IP phone service is the next generation of telephone service. Also known as Internet phone service, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service uses the Internet, rather than telephone lines, to relay phone calls. VoIP technology converts voice from analog to digital then back to analog between you and the receiver. IP telephone service sounds just like you are using a regular phone. When using VoIP, you must use a special digital phone, or the Internet service 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 an Internet phone, you have to have high speed Internet (cable, T1, DSL or better). IP phone services offer the normal perks, like caller ID, voicemail, and call waiting; and most of the time these services are free. Typically VoIP telephone service comes cheaper than regular landline service because VoIP goes over the Internet, thus avoiding service charges associated with regular phone service. Home residents are not the only ones to benefit from VoIP - businesses can also receive great benefits. Of course, downsides exist when using VoIP 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 VoIP service require you to use a separate phone number, complicating things a bit. So many companies are jumping onto VoIP that it is expected to seriously adversely affect regular landline phones within a few years. |
IP Phone Service
