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05/22/07 9:35 PM
VoIP allows you to make phone calls using
a computer network, over a data network like the Internet. VoIP
converts the voice signal from your phone into a digital signal
that travels over the internet then converts it back at the other
end so you can speak to anyone with a regular phone number. When
placing a VoIP call using a telephone with an adapter, you'll hear a
dial tone and dial just as you always have. VoIP may also allow you
to make a call directly from a computer using a conventional
telephone or a microphone.
How Can I Place a VoIP/Internet
Phone Call?
Depending on the service, one way to place a
internet call is to pick up your phone and dial the number, using an
adaptor that connects to your existing high-speed Internet
connection. The call goes through your local telephone company to a
VoIP provider. The phone call goes over the Internet to the called
party's local telephone company for the completion of the call.
Another way is to utilize a microphone headset plugged into your
computer. The number is placed using the keyboard and is routed
through your cable or DSL modem.
What Kind of Equipment
Does one Need?
A broadband (high speed Internet)
connection is required. This can be through a cable modem, or
high speed services such as DSL or a local area network. You can
hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer and send your
voice through a cable modem or connect a phone directly to a
telephone adaptor.
What Is the a
difference between making a Local Call and a Long Distance Call?
Some providers offer their services for free, normally only
for calls to other subscribers to the service. Your VoIP provider
may permit you to select an area code different from the area in
which you live. This means you may not incur long distance charges
if you call a number in your area code regardless of geography. It
also means that people who call you may incur long distance charges
depending on their area code and service.
Some broadband phone providers charge for a long distance call to a number
outside your calling area, similar to existing, traditional wireline
telephone service. Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere
at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes.
If I have broadband
service, who can I call?
Depending upon your service, you might be limited only to other
subscribers to the service, or you may be
able to call any phone number, anywhere in the world. The call can
be made to a local number, a mobile phone, to a long distance
number, or an international number. You may even utilize the service
to speak with more than one person at a time. The person you are
calling does not need any special equipment, just a phone.
What Are Some
Advantages of VOIP/Internet Voice?
Because VoIP is digital, it may offer
features and services that are not available with a traditional
phone. If you have a broadband internet connection, you need not
maintain and pay the additional cost for a line just to make
telephone calls.
With many VoIP plans you can talk
for as long as you want with any person in the world (the
requirement is that the other person has an Internet connection).
You can also talk with many people at the same time without any
additional cost.
What Are Some
disadvantages of VOIP?
If you're considering replacing your
traditional telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible
differences:
-
Some
internet phone services
don't work during power outages and the service provider may not
offer backup power.
-
Not all
broadband phone services
connect directly to emergency services through 9-1-1.
-
VoIP providers may or
may not offer directory assistance/white page listings.
Can I
use my Computer While I talk on the Broadband Phone?
Yes
Can I Take My Internet
Phone Adapter with me When I Travel?
You may be able to use your
VoIP service wherever you travel as long
as you have a high speed Internet connection available. In that case
it would work the same as from your home or business.
Must the Computer be
Turned on?
Not if you are making calls with a phone and adaptor or special VoIP
phone, but your broadband Internet connection needs to be active.
You can also use your computer while talking on the phone.
How Do I Know If I
have a Internet phone Call?
It will ring like any other telephone call.
(Source
http://www.fcc.gov/voip/)
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