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Advent Of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Calls Has Turned Traditional Landline Phones Obsolete
VoIP – short for ‘Voice over Internet Protocol’ – is the method of using the internet to make and receive telephone calls. This allows you to use your internet service as your telephone provider and thus bypass the phone company’s hook-ups and also their bill. VoIP is readily available and cheaper than traditional land-line telephone service.
VoIP – short for ‘Voice over Internet Protocol’ – is the method of using the internet to make and receive telephone calls. This allows you to use your internet service as your telephone provider and thus bypass the phone company’s hook-ups and also their bill. VoIP is readily available and cheaper than traditional land-line telephone service.
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There are two basic types of VoIP service available. First is the type that is dependent on the use of a computer or smartphone app. These are usually free, but have limitations. The second type uses special hardware and network, allowing to interface with regular phones, cellphones and even with traditional land-line phone numbers. While allowing much more flexibility, they also usually incur fees.
There are two basic types of VoIP service available. First is the type that is dependent on the use of a computer or smartphone app. These are usually free, but have limitations. The second type uses special hardware and network, allowing to interface with regular phones, cellphones and even with traditional land-line phone numbers. While allowing much more flexibility, they also usually incur fees.
Free VoIP Services
There are many of these services, including perhaps the most famous – Skype. Others include: WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Google Duo and Hangouts and Viber. These require you to download and use their app on your computer or smartphone. While they are free, they have limitations. You are limited to making and receiving calls only within their network. Meaning, Skype to Skype, WhatsApp to WhatsApp, etc. You don’t get a phone number with this type of service – only a user name.
If you want a real phone number and the ability to make or receive calls from anyone, you will need some sort of paid VoIP service. Skype is sort of a hybrid service, as it offers premium services for a cost. You can buy a real phone number for a monthly cost (usually under $10 per month) and also subscribe to different usage plans – from a set amount of minutes to unlimited monthly minute plans (subscriptions are usually under $5 per month).
Paid VoIP Services
These services basically provide you a full substitute for traditional phone service. They usually include the use of special hardware that you hook-up to your internet connection and software installed on your computer of smartphone. You will get a real phone number and the ability to make and receive phone calls from anyone with any type of phone. Some of these types of service include:
– Vonage: One of the largest and established VoIP providers. They are highly ranked for their customer service, technical support and a large amount of special features. A popular plan from them is Vonage North America, with unlimited calling within the U.S. and Canada for $27 per month.
– AXvoice: This provider offers a 15 day free trial, unlimited calls within the U.S. and Canada, free hardware and activation and many special features for $6.25 per month.
– 1-VoIP: They have no contract or cancellation fees, unlimited U.S. calling and many special features for $9 per month.
Special Considerations
– While most VoIP services come with unlimited domestic calling, most charge extra for international calls. They usually offer special packages for these calls.
– Some VoIP providers offer equipment which allows you to plug in a regular land line phone.
– Most VoIP services depend on a strong and fast internet connection. You will get the best results if you have a broadband type of internet connection.
– Most VoIP services need electricity to work and will go down if you lose your electric power.
