional phone, the digital signal is converted to a regular phone signal before somebody on the other end picks up the phone.  VoIP can also be used via wireless networks in hotspots known as “wifi” areas, like malls, airports, and cafes.

VoIP calls became widely popular because of its cost advantage over traditional phone calls.  Most people are charged a monthly flat rate plus per-minute rate on long distance for traditional phones.  On the other hand, most VoIP services only charge a monthly flat rate bundled with broadband internet service.  This means local and international calls are treated the same on the VoIP network.  No per-minute charges are involved, which result to bigger savings.  Plus there are more services that the VoIP network can offer, which may be absent on traditional phone networks, or may be availed for additional fees.

It’s not all good for VoIP networks though.  Some services are down during power outages, and not all VoIP networks can connect directly to emergency numbers like 911.  Directory assistance, a generic feature of most traditional phone networks, may also not be available on some VoIP networks.  So it all boils down to the services you need and the cost you’re willing to take for your communication needs.

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