| Unless you live in a bubble, you have | | | | voice mail features often come standard with |
| probably been hearing alot of buzz lately | | | | most VoIP plans. Another great benefit is |
| about something called Voice Over IP (VoIP). | | | | that as it currently stands (in January |
| Perhaps you have heard that you can use VoIP | | | | 2006), the Government does not apply a tax to |
| to get cheap or free long distance calling, | | | | your VoIP service, unlike the additional |
| even Internationally. The good news is that | | | | taxes and fees that are applied to your |
| this is true!VoIP, which stands for Voice | | | | standard phone bill. This can amount to a |
| Over Internet Protocol is an exciting synergy | | | | substantial savings alone, but this may only |
| between computers and telephony, but don't | | | | be a temporary benefit. As VoIP gains in |
| let that scare you. VoIP is just as easy to | | | | popularity, it is more than likely that the |
| use as any ordinary telephone. So, you have | | | | Government will find a way to tax that as |
| heard the buzz and perhaps you are curious | | | | well.Do I Need "Special Stuff"?This depends |
| about taking the plunge and getting set up | | | | on the provider, once again. One thing that |
| with VoIP service. Being so new, VoIP is | | | | you must have is an always on broadband |
| still somewhat shrouded in mystery. Help is | | | | internet connection. This means DSL or Cable |
| here! In this article we will answer several | | | | Internet, for home users. Depending on whom |
| common questions most people have about VoIP | | | | you get service with, you will likely have to |
| Service and help clear up the confusion about | | | | connect just regular phone to an adapter, or |
| the technology and how it can work for | | | | maybe purchase a special phone to use with |
| you.What Exactly is VoIP (Voice Over Internet | | | | the service. Check for specials before you |
| Protocol)? | | | | sign up, sometimes the equipment is given |
| | | | away for free to encourage you to sign up. |
| VoIP is a new technology that makes use of | | | | Regardless, the investment in hardware for |
| your broadband connection to route your | | | | home users of VoIP is very minimal, if it |
| telephone calls over the internet, rather | | | | costs you at all.Can I call 911?You need to |
| than using the traditional analog telephone | | | | check with the provider to ensure that they |
| lines. This has proven to be a very efficient | | | | do indeed provide this functionality. That |
| and cost effective way to place phone calls | | | | said, in May 2005, the US Government ordered |
| to anywhere in the world.Who Can I call? | | | | all interconnected VoIP Providers to provide |
| | | | 911 functionality to their |
| This depends upon your service provider. | | | | subscribers.Sounds... Too Good, What's the |
| There are a few different flavors of Voice | | | | Catch?Well, there is a minor catch which is |
| Over IP Service. Most of the larger VoIP | | | | that if your internet goes out, so does your |
| service providers you see advertised to the | | | | phone. This isn't usually too big of a |
| consumer market (such as Vonage, BlueSky, | | | | problem, however as most modern broadband |
| etc..) work just like your existing phone and | | | | ISPs do a great job of maintaining reliable |
| enable you to call any phone, anywhere.What's | | | | service.Where Do I Find VoIP |
| It Going To Cost? | | | | Providers?Usually, it is not important that |
| | | | you find a local provider just as long as the |
| The cost for this service varies depending | | | | provider you choose is based in the same |
| on the provider and the service plan you | | | | country. Therefore, the internet is a very |
| select. Currently, most service providers | | | | valuable resource for finding and comparing |
| have plans that cost in the $10 - $25 | | | | VoIP providers.Which one Do I choose?The VoIP |
| monthly, which is considerably cheaper than | | | | provider that you choose is a personal |
| ordinary phone service. Keep in mind that | | | | choice, as they all tend to work slightly |
| this service includes long distance calls. | | | | differently. What sounds the most feasible |
| Usually, you can choose from several plans | | | | for your setup and usage requirements is the |
| that vary in cost depending on the level of | | | | best choice for you. Do keep in mind that |
| usage you desire. Most companies also offer | | | | this is a rapidly maturing technology and |
| an unlimited plan that includes unlimited | | | | that changes are occurring all the time. You |
| long distance calls.You will also be | | | | will want to choose a company that you feel |
| plesantly surprised to find that many | | | | will be able to provide you reliable service |
| services such as caller id, call forwarding, | | | | in the future. |
| call waiting, three way calling, and even | | | | |