VoIP

WHY VoIP?

Voice Over Internet Protocol (more commonly referred to as VoIP) uses the internet for all of your Residential and/or Business internet phone needs. Internet Phone calls are made using your existing internet connection using a computer. As you can imagine using an internet connection is much more efficient and less expensive than costly phone networks and therefore VoIP service providers and Computer Phone vendors are able to offer prices that can save you thousands of dollars. 

You simply pick up your regular phone, dial a number and talk just like you would with a traditional phone service. It doesn't matter if the person you are calling has a VoIP phone or a traditional phone service as this is all taken care of by your VoIP provider. Local, long distance and international calls all work. 

The traditional phone lines as we know it are already obsolete. Not only are VoIP calls cheaper, but they are more efficient and will continue to offer new technology and  many new features. 

Is VoIP for suitable me? Will VoIP save me money?

To put it simple, if you have an internet connection then VoIP service will save you money. Residential phone lines are considerably more expensive tan VoIP service which typically chargers a small nominal fee and offers unlimited free internet calls.

If you need custom features  like voicemail, Caller ID, conference, music on hold, etc., VoIP service providers can provide them.

May I keep my existing phone number when switching to VoIP?

Most VSPs will allow you to keep your existing  phone number if I switch to VoIP Service. However, please check with your provider since not all of them offer this service. Usually a simple signed "Letter of Authorization" will be required by the VoIP service provider when keeping your existing phone number.
 

What is an IP phone?

It is a phone with integrated VoIP capability. There are 2 types: software and hardware. The software IP phones (aka soft phones) require a PC and either a sound card with speakers and microphone, or a compatible USB phone.
 

Should I use an Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA) or an IP phone?

An ATA will allow you to use standard analog phones for VoIP calls. While saving money, they do not have one touch feature keys (e.g. transfer, hold, etc).  IP phones provide more features that are similar to digital phones or broadband phones.

Do I need a computer for VoIP calls?

Computers are required If soft phones are used instead of physical phones or ATA devices.

What is a VoIP router and is it needed?
 

The IP phone or ATA is connected to the network via a router, In many cases IP phones and ATAs have routing capabilities built-in.

Can I surf the web during VoIP calls?

Yes. VoIP allows web browsing during VoIP internet phone calls. However, the quality of VoIP might decline if the bandwidth drops below certain limits. QoS, which is built into most VoIP routers can protect your bandwidth and quality and is preferred however is not required. This is usually not an issue with the amount of current bandwidth offered by most internet service providers. 

Can I use VoIP for all the phones in my residence?

Of course!  Both ATA devices and IP phones can be used throughout the home. Many not familiar with the industry call Residential VoIP a computer phone, but what most customers don't realize is that using your computer phone to make and receive internet calls is really cheap and in many circumstances you will be able to make free calls on your computer (which is known as Free VoIP) 

Residential VoIP 

A typical traditional phone line charges $30-$50 for unlimited calls where Residential VoIP internet phone lines (or computer phone) you can be as low as $7-$15 per month for unlimited free internet calls. For those who make international calls the savings will be even greater. 

Business VoIP

Businesses who use VoIP may see the most savings. While Business VoIP will save companies of any size serious money, most businesses will see saving from hundreds to thousands of dollars each month. 

See our chart below to see how VoIP Internet Phones work.