Broadband Internet phone, or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), uses the Internet to make and receive phone calls rather than normal telephone lines. In a broadband phone call the analog voice data package is converted into a digital signal which travels over the Internet line and is converted back into analog on the other end. The amazing and wonderful part about using a broadband Internet connection to make a phone call is that the call is much cheaper and you still receive all the same benefits and clarity of a regular phone. Many companies are now touting broadband phone service as the future for telephones. When using VoIP you either use a special digital phone or the company will provide you with a special adaptor to attach to your ordinary phone. As with a regular phone, you pick up the receiver when you get a call or need to call someone. In order to use a broadband phone you have to have high speed Internet (cable, T1, DSL or better). Service for broadband phones offer the normal perks like caller ID, voicemail, and call waiting; and most of the time these services are free. Typically broadband Internet telephone service comes cheaper than regular landline service because VoIP goes over the Internet, thus avoiding service charges associated with regular phone service. Regular residents are not the only ones to benefit from VoIP, businesses can also receive great benefits. Besides saving money on line costs, broadband phone calls can be directed to a phone, rather than a location. This means if you have broadband service in two locations, you can take your phone with you (just as you would your mobile phone) and calls can be directed to whatever office you are in; and internal calls using your broadband phone system would still be free! Of course, downsides exist when using broadband phones. You have to deal with viruses and power outages and anything else that could happen with the Internet. Also, long distance calls are not free. Many companies which provide Internet phone service require you to use a separate phone number, complicating things a bit. All in all, as more people turn to broadband phones the services will get better and better, making Internet phone service an ever better option. |
Broadband Internet Phone
