What’s the Hype about VoIP?

Why the excitement about voice over Internet Protocol? Should I care? How will it affect me, my business, my costs?

These are just a few questions the man in the street is asking since February 2005 when VoIP burst onto our newspapers, TVs and radios. To many the answers are immaterial. If you don’t already have a fast, broadband Internet connection at work or at home, VoIP is currently not within your reach. But for those who have broadband, understand there may be some cost savings, quality improvements and access improvements, VoIP is already being quickly snapped up as a very preferable service to existing fixed-line telephones. Let’s look at some basics:

What is VoIP/Internet Voice?

VoIP allows you to make telephone calls using a computer network, over a data network like the Internet. VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone 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 phone 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 Call?

Depending on the service, one way to place a VoIP call is to pick up your phone and dial the number, using an adaptor that connects to your existing high-speed (broadband) Internet connection. The call goes through your local telephone exchange to a VoIP provider. The phone call goes over the Internet to the person you called 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 modem.

What Kind of Equipment Do I Need?

A broadband (high speed Internet) connection is required. This can be through a modem, or high speed services such as ADSL or a local area network. You can hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer and send your voice through a modem or connect a phone directly to a telephone adaptor.

Is there a difference between making a Local Call and a Long Distance Call?

Some VoIP 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 VoIP providers charge for a long distance call to a number outside your calling area, similar to an existing, traditional fixed-line telephone service. Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes.

If I have VoIP 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 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 Internet Voice?

If you're considering replacing your traditional telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible differences:

• Some VoIP services don't work during power failures
• Not all VoIP services connect directly to emergency services
• VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance/white page listings.

Can I use my Computer While I talk on the Phone?

Yes

Can I Take My 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.

Does my Computer Have to 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 VoIP phone Call?

It will ring like any other call.

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by Greg Hatfield, General Manager, VoIS Solutions, Internet Solutions [www.is.co.za]