There was a dreadful time in history when the telecom regime (local phone companies) held consumers captive by charging high prices for phone service. To make matters worse, this regime would nickel and dime consumers to death for additional features like voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, and call forwarding. Not to mention their customer service or lack thereof, was and still is a horrifying experience. This long history of monopolizing the telecommunication industry has finally come to an end. It’s time for a regime change. Consumers now have an alternative - introducing VoIP.

VoIP, also known as Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that allows you to make phone calls over an existing Internet connection instead of a regular (analog) phone line. Some services that use VoIP only allow you to call other people using the same service, usually done when making PC to PC phone calls. Other services allow you to call anyone, anywhere (as long as they have a telephone number) including: local & long distance, mobile, and international numbers. This type of VoIP service allows you to use a traditional phone that plugs directly into a phone adapter.

The great thing about VoIP is that all the additional features are included in the monthly fee. These features include: unlimited local & long distance calls into the US & Canada, voicemail, call waiting, caller id, three-way, just to name a few. Most VoIP service providers typically charge between $20 and $25 dollars a month.

VoIP is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to completely redesign the entire world’s communication infrastructure. VoIP providers have already been around for several years and growing at a tremendous rate. Currently, there are over 6 million users of VoIP worldwide and that numbers is growing exponentially.

FAQ about VoIP

Can you provide me with a brief explanation of VoIP?
VoIP allows you to make phone calls over an existing Internet connection. VoIP converts a voice signal (analog) from your phone into a digital signal that then travels over the Internet to the desired location. It then converts the digital signal back to analog so the person on the other end can hear what you are saying.

How do I make a VoIP phone call?
The first step of making a VoIP phone call is to subscribe to a service. Once you sign up for service, the VoIP service provider will then send you a broadband phone adapter, which plugs directly into your internet connection. You will then have to plug your existing telephone into the phone adapter. Lastly, all you have to do is pick up the phone and dial the number.

What kind of equipment do I need to use VoIP?
You need three things in order to use VoIP: 1) A high-speed Internet connection (either cable or DSL); A broadband phone adapter (provided by the VoIP service provider); and 3) any standard (analog or digital) phone.

Is there a difference when placing a local or long distance call when using VoIP?
Not really. VoIP phone calls are made just the same way as traditional calls are made. When dialing local calls, all you have to do is dial 7 digits (555-1212) and when dialing long distance, all you have to do is dial 11 digits (1-408-555-1212).

Can I call anyone using VoIP?
Yes. You can call anyone, anywhere as long as they have a valid phone number. It can be a local call, long distance call, international call, cell phone, toll free, 911 (assuming they have E911 capability)and 411 directory assistance. Most VoIP providers will not allow calls to 900 or 976 phone numbers, nor will they accept collect calls.

What are some advantages of using VoIP?
1. Cost - Most VoIP providers charge between $20 and $25 a month.
2. Unlimited calling in the U.S and Canada.

3. All the features are included (voicemail, caller id, call waiting, 3-way, call forwarding and much more)
4. VoIP is portable. You can take the phone adapter anywhere where there is an existing Internet connection, plug it in and make calls if you were at home.
5. The ability to choose your own area code. You can live in New York and choose to have a California phone number.

Are there any disadvantages of using VoIP?
Yes.

1. If the power goes out in your home you will also lose your Internet connection, which means that your phone service will also be down. Some VoIP service providers offer a feature that allows customers to designate a forwarding number if their Internet connection goes down for any reason.

2. Not all VoIP Providers offer E911. This means that if you call 911 from your VoIP phone, it may not go to the local public dispatcher. Rather, it will get routed to an answering service first.

3. Call Quality. At certain times of the day, the call quality of phone conversations will suffer. This could be due to bandwidth sharing, or slow Internet connection.

Do I need a computer to use VoIP?
No. Although most VoIP customers do have a computer, one is not needed. The broadband phone adapter simply plugs into a router (or modem) to get a connection.

Can I use VoIP when I travel?
Yes. You can use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high speed Internet connection available and you bring your broadband phone adapter and phone with you.

How will I know if someone is calling me from a VoIP phone?
You won’t. The VoIP phone works just like a traditional phone. The quality and experience is that good.

Join the rebellion aimed at overthrowing the telecommunications industry by force. Switch to VoIP today and start saving tomorrow.

Click here for more in-depth information about voip products and services.

Michael Brito is an internet marketing consultant and freelance writer for a variety of consumer related products.

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Many people use headsets when talking to their friends and family using VOIP. VOIP stands for voice over internet protocol and it is a very inexpensive and a popular way to make phone calls from your computer or land line phone over a broadband internet connection. If you are using your computer to make phone calls, then you should definitively check out headsets for VOIP.

Benefits Of Using A Headset For VOIP
Headsets for VOIP computer calling makes it easier when on the road or at home to make free or very affordable phone calls. Headsets main benefit is that they set your hands free, enabling you to be more productive. And using a headset for VOIP is very easy! Most headsets are extremely comfortable and either fit over the head, behind the neck or is ear buds that gently fit in your ears. The difference between a cell phone headset and headset for VOIP is that a VOIP headset has a microphone RCA connector and an earphone RCA connector which is made specifically for a computers sound card. A quality headset system can dramatically improve the quality of your VOIP calls and will as well considerably reduce shoulder, back and neck strain.

Costs Of VOIP Headsets
Headsets for VOIP are extremely affordable and usually start at about $10. There are several models that are wireless if you don’t like to be connected by a cord, which makes it easier for you to walk around your room or office. Keep in mind that wireless headsets are generally more expensive than headsets connected by a cord.

Where To Buy VOIP Headsets
You can buy headsets for VOIP at all computer stores, office supply shops and online at VOIP provider shops. Ebay is also a great way to grab inexpensive headsets. Just be sure that the shipping costs are not going to cost you more than the headset! GN Netcom, Headsets.com, Jabra, Plantronics, Sennheiser and Sony are the main manufacturers of headsets and they all provide quality equipment.

What If You Do Not Want A Headset?
Headsets for VOIP are just one way to talk over VOIP. Other ways are to use a land line phone plugged into an adapter or a USB phone that plugs directly into your computer’s USB port. However, headsets for VOIP are usually the cheapest option and are the easiest to install. So if you are looking to talk over VOIP, check out headsets for VOIP, you will not regret it!

Oliver Peters invites you to visit http://voip.info-and-tips.com/ VOIP Info and Tips is the #1 resource for Voice Over Internet Protocol facts, tips and advice.

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Many of those out there are considering the best way to go, PBX versus VoIP. While there are some similarities between the two, the differences are large as well. As a business owner, you need to consider more than just which one looks like it’s the right choice. You will need to cover:

Ease of use of the system with your employees.

The costs of use of the system compared to that which you are using now.

The installation cost of the system.

The quality of the system and whether or not it will be reliable for your company’s needs.

Looking at this, there are many reasons to do a PBX versus VoIP analysis. Yet, this is also quite difficult to do. Supposed you looked throughout the internet for options. The bottom line is that whichever service the company you find is selling is going to tell you that their product is better. That doesn’t seem to help your needs for answers about PBX versus VoIP. So, now what?

Understanding Your Options

In your search for answers about which is the right choice for you, PBX versus VoIP, you will want to consider both choices. Here are some things to help you do just that:

The largest benefit of VoIP is the way in which you are charged for calling out of state/country. Because the rates are just so much lower, many businesses see the extreme value in the money aspects. Simply, in PBX versus VoIP when it comes to cost, VoIP wins hands down. The more you can save on phone calls, the more business you can get and the more profit doesn’t get flushed.

Also, VoIP allows for businesses to have a lesser expensive installation process. In most cases, you are already fairly established in what installation needs done. Most of the VoIP services simply connect through an Ethernet. Most computers, phone systems and fax machines already have this feature. It’s a matter of plugging them in.

But, in the battle of PBX versus VoIP, when it comes to wanting to be able to have extensions and other PBX related applications, you may not be able to find this through the VoIP service providers. Instead, you will need to stick with your PBX or look at other options.

Understanding The Services

It is also important to understand the services that each of these has to offer. While PBX is a system that allows you to have several connected lines through one actual public phone line, VoIP takes it through the internet. This allows for a completely different ability and product.

It is also important to note that services tend to change all the time as well. For example, through the development of new technologies, it is becoming much cheaper to install the PBX systems. While in the past, the cost of installation was so high as it allowed many small business and even some larger ones to simply look elsewhere for their needs, now they are able to fill those needs much better. PBX is becoming more affordable for these companies due to improved technology.

You can expect the battle of PBX versus VoIP to go on for a long time. There are many reasons for wanting to choose one product over the other. The best suggestion that you should take, though, is the simple one that you are able to research each company and offer thoroughly on the web to see just how well it does fit your needs. PBX versus VoIP is a question only you can ultimately answer.

David A. Williams writes for the Business Catalyst, where you can find information on Small Business Startups. You can find more articles by David on Voip at http://www.voip-pbx-service.info.

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