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Answers to Your Most Common Questions about VoIP

People are intrigued by VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Many of the forums, VoIP internet groups, VoIP customer service etc. receive some questions that are common among prospective VoIP users. Here are answers for those frequently asked questions (FAQ).

What is VoIP?

VoIP stands for voice over internet protocol. These are voice calls routed over internet networks using the internet protocol. IP serves as the base of the internet on which all internet applications like website pages, emails, instant messages etc. reside.

How reliable is VoIP service?

The short answer is" VoIP is less reliable than the landline phone. VoIP is relatively newer technology and so there is still a lot of ongoing research and development to improve the reliability of VoIP. Whenever there is a disruption of the broadband internet connection, the VoIP service will be negatively affected. If there is a power outage, then there will be no VoIP service. Installing a UPS (Universal Power Supply) will solve this problem by ensuring uninterrupted supply of power.

What is the cost of VoIP?

VoIP is definitely cheaper than a landline phone. This is the most attractive feature. If VoIP were not considerably cheaper than the landline, then VoIP would be non-existent! Typically, if you purchase VoIP from your broadband internet provider, then it will be much more inexpensive.

What are the items you need in order use VoIP?

You need the following things to use VoIP:

- Internet service: Preferably a broadband connection is needed. Dial-up connection will allow you to use VoIP but the quality will be very poor.

- VoIP Software: This will allow the computer to make calls through the modem connection to the internet.

- Adapter: This is needed only if you want to convert the home phone to make VoIP calls.

Can one surf the internet while using the VoIP phone?

Yes.

Can one use the current phone number after switching to VoIP?

Yes.

How secure is the VoIP service?

VoIP is somewhat less secure compared to a landline phone. The landline phones can be tapped (wiretapped) but it requires some kind of physical access. This is a difficult process. On the other hand VoIP calls can be intercepted by network attackers (hackers) easily. Installing a network security system can minimize such risks in VoIP.

How good is the VoIP service quality?

Currently (this is year 2008), the VoIP quality is very good. Earlier it was not so good and there were constant complaints from VoIP users about dropped calls or some background noise. But these disturbances do not occur anymore as the VoIP quality has improved over the years. The credit for improved VoIP quality goes to the telecommunication companies that are constantly researching ways to improve the quality.

What makes VoIP inexpensive compared to Landline?

VoIP runs on the internet. If you already have an internet service, then VoIP is just another application like email, instant message etc. These can be distributed over the internet for free.

Why are some VoIP services free and some cost money?

Ahh! Good question. The answer for the previous question makes it appear like VoIP should always be free! But that is not the case. If the VoIP call is made from one computer to another, then it is free. But usually, people want to make phone calls to landline phones and cell phones and in such cases the VoIP companies have to pay access fees to those other phone carriers. This is the reason why there is some cost to VoIP service.

Which VoIP service provider should be used?

It depends on your necessity. There are VoIP providers that offer per minute rates and there are those that are flat rates. If you make very few calls, then it may be best to use a per minute service otherwise the flat rate plan is better. There are many other features that are offered, which can increase the VoIP charges. If you don't need those extra features, then it is best that you don't purchase such service packages.

This is an oversimplified explanation of choosing a VoIP service provider. Choosing a provider requires a lot of research and a detailed description is out of scope for this article. It is highly recommended that you research the internet with keywords like "how to choose a VoIP provider", "choosing VoIP service provider" etc. to get more details about how to choose a VoIP service provider.

Can emergency numbers be called using VoIP?

The question is whether the emergency service provider can determine your address from the phone call without the caller mentioning the street address. Currently, the 911 number in the US and the 112 number in the European Union are supported by VoIP. i.e., there are alternative ways wherein the emergency service provider can determine the street address from the phone call itself. The VoIP user has to register the address associated with the VoIP phone on the internet and so whenever a call is made from the VoIP phone, the address from the internet site is displayed to the emergency staff.

This FAQ provides some basic information and clarity about VoIP. VoIP is an emerging technology and there are lots of money spent by all major telecommunication companies for research and development in order to improve the quality and reliability of the VoIP service. The best of VoIP is yet to come.

Article Source: http://articlesltd.com

Not only does Ryan love writing about VoIP, he also runs a site called Monthly Content where internet marketers are provided with all the PLR content, MRR content, Articles and Internet Marketing Training that they need to be successful.

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