VoIP is a great way to communicate with family and friends at a very low price. However, there are a variety of hindrances with switching to VoIP. This article goes over many of the disadvantages of VoIP, which may have experienced. Additionally, this article will explain how you can improve the quality of VoIP phone service.
Disadvantages of VoIP
Although there are many advantages of VoIP, there are also quite a few disadvantages. Below are four of the most common disadvantages of VoIP.
1. Maintaining a Dependable VoIP Internet Connection
If for any reason, you lose your internet connection, you will not have phone service. Therefore, you must use a cellular phone should this type of situation arise.
2. 911 Access
When you place a 911 call, the location cannot be immediately determined. Unlike PSTN, you must register your phone number online so that should you need to make a 911 call from your VoIP, emergency services will know your location.
3. Networks Have a Large Number of Computers Connected
If your network has a large quantity of computers connected and they are all using the internet at the same time, your VoIP quality will generally be less than desirable. One way to avoid this situation is to invest in an Ethernet.
4. VoIP Poor Quality
Audio quality is one of the largest issues. No matter what your VoIP service offers you, the basic role of any phone is voice communication. If the quality is not up to par, then there is absolutely no point to all of the bells and whistles that come with the service. If you have a lot of background noise, then a VoIP that can handle music, video, caller ID and a variety of other advanced features is practically useless. In the next section, we will address this issue more thoroughly.
Even with all of the advancements of VoIP, there are times when the audio quality suffers. Since VoIP relies completely on the internet connection, anytime the internet suffers so will the VoIP.
Six Ways to Improve the Quality of VoIP
Poor audio quality (disadvantage #4) along with dropped calls, are all complaints that user of VoIP tend to make. Below are six ways the setup of your VoIP can affect the overall quality. By following these simple steps, you can easily improve the quality of your VoIP service.
1. Internet Connection
One of the first recommendations is a high speed internet connection. There are companies which offer VoIP for dial up users. However, the connection can result in poor audio quality. Eventually, you will grow to dislike your VoIP. However, it is not the VoIP, but rather the internet connection. Even if you have DSL, there are occasions when the connection may be slow and your VoIP quality will suffer. Therefore, an Ethernet connection is highly recommended.
2. External Factors
Weather conditions, such as thunder storms, heavy rains and snowstorms can all can an increase in static on broadband lines. In some instances, simply turning rebooting the VoIP can solve the problem. Another solution to reduce the static is for the VoIP service provider to replace the cables with a higher quality cable.
3. Compression Software
The technical details of codecs are a bit too much for this article. If you would like additional information, you can go to Wikipedia. Here is a quick overview of codecs as it pertains to VoIP. When sending data, VoIP compresses it. This is simply because if the data is too large, transmission can be extremely slow and ineffective. Codec is a software program that can be used for data compression. However, a poor quality codec will lead to poor audio quality.
4. VoIP Location and Hardware
The hardware you choose for you VoIP can affect the audio quality. Most of the most important pieces of hardware is the ATA/Router. The VoIP ATA or Analog Telephone Adaptor, brings ordinary phones to the networked world. The adaptor connects a phone handset to an Ethernet adaptor and therefore connects regular, analog phones with VoIP networks. If you are looking for additional information on ATA, check out Wikipedia.
In general, ATAs should have support for security and firewall, as well as echo cancellation and compression technologies. Many technicians have discovered that certain VoIP equipment can interfere with each and possibly create feedback or buzzing noises and dropped calls. Although VoIP equipment and hardware should be places as close as possible to each other, ATA should not be placed near the broadband internet router. The audio quality can be decreased if they are placed too close together.
5. Computer Maintenance and Hardware
There are a variety of different things that can affect the quality of your VoIP service. Therefore, computer maintenance is extremely important in improving the service’s quality. Make sure that you de-fragment your computer on a regular bases. As well, make sure that you have sufficient memory for the computer and high quality microphone and speakers.
6. VoIP Phone Type/Frequency
The type of phone you have, as well as the frequency can affect the quality of your VoIP. Many people believe that the higher a phone’s frequency is, the better the quality of VoIP. However, in some instances, a lower frequency phone may fit your connection better. You may want to try a phone with a lower frequency if you are experiencing a lot of audio feedback.
Overall, VoIP is a great low cost alternative for communication. VoIP are not passing through, they are here to stay. Major corporations have done some significant research to fix the disadvantages of VoIP service, as well as improve the overall quality. With all of the improvements continually going on with VoIP, it will soon be accepted by everyone as an acceptable alternative to PSTN.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Overcoming The Disadvantages And Improving the Quality Of VoIP
Using Texas VoIP Technology for Your Business Needs
VoIP in Texas is becoming a growing trend in the recent years. Since 2004 the trend has skyrocketed not only among Texas VoIP subscribers but all around the country. Texas has and will remain to be a trend setter for the rest of the country since it is such a large state and very populated. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet protocol. VoIP allows users to have normal phone access through an internet service provider but still use regular phone networks. Which helps users avoid unnecessary long distance charges? For companies the use of VoIP is more practical than regular phones because it allows the companies to cut major costs on their phone bills.Several Texas VoIP users, especially larger companies, can gain a good advantage from the extras VoIP’s have to offer. Since almost every company uses multiple lines and VoIP’s in Texas can have more than one call going over the same connection at the same time it makes it simple for adding those multiple lines. There are several other features that companies can enjoy from VoIP providers such as conference calling, caller ID, call forwarding, and automatic redial. Normal telephone companies charge a decent amount for each of these features where VoIP subscribers pay very little to nothing for them. Also since VoIP’s are already digital it makes for getting a secure line much easier as all they have to do is encrypt the already provided data stream.Several other technology advancements are also coming into the market for Texas VoIP users. Since the VoIP phones are on the same data level as computers it opens up new possibilities for upcoming features such as call routing.As with any technology though VoIP does have a couple of downfalls especially for VoIP in Texas. Since Texas has many hurricane issues the biggest problem with VoIP is that it runs off of modems. Which in turn run off regular power so in the case of Texas VoIP users if a hurricane causes the power to go out they won’t be able to use their phones? Since normal phones don’t rely on traditional electric they are still preferred in some instances over the new technology. The other downfall is not as big but its still causes problems for some users. The fact that VoIP is hardly mobile makes some users skeptical to switch to it. However, with emerging technologies such as Wi-Fi and WiMax it’s predicted that those new technologies will allow VoIP’s to be more mobile, universal, and more widely accepted.Some Texas VoIP subscribers that are larger companies struggle with the problem of highly congested networks. Since VoIP is so easy to add lines to and expand the network it opens up the problem of momentary voice drop out and lower voice quality due to lost or delayed data packets. As technology advances though this problem will continue to diminish.
Although there are still some bugs to work out for VoIP’s in Texas, the convenience and cost effectiveness of the technology out weighs the downside for most Texas VoIP users.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
How Can VoIP Support Small Business Growth
Here’s the question …. how can you convince your management that a VoIP solution will support your small business?
The best argument for VOIP is lower communication costs … but it’s not the only reason.
I would suggest using hybrid solutions. Where the bulk of communication, voice, and video are done through VOIP …. and emergency services “fall back” in case of Internet fail is done with minimal classical PSTN solutions.
When I say VOIP from now on I mean 90 % VOIP and some minimal PSTN add-ons.
Why VOIP?
1- Lower communication costs ….
While this is basically clear it still needs to be demonstrated. Assume you have a company that most of its calls are from “overseas” to the USA and vice versa.
You need to get the cost of all such calls currently on one side …. and then compute what would be the cost in case all Intercontinental calls went through a VOIP system.
Now you have the number of calls
Probe the VoIP News and Check the VoIP Reviews
Gone are the regular phone sets! With the busy lifestyle and the need to be always abreast with everything, the consideration of initiating a cheaper but reliable communication access is most possible these days. With the advent of Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP made communication, both long distance and local calls feasible, cheaper and faster. Interested to know more about the details how VoIP works? Then, make sure to read the latest VoIP news over the net including the available VoIP reviews via the sites that offer objectives reviews in the field of technology.
So with the VoIP news that would make you more interested in setting up VoIP services? If you’re hesitant to set up VoIP service, try considering the new VoIP reviews in the All the Talk site. But first, consider how VoIP works and see if this set up is just for you.
You’ll need to have a reliable broadband connection set up before you could take advantage of the VoIP services. Commonly known as the IP Telephony services, VoIP reviews indicate that this service actually carries signals as digital audio via the speech data compression process. And as early as 1973, VoIP news sprung all over the technology field. From then on to date, there were hundreds of VoIP reviews made making VoIP topic as one of the highly regarded topic in the web. So while essential VoIP news spread all over the world, further VoIP reviews made it clear that there are other facets of VoIP services that need to improve in the course of years. Aside from the functionality of service, the quality of voice transmission and VoIP’s capability to handle emergency calls compared to a regular mobile or landline phones are probed.
In addition to such concerns, VoIP news release in March posted at All the Talk site indicate how VoIP is greatly affected with the previous business recession, the reason being is the heightened cancellation of back to back VoIP services subscriptions. Although VoIP news indicate development and earnings in the VoIP world, All the Talk site reports on one VoIP reviews that there are further developments related to VoIP and its services.
For one, All the Talk reports how the recession affects the VoIP business moving forward. According to the VoIP News published on March 26, 2008, the falling revenue in the VoIP industry made it possible for the recession to take place. This is also true for many businesses holding the use of VoIP services. Yet, there’s a growing concern if the VoIP service is here to stay or not. With the recent VoIP news, it shows that recent developments related to VoIP services include the availability of VoIP to the mobile and landline numbers. In fact, VoIP testing capabilities include having the services set up with an iPhone, a powerful Apple device that’s highly sought after by consumers globally. Lastly, some of the recent news posted on the All the Talk indicates how VoIP evolved from being a mere Internet voice service to an innovative service eyeing for a refined and clarified voice sounding performance.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (voip) in the Australian Marketplace
There is increasing awareness of of late, and understandably so. VoIP has the potential to revolutionise the way we communicate.
Much of the hype has been around residential VoIP, rather than business VoIP communications. It is crucial to understand that major differences exist between residential and business grade VoIP solutions. Relying on a residential grade VoIP service can have disastrous effects for a business, including loss of sound quality in phone calls and down time where your business’ ability to communicate may be cut off entirely. The integration of a business grade VoIP solution has many cost and efficiency benefits for Australian Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs).
The most obvious advantages of a business-grade VoIP solution are the reductions in call and line rental costs, however, there are many other significant business advantages for SMBs of all sizes to realise:
Saturday, July 24, 2010
The VoIP Service Provider: Residential VoIP Solutions for the Consumer
As technologies mature and more households gain access to high speed Internet, consumers will come to realize that it is simply more efficient and cost effective to send packets of voice over the Internet than over a point to point circuit switched land line. Long distance charges become a thing of the past, and international calls are pennies a minute if not free to some countries.
VoIP solutions are readily available to anyone with a high speed Internet connection, and the only hardware needed is an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) and a phone. For most consumers, utilizing a calling plan from a VoIP service provider is the best solution. Most VoIP service providers will provide the ATA hardware (or software) for free, and monthly charges range from free on up.
Peer to Peer VoIP
The least expensive VoIP solution would be using a computer on a peer to peer network. Offered from such VoIP service providers as Skype or the Gizmo Project, the software is free to download and calls within the network are free worldwide. Calls to PSTN numbers are charged at a low VoIP rate. Peer to Peer VoIP is a software solution, meaning that no ATA is required, and your phone is a pair of earplugs and a microphone plugged into your computer. The downside is that call quality is lacking compared to some of the hardware VoIP solutions available.
The “Pure Play” VoIP Service Provider
Over the past few years, a new generation of upstarts has introduced themselves into the residential VoIP arena. Probably the most successful (at least popularity wise) would be the VoIP service provider Vonage. Thanks to their lavish spending on advertising, the technology of VoIP is becoming mainstream, and the general public is beginning to realize that if the circumstances are right, Voice over IP can be a viable cost saving alternative to the Plain Old Telephone System (POTS).
Vonage, Packet8, and SunRocket are just a few of many companies that are pure-play VoIP service providers. They have no interest in selling you cable TV, conventional telephone service, or cellular minutes. Monthly plans range anywhere from $7.00 to $40.00 and calls are free in the U.S., Canada, and in some cases Europe. International rates vary with many countries as low as 2-3 cents a minute.
These are the companies that have pioneered residential VoIP for the consumer and with their low monthly calling plans, the companies that will keep the giants in the Telecommunications Industry honest.
Telco’s as VoIP Providers
Just as deregulation and the advent of cellular technology in the past, VoIP is poised to revolutionize the Telecommunications Industry. And the large telephone companies, even the cellular phone companies are entering this new era kicking and screaming.
Telco’s like AT&T, the regional Bells and others are happy to provide broadband internet access through DSL, but very few are willing to unbundle the internet service from their conventional telephone services. They could do it technologically, and a few local phone companies are offering DSL on the “local loop”, without the wire with the dial tone. The fact is, having a broadband connection that requires you to also buy a conventional telephone connection pretty much defeats the purpose, thus making VoIP through DSL impractical for most people.
That said, the Telco’s see the writing on the wall and are slowly beginning to implement Voice over IP telephony. AT&T and Quest Communications offer residential VoIP solutions starting at $25.00 and $30.00 respectively, just slightly higher than a pure VoIP service provider. All of the basic features such as call forwarding, speed dialing, and 3-way calling are included, and premium services like virtual phone numbers, conference calling, and call filtering can be had for an additional charge. International rates seem to be somewhat higher than pure play rates, though only by pennies.
VoIP and Cable Companies
If anyone is in a position to win the Telecommunication wars, it’s the cable companies. Massive consolidation in the cable industry has led to huge privately owned networks that in many cases make it unnecessary to route calls over the public Internet. Quality of Service issues can be handled in house, and after all, companies like Cisco Systems pretty much built the Internet and are largely responsible for the development of Voice over IP Telephony.
Cable companies as VoIP service providers have the ability to bundle voice with high speed data and digital cable TV, and are even now running introductory offers of all three for 99.00 a month in some markets. But be careful, introductory offers end and VoIP plans with the cable companies are some of the most expensive to be had.
While VoIP service providers like Comcast and Time Warner generally receive good reviews for sound quality, monthly calling plans cost $40.00 and $45.00 respectively. Not bad when looking at a $70.00 phone bill from Bell South, but over twice as much as a pure-play VoIP service provider. No doubt, a good reliable broadband connection through a cable modem is the ideal VoIP solution (wireless notwithstanding), but you don’t have to use your cable company for VoIP.
In the end, it all depends on whats important to you. If all you need is to call a friend in China on the same network, then a peer to peer VoIP service provider is for you. If you live in an area where it’s offered, a telecom VoIP solution promises lower bills than their conventional connections, provided you can drop the land line.
For those that have cable modems, the choice of VoIP service providers is vast. For the monthly cost of another broadband connection, cable companies will come out to install the equipment and rewire every jack in your house. And they are just a service call away. Alternatively, the pure play VoIP providers offer the lowest rates around, and the quality is usually just as good.
Just remember, it’s all in the pipe. Calls will be as clear as your VoIP service providers’ network is uncongested.
VoIP Internet Phone Services Grow
The new technology surrounding Voice over Internet phone plans (VoIP Phones) and all the different ways they can deployed in home and office environments, makes VoIP confusing to a lot of people. For home users and cell phone customers, it is very simple to use and no knowledge of VoIP technology is needed. Yet, VoIP usage is still not at the level many industry experts thought it should be. The VoIP consumer marketplace is competitive with phone companies and VoIP providers battling for the consumer’s minds and wallets. As long as consumers are content and don’t understand VoIP service and its value, the big phone companies can keep charging excessively high phone call rates and providing fewer services.
Many consumers still lack the information about VoIP phones and Internet phone service plans they need to make a shift to VoIP. Many will wait until there is a critical mass effect. That’s when a large number of people will shift to VoIP and when VoIP lingo is a common part of people’s vocabulary. Since VoIP operates seamlessly with current phone systems, it’s not a technology that jumps out at people.
Not long ago Google was an obscure web search engine that had little consumer usage. But then Google started to make noise, and it did so with the help of students and web marketers who believed it had something to offer. Now, the word Google is used as a verb and people wonder how they ever got along with its info finding magic. VoIP is starting the same way but still hasn’t found a way to move into mainstream consumer lifestyles. Rest assured though, that VoIP companies are targeting a variety of consumer demographic groups such as teens with cell phones, migrating people to Europe and North America who want to stay in close contact with their relatives back home, and businesses with multiple distant office locations who need inter-office phone communications. For regular home phone users, the value proposition they’re receiving is not as compelling. That will change too as VoIP companies research ways to make that home phone service more valuable to consumers, or to make it unnecessary to keep it.
That critical mass event happens when users believe they have a clear cost savings advantage to make the switch from using their regular telephone service to a VoIP phone service. Being able to dump the home phone would certainly provide a reduction in monthly bills, but consumers aren’t dropping their expensive land lines, even though they may have cable television and cell phone bills to boot. In telecommunications, it seems consumers are over-serviced, and a solution is needed. Internet telephony has that potential to eliminate some of the redundant services, but it hasn’t matured to the point where it can shape the phone services market by itself.
Phone companies in defending themselves, put a fair amount of effort into discussing the possible downside of VoIP and some have even put restrictions on VoIP transmissions to try to thwart VoIP service providers. Old stories of lost calls, garbled voice quality, non functional 911 assistance, and loss of privacy don’t carry much weight anymore though. Quality and technical issues are almost all resolved and the services continue to improve. So, if it’s not technical issues that are preventing widespread VoIP adoption, then what is the problem?
Need to Drop the Land Line
Many consumers won’t adopt a VoIP service until they can drop their current phone company land line completely. Despite the desire to do so, many appear to be resisting eliminating their dependence on the old lines. Most don’t want to be paying for two phone services at the same time, yet they do. A billion people on the planet have cell phones now, so that means there are a lot of phone lines that aren’t necessary, or that are too expensive given the value they offer. As long as phone companies can make customer’s land lines indispensable, or encourage them to stay put, they know their customers won’t switch to VoIP plans. So that leaves many consumers with more than one phone, a home phone and a mobile phone, and it’s costing them a lot of money.
For those who don’t make frequent long distance phone calls, the cost savings from VoIP service plans aren’t compelling enough. However, when you add the cost of the call and line features that phone companies add onto the monthly phone bill, the scenario changes. Call features such as caller ID, call blocking, call waiting, and voice mail, are free with VoIP plans. If these aren’t enough to entice consumers, VoIP companies will certainly look to sweeten the offer. Internet protocol communications are improving all the time and there will be more to offer the consumer such as; services via PDA’s, Blackberries, and IP hard phones connected to WiFi and WiMax services.
Internet Phoning Drawbacks
When VoIP users make a call to another VoIP user, the call is essentially free. However, not everyone has a VoIP-based phone to receive VoIP calls. Many only have their land line or in some cases, a cell phone. That means the call has to go from the Internet into the PSTN or public switched phone system in the destination state or country. This is where the cost of a call shows up. Usually the cost is low for terminating the call to the end user. If the caller is making a long distance call however, this nominal cost is a small sacrifice compared to what they’ll be paying on their traditional home phone service.
High speed DSL customers must have their basic phone service, so as long as they need the high speed Internet connection, they might not switch to VoIP. For cable subscribers, a land line is not needed and VoIP works very well with Cable Internet service. For cable subscribers, the land-based home phone really isn’t needed so the jump to VoIP should be an easy one for cable subscribers. If they aren’t making the leap to VoIP, it might indicate a lack of confidence in cable networks. Most people still have trouble comprehending that a voice telephone call can go through the cable company, or that it will be reliable. Cable companies have come a long way with their technology and networks and are more than capable of providing top notch phone services.
With better education of telecommunications consumers and the presentation of a solid value proposition that offers more than a little cost savings, VoIP will grow steadily. For those with international calling needs, VoIP is already the solution they’re looking for. For small businesses with lots of long distance calling, the savings are even more pronounced. What’s needed is more consumer education. With that, many will finally wean themselves from their dependence on that old analog-based land line telephone and launch into an era of cheap digital phone calls. That day is coming soon as the major phone companies are under increasing pressure to raise the price of local phone service in the face of a major shift to VoIP transmission. Critical mass will occur when price plus features create a force that overcomes consumer’s inertia.
How Can A Small Consumer VoIP Provider Survive
There is a lot of buzz about VoIP Internet phone service. On the consumer side everyone is getting a lot of exposure to Vonage commercials as well as triple play offers from Cable Companies. From a technology standpoint, VoIP is now much more mature than in its nascent days when Internet telephony meant a scratchy voice conversation over two computers. Whereas VoIP has been used by Telcos to carry voice traffic over long portions of their networks for years, it is now positioned to become the standard technology used to carry voice traffic over the last mile from every consumer’s home. Increased broadband penetration and advances in VoIP technology make this possible, and now there is a long line of VoIP providers out there looking for a piece of the action. They range from giants like Verizon and Comcast to relatively small unknowns. For the first time in the history of telecommunications it is possible to be a telephony provider without the huge barriers of capital needed for switches and network operation centers (NOCS).) nor the regulatory barrier of being a Local Exchange Carrier. So will the industry be marked by many small nimble players? What is the likelihood of survival for small consumer VoIP service providers?
The Cable TV companies have a strong position in the telephony market. They already have a large embedded base of customers. They also have a local presence, with field installers regularly driving around neighborhoods and customer service locations in every town in which they have a franchise. Having the field installers is a major advantage since they can install VoIP service and also hook up inside wiring so the service experience is no different than before. Therefore a person doesn’t have to be the least bit technically inclined to adopt the service, thereby opening the market to the masses. The pure-plays like Vonage just can’t reach the mass market like this.
Cable companies also have huge brand awareness in their markets. What is also potentially important is that they are perceived as a utility company and people are used to getting phone service from this type of entity. There is a familiarity and comfort level of going to a utility company for phone service.
They also have tremendous strength in both billing and customer service. While some may hate the cable company because they have lengthy time windows for showing up for an installation, may show up late, and may keep you on hold at the call center, the Cable companies are in actuality very good at managing the complexities of their operations. For example, RCN entered some markets years ago as an alternate cable provider thinking they could leverage people’s dislike of the cable companies’ service record and do it better; instead they ended up realizing how very complex it is and ended up doing it worse. If a company wants to scale as a major VoIP provider, they will have to manage the complexities of billing and customer service. The cable companies have been down this road already.
Here is what could be the biggest factor to why the Cable companies will be most successful at VoIP and ruin the chances of other smaller entrants
Friday, July 23, 2010
The Lowdown on VoIP
It seems like technology is headed for a massive telephone
change over. The traditional Public Switched Telephone Network
(PSTN) is looking to be replaced by VoIP. VoIP is short for
Voice over IP. VoIP is the routing of conversations over an IP
network or the Internet. VoIP uses a packet-switched network
instead of the circuit-switched voice transmission lines used by
traditional telephone networks. VoIP does not need an Internet
connection to work. A company that has a LAN connection with all
of its computers can utilize VoIP technology.
VoIP is a great technology, but has a variety of issues with
implementation. VoIP may face problems with latency because IPs
do not provide Quality of Service guarantees, nor do they
provide their packets of information in sequential order.
High-speed Internet connections are required for VoIP and
firewalls often prove tricky for VoIP technology. To combat
this, many people use Session Border Controllers (SBC).
VoIP technology has many advantages. There are more new features
with VoIP because of the lack of an International
Telecommunications Union. VoIP is still very much an open market
for developers, so the technology is constantly being improved.
VoIP also has a lower cost than traditional sources because of
the monopolies that exist or traditional phone companies being
controlled by the government. Some users even see VoIP phone
calls as free because they do not have to pay extra for the
service. The user only pays the Internet service provider, and
therefore the usage of VoIP seems to be free. You can also take
your VoIP phone wherever you go because all you need is a
network connection to make it work. VoIP technology will also
benefit network agents who work for call centers. Agents can
help callers from anywhere in the country with an Internet
connection. Finally, because VoIP is on the computer, there is
increased functionality. Conference calls can be held,
information can be sent, and things like address books can be
updated and shared over VoIP.
While VoIP has many advantages, there are a few drawbacks to the
service. One of the biggest drawbacks is reliability. Telephone
lines have back up generators in case of power outages, so
phones can keep working. Because VoIP is connected to the
Internet, a power outage will end a VoIP call when the computer
shuts down. To combat this, users must buy an expensive
uninterruptible power supply or a generator that must then be
installed on the premises. Internet connections are also subject
to disconnection, depending on crowded networks, and the quality
of the ISP. If the Internet connection drops, then the VoIP call
will be dropped. VoIP is also a problem for emergency calls.
Because of the nature of the Internet and VoIP systems,
emergency workers cannot trace calls. In the event that someone
with an emergency has a problem but is unable to give an
address, the emergency worker will not be able to trace the call
and find the person. VoIP carriers are already attempting to fix
this problem by implementing a technical work-around. Finally,
it will be very difficult to integrate VoIP on a massive scale,
because while the standard Plain Old Telephone System (POTS) has
a common standard, VoIP does not.
VoIP has many advantages as well as some large drawbacks. The
main roadblock in the way of global VoIP adoption is
reliability. When VoIP proves that it can be just as reliable as
traditional telephone services have been over many years, then
it will start to be adopted. VoIP technology is always
improving, so the problems with VoIP today are likely to be
solved sooner than many people expect. VoIP can truly
revolutionize both the business world and home life.
7 Ways VoIP Software can Benefit Home and Business
Voice over IP (VoIP) software is used to manage phone voice discussions across the Internet. There are numerous free VOIP Software applications ready for use on the web for download. VOIP Software is in demand because VOIP phone service is often cheaper than conventional phone service, and is becoming further sought-after for both business and personal calls.
7 powerful benefits of a VoIP Software Solution: 1. Ease of Use – Internet telephony provides voice mail and other telephone services, and installation of simple VoIP software is easy for anyone with an iota of ability. Industry insiders forecast that, in time, Internet phone technologies and services will supersede much of the workload at this time handled by plain old telephone service.
7 powerful benefits of a VoIP Software Solution:
Making phone calls over the Internet isn’t just for the technical knowledgeable anymore. Employing VoIP (or Voice over Internet Protocol) is easier than ever before, with a number of VoIP providers out there that can help considerably decrease the cost of your current phone bill.
2. Saving Money -The greatest benefit of VoIP over the typical telephone service is the cost. It is far less expensive to furnish a customer with Internet Phone Service than it is to furnish them with regular phone service. This means the client receives better prices also.
3. Portability – You don’t necessarily need a VOIP phone to obtain portability. Some providers of computer based VOIP services offer a Web interface. This interface allows clients to log in and place calls from anywhere in the world, so long as a broadband Internet connection is available.
4. One Stop Solution – VoIP Internet phone service is being favored amongst the latest generation users as it furnishes a one stop phone solution for making long distance as well as international calls at lesser fees.
The reason why we haven’t all been utilizing a VoIP solution to make calls up to the present moment is that it requires a broadband Internet connection, and broadband has only existed widely ready for use to home and business users for a somewhat short time. However, with broadband becoming constantly more common, VoIP solutions have started to take off in a huge way.
5. Functionality – VoIP phone usefulness can also be carried out with a PC or laptop if you have the Softphone software and a headset or microphone and speakers.
To use your regular analog or cordless phone, you’ll need an Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA). Plug your phone into the ATA and the other end into your high speed broadband or DSL modem.
Your VoIP service provider or broadband phone company should be able to furnish you with one of these. Apart from that, online stores sell many popular brand names VoIP Phones.
6. Business Networking- Selecting a business VoIP phone service may be unavoidable, however selecting an appropriate service provider will allow the company to discover features that will convey immediate benefits, as well as harvesting the cost savings and scalability a VoIP service essentially offers.
Business VoIP software offers a huge collection of applications. Obtain your faxes and voicemail through your email box or web browser. Conference calling, Caller ID, Paging equipment, Handsets, Call forwarding, no problem on a business trip – take your IP phone or Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) with you and your number follows you, or configure your phone to call-forward.
7. Business Productivity – The majority of the business owners are now consciously accepting business VoIP phone service for better business productivity. Many service providers offer structured and affordable VoIP service plans together with PBX systems.
VoIP phone service breakthroughs are advanced with many PBX functions such as auto attendant and voicemail that naturally boosts any business productivity.
The auto attendant facility provides great assistance in administering all the incoming calls. This feature expedites receiving numerous calls simultaneously. Callers are now welcomed with a recorded greeting. If a caller is left unattended, the caller will be provided with a voicemail option by which they may leave messages in the voicemail box.
The choice of the virtual receptionist assists accompanying calls is provided from the establishment of the service provider. Therefore, your calls are answered in spite of off-hours and weekends in need of keeping live receptionists at your office. As a result, the advantage of a business VoIP phone service redeems your capital and increases the productivity of your business.
Finally, VoIP Software Solutions are easy to use, manage, and expand into. Features for advanced small business VoIP technology save time and money, providing an efficient choice for all.
Is Business Voip Service Right For My Business?
Business VoIP services are already being hailed as the rightful successors to the traditional phone services. Many large enterprises have already integrated VoIP into their networks and with more sophisticated, affordable VoIP solutions in the market, small and medium businesses too are planning to start using business VoIP phones. This is probably the best time for any organization to take a look at the costs and benefits of business VoIP service and determine if it is right for them.All that’s good with a business VoIP phone
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Discover The Advantages Of Voip Phone Service
The term VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, and it is a recent technology that allows Internet users to place voice calls over the Internet. This term may also be referred to as telephony, Internet telephony, or IP telephony.With VoIP Internet phone service, you no longer need a phone to make voice calls. When you are logged on to the Internet, you can make use of your connection to call people anywhere in the world. This type of call is also cheaper, especially when you compare it to long distance voice calls.VoIP calls are less expensive because they make use of the network that your Internet connection already uses. Also, there is no need to install extra equipment which helps lower costs. For this reason, calls made between one VoIP user to another are often free or cost a negligible fee. VoIP calls made to regular phones, or to a public switched telephone network (PSTN), cost significantly more, however.VoIP to PSTN CallsThere are two ways VoIP users and PSTN users can converse with each other. One of the methods is known as direct inward dialing, or DID, which directly connects a PSTN user to a VoIP user. DID calling is provided by VoIP providers. The other method for making VoIP calls to PSTNs, or vice versa, is through the use of access numbers. With this type of Internet phone service, PSTN callers input access numbers that correspond to a certain VoIP user’s extension number in order for a call to be successful. Access numbers are usually charged as local calls, making it affordable for the PSTN caller and free for the VoIP user.Who Uses VoIP?VoIP Internet phone service is gaining popularity, and has been used by individuals and businesses alike. Thanks to the availability of broadband Internet service to individual users, VoIP technology is now available to anyone with a broadband connection. If you want to order VoIP technology for your business, look for a VoIP provider, such as AT&T VoIP, who will provide you with plenty of options for making the most of your VoIP service. Some providers provide you with inbound and outbound VoIP calls worldwide, while some even allow you free unlimited calls to the United States and Canada. Some providers, such as AT&T VoIP service, also provide customers with a separate phone jack for VoIP calls to increase the quality and make the reception almost the same as that of regular phone service. This type of VoIP service is fixed, and will only allow you to make calls from your home or wherever you have the phone jack installed. This allows you to keep your existing phone number while taking advantage of VoIP technology.Providers such as Gizmo Project and Skype allow you to make VoIP calls using any computer, anywhere in the world. With this type of VoIP Internet phone service, you can contact anyone and make voice calls no matter where you are. If you already have AT&T Internet service, all you need to do is order VoIP AT&T phone service to begin enjoying the convenience and affordability that this phone service offers. AT&T is a leading provider of Internet phone service. Choose AT&T VoIP phone services and receive the highest-quality phone service available.
Learn more about VoIP Phone Service.
The Advantages of VoIP for Businesses
Voice over IP (VoIP) technology for business provides many advantages to companies and individuals over both traditional telephone services and traditional IP communications. But, like other technologies, it also brings with it the potential for abuse.
Voice quality, or Quality of Service, refers to the clarity of your phone call over a business or domestic network. The “how good do I sound” approach to measuring the VoIP network.
Under normal circumstances, when using a Broadband connection, the quality of a conversation using VoIP will be indistinguishable from a conventional telephone service. If you have a VoIP 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 government just recently ordered that all VoIP providers make 911 available. Up to this point, people who did switch from a landline to VoIP were not able to call 911 for emergency services.
Businesses are reducing costs using VoIP for business, improving customer service while gaining access to features and applications that increase worker productivity. The best business phone systems can stand the test of time and grow with your business needs. Businesses simply send all of their information over their Broadband Internet connection whether it be Internet data from PCs or voice calls from their employees. It all shares the same pipe, which could be DSL or Cable High Speed connection for Small Offices or T1/T3 cables for medium to larger sized businesses.
Any phone system made can take advantage of VoIP lines. You do not need an IP based (IP PBX) or even IP compatible phone system. An ever growing number of Internet connections around the world that let VoIP which turns Internet infrastructure to a giant global telephone network. For the VoIP user, VXI headset solutions enhance the overall experience with VoIP by providing premium sound quality, ergonomic comfort, and long lasting durability.
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. VoIP for business is here to stay, and is one of today
Voip: the Most Recent Marvel of Science
Price hikes and inflation have created a havoc all around the globe. Even insignificant issues eat up the savings recklessly. At such adversity, everybody is in search of modes that can work at the minimum possible cost.Communication is the fuel which helps the lifeline of the contemporary human going on. The telecommunication has shrunken the distances to such an extent that miles look equivalent to meters.’The whole world’s a family’ is quite an ancient adage. But it has found its real meaning in recent decades, when reaching people based even across the continents became a reality. Thanks to the ever-evolving telecommunication standards!After fixed line and mobile phones, the recent glory to the communication world is added by the VoIP technology. The whole world welcomed the VoIP software with open arms but this world-wide acceptance didn’t come as a surprise to its inventors. In this era of highly priced tit-bits, an innovation that allows you to talk seamlessly across the seas at a practically negligible cost, is no less than a miracle. This modest innovation gave way to a whole new world of possibilities.The moment the business-minded community got the smell of VoIP’s growing popularity, they start pouncing on the opportunity. Today, we have uncountable VoIP service providers who deploy this marvel across the globe.Businesses get the biggest share of profit from the innovation of VoIP. Huge businesses make money at the cost of n-number of phone calls made within a minute. At the end, when it’s time to calculate the net profit, it is found that the major parts profits were consumed by the communication bills. This is indeed the worst trauma of businesses all over the world. The VoIP technology frees the organisations from the communicational woes.VoIP is a mode which facilitates interactions all over the world with the help of the Internet. The VoIP PBX route the calls between VoIP to traditional PBX and between two VoIP nodes with surprising excellence. The VoIP providers are entrusted to channel the calls in the least congested paths so that the users experience uninterrupted calling.Businesses have certain other reasons to opt for VoIP apart from cost-effectiveness. The business VoIP service providers offer a number of upgraded features such as call-conferencing(or 3-way calling), call diversion, call termination, caller-identification etc. that find their usage in the corporate houses. The discrepancies and drawback of traditional communication systems are sidelined with Voice over IP. The conventional means of communications such as the fixed lines and mobile phones come with a number of irksome shortcomings such as late signal deliverance, long cords, annoyingly large number of mediating gateways and mediocre voice quality. Thanks to the IP phones, now we can bid a goodbye to these problems.A dependable Internet connection is inevitable for getting a VoIP node established in your organisation or at your home. The VoIP providers use any IP bearer device to connect the instrument. It can be a PC, laptop or mobile in your home or office Wi-Fi network to stay connected with the VoIP. This technology channels the analogue signals converted to the digital signals via the web connection.The VoIP providers have spread their influence all over the globe( at least in those areas where getting the Internet connection is possible). Nowadays, the resellers are in great demand as they can get the VoIP connections on lease from the wholesalers and redistribute them further. In this manner, the VoIP technology has traveled far and wide.Anyone who wants to track the nearest VoIP service provider in his area can take help from the Internet where heaps of data related to the VoIP provision, its working and the pros and cons of this technology can be found.The communication standards are escalating the ladder of excellence with leaps and bounds. VoIP is the new milestone in its path. The VoIP service providers are making the most of this innovation and it is because of them that even the remotest parts of the world is savouring the magical advantages of VoIP.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Asterisk VoIP Hosted Pbx ? a Cisco Training Course
Rapid and trustful communication systems have become a norm in the modern world. For this reason, people are increasingly dependent on communication tools like the internet and the telephone which are the two major branches of the communication industry.
The telephone allows you to talk directly to anyone in any part of the world be it your friends, family or your clients. It is not only quick it is quite dependable too. This is such an important tool that now it has become one of the basic necessities in every home and business. Businesses depend quite a lot on this mode of communication and their life would get stranded without connectivity through a telephone.
The internet has also capture the world by storm through its ability to provide super fast and consistent means of communication. The amazing factor to the internet is all the applications that it offers for communication can be accomplished with very low cost. People can keep connected with other people through emails and chat.
The modern times has seen another advance in the field of communication by providing the latest communication tool, the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or the Internet Voice. This is very similar to talking over the regular telephone but it is much more advanced. This has become so popular in the modern times that people are seriously contemplating eliminating the use of the regular telephone and switching over entirely to the VoIP system.
VoIP is far superior to the conventional telephone in that it provides many more features and advantages which the latter cannot even dream about. VoIP is through the internet and the voice signals are converted into digital format and then transmitted to the other person. The digital format of the voice signals ensures that there is no loss of voice quality and the communication is quicker and crystal clear as compared to a regular telephone conversation.
A great attraction that VoIP provides is the cost factor. Using this system, a person can make long distance calls to any other place in the world at a very low price or even for free. When compared to calls made long distance over the regular telephone, the communication is much faster, clearer and much cheaper when using the VoIP service. So, you will end up with lesser bills over the month in comparison to using the regular telephone line.
VoIP provides other advantages too. Let us suppose you require a PBX in your organization. If you purchase one to be used with your regular telephone line, it will be quite expensive. But, if you purchase one and use it over the VoIP system, it will be much cheaper and highly consistent. The functioning of the PBX system is similar in both the modalities but if the PBX is used with the VoIP system, it will be through the internet rather than through the telephone line.
VoIP is easily obtainable in today’s times. You can find many service providers marketing the services on the internet who will provide business VoIP. But, if the purpose is to install VoIP system at home or if your intention is to make VoIP a career path, you will have to learn about setting up the VoIP system.
Installing a VoIP system is taught by Cisco Training Courses which has several such courses, one of them the Asterisk VoIP Hosted PBX.
If you opt for this course, you will be provided with all the training materials you will require to understand the process of setting up a VoIP system in any kind of setup. VoIP is beneficial for residential and business purposes. But, Asterisk VoIP Hosted PBX is more suitable for big organizations in meeting their communication needs.
Cisco provides all relevant information about the various VoIP PBX systems that are available and their utility. Using the Asterisk VoIP Hosted PBX, one can integrate all the phone lines in the organization into a single channel for communication that uses the internet to route the calls.
IP PBX is a powerful tool for communication within any office setup. Using this piece of hardware, the entire organization’s communication needs can be met and easily regulated.
If you are intending to take up VoIP as a career path, you need to contemplate about Cisco VoIP Training Courses. The advantage this course provides is the hands-on experience using the Asterisk VoIP Hosted PBX. VoIP is definitely a good career path what with the amount of popularity it is gaining by the day and the pace at which it is eliminating the need for regular telephones.
VoIP Reseller Programs: No Need to Make Any Investments
There are vaious VoIP business plans available in the market. The user does not require to invest huge amount of money to become their member. The customer can get the software and hardware free of cost and avail services like calling cards, call back facility, etc. We already know that VOIP is a system of sending voice telephone signals over the internet. In this process, the analog signals are converted to digital ones. The VoIP resellers act as a gateway to avail the VOIP service.The VoIP resellers are a medium through which the callers can reach to the end user. It is also true that anyone can get into this field to increase the revenue. The software and hardware providers, call shops, Internet telephony service providers, call card companies, ISPs are those who opt for VoIP reseller services and VoIP business plans. It is through the VoIP reseller that the browsers can connect to the end users of his choice. One can access the international calls very comfortably through these resellers. Simply avail the calling cards to access the distant calls at economical rates. Furthermore, this process helps to enhance the VoIP business opportunity of the company.The VoIP business plans offer a variety of value added services and provide ultimate satisfaction to the users. The most amazing part is that it allows the reseller to become a global player and form a global distribution company very easily.The business opportunity increases with the coming of resellers. The service is further supported by online access which can be utilised to track sales and revenue. The marketing team and sales professional of reseller can give their reports online from around the world. The marketing team support helps the VoIP reseller programs to grow worldwide. Using these services, customers can now make payments using paypal or credit cards. This makes the users to connect to any part of the world with the help of VoIP.The advanced VoIP telecommunication industry is packed with lots of reselling opportunities. VoIP resellers are making the Internet telephony market hit worldwide. There is a strong competition between few resellers offering high-end solutions for both corporate and business use. Therefore, resellers and end users need to take care while selecting service providers to cater to their requirements.The need for VoIP wholesalers and resellers services is rising. Almost everyday, corporate or business houses are looking for these services to avail the benefits. The service provider give the resellers the technical equipment and infrastructures.Normally, the resellers use some part of a VoIP switch from the wholesalers and then seel to the end users. So, we see that the resellers form a pivotal link between the wholesalers and end users. The two types of VoIP reseller programs include standard and premium. The VoIP resellers are getting popular worldwide. One can easily find attractive reseller programs available in the market. People all over the world are looking forward to have VoIP services, which have led to many openings in the telecommunication industry. What appeals is that this platform requires low investment to venture. Also, infrastructure and hardware equipment are supplied by the providers. Resellers also offer an access to technical support service 24 by 7 for any network related queries.VoIP service providers offer services to satisfy the needs of their customers. VoIP services include VoIP wholesale carrier services, call termination, VoIP reseller programs and business solution. The biggest advantage in opting for VoIP reseller services is that you need to spend little in setting up the infrastructure. Some IP telephony providers offer services like white label VoIP and private label VoIP.
VoIP ? What is it and How it Works
VoIP or Voice-over-Internet is a technology that allows you to make voice phone calls over the Internet. It’s through the use of a broadband Internet connection that allows you to do this. Some companies and their equipment only offer you the service of calling others with the same VoIP while other companies allow you to call anyone, anywhere with a phone number, it doesn’t matter what service provider they have.
Your voice is converted into a digital signal and is carried over the Internet with VoIP technology. If you are calling someone who has a regular telephone, then the signal is converted to a telephone signal before it reaches its target. You may use a special adaptor connected to a phone using VoIP to make your phone call, a regular phone or the computer. Furthermore, there are what’s known as
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
New VoIP Technology: Available To Customers Anywhere In The World
The world of communications is opening up to consumers around the globe and the reason for that is Voice over Internet Protocol, otherwise known as VoIP.
Using VoIP phone service is simple and in many cases more convenient for customers than using a traditional land line to land line connection. In fact, most consumers are delighted to find out that no land line is needed for making VoIP calls. All that is needed is an Internet connection. In remote locations where phone service is either non-existent or unreliable; Internet connections via satellite have opened up a whole new world of voice communications.
In the past few years, VoIP providers have grown in numbers offering more competitive services and rates to consumers. In some cases VoIP to VoIP calls are free to customers the world over and this is especially true in places that have currently low traffic on their VoIP lines and in other cases, there may be a small charge incurred by the VoIP user for calling a land line or Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
There are two main types of land line to VoIP services. The first is by direct dialing where the land line user calls a number the connects directly to the VoIP user. The other type is using an access number where a local number is dialed and an extension number that has been assigned to the VoIP user is dialed, thereby connecting the call.
VoIP has opened up communications and the ability for smaller countries to compete in the global market by having access to both contacting clients and customers all over the world via VoIP services. This levels the playing field and allows companies to offer direct one-on-one customer service to anyone that needs to speak to a representative about a product or service or someone that needs help with a purchase they have made, even if that customer is half a world away. The zero to low VoIP rates on most calls make this a very economical form of business communication as well as for personal use for families that are scattered around the globe to keep in touch.
Mobile phones are also being seamlessly integrated into VoIP communications. Phones with WiFi are VoIP capable and this allows cell phone uses to also take advantage of the affordable VoIP rates for calling around the world, however pay close attention to your own cell phone. company’s charges for Internet access when using WiFi. This is often a very economical way for International travelers to keep in touch with their company or family when on the road.
Fees for VoIP can vary from country to country. Many VoIP services are offering flat rates for in-country dialing and some countries offer free VoIP to VoIP calling no matter where the calls are made. It’s worth it to look around and see what is available so you get the best VoIP service rate.
The demand for VoIP is continuing to grow and as the technology develops, more and more consumers around the world will continue to benefit from this state of the art form of communication that makes it easier than ever for both businesses and individuals to just stay in touch. BEST VoIP SERVICE: http://www.acolemanvoip.i-fortuity.com
Wireless VoIP: 7 Easy Steps For Switching To VoIP Phone Service And Going Wireless
VoIP phone service has taken over the telecommunication world by storm! This is inexpensive and has a lot of features that are comparable to the PSTN (landlines); it is the best thing for individual users, small businesses and large businesses.
Are you tired of paying huge phone bills for long distance calls and international calls? Do you own a small business and want a low cost phone service? VoIP phone service is for YOU! You can go wireless with a VoIP phone.
Here are 7 steps that will help you switch to VoIP go wireless
1. You will need an updated computer.
You will need to have an upgraded computer that is compatible with VoIP software. When you are comparing and choosing service providers, pay more attention to see if they run their programs on Windows, MacOS or Linux operating systems. Especially, if you use Mac or Linux, don’t assume that all VoIP phone service providers will have your needs met. Some of the common features of computers that affect the ability to provide VoIP wireless are hardware, motherboards, processor speeds, memory (RAM), video and graphic cards. If your computer is obsolete, VoIP phone service may not be functional.
2. You must have a High Speed Internet access such as DSL or Cable
High Speed Internet is a must for VoIP phone services to function. There maybe a few companies that work with dial-up connection but the audio quality is not satisfactory sometimes and it is because of the lack of high speed internet service. High Speed Internet connections provide the bandwidth needed and produce great quality audio.
3. Do you need residential or business VoIP phone service?
Some of the differences between residential and business plans include faxing and email capabilities, more long distance on basic and not unlimited plans, and some companies even throw in goodies such as free yellow book advertising for business VoIP phone service plans. Again, creating a list of what you want in a VoIP service will help you better determine what your tele-communication requirements are.
4. Compare VoIP Phone Service Providers
There are many factors that affect your choice of VoIP phone service providers – the number of long distance calls, international calls, business VoIP phone service etc. Now it is time to compare various service providers. VoIP is so common that chances are you may have a friend or relative that may already be using it! So, word of mouth is good way of getting some feedback. Comparing is important and there are more details to know, so read the article at – http://www.ez-voip-phone-service.com/how-to-compare-voip-phone-service-before-buying/
After comparing VoIP phone services, you can decide which VoIP service best suits your needs. Purchase this VoIP plan.
5. Choose Your Own Area Code
A lot of VoIP providers will give you the option of choosing your own area code and phone number. Just to be clear – you can live anywhere and still choose an area code from any other place! This is a great option that is available only in VoIP services and not in PSTN (landline). This is also a good idea for business owners who want to target a particular area of customer. They can choose the area code of this particular area of customers. Now, for the customers, this call will be local call.
6. Purchase an adapter for your VoIP Phone
This is important if you want to go wireless and don’t plan on sitting near computer just to receive or make your phone calls. Most of the VoIP phone service providers send you free adapter. If you don’t receive a free adapter, then you can purchase one. With an adapter, you don’t have to sit near the computer. This will allow you to use your household phones to take calls.
7. Other Important Things about VoIP phone service
As you know, VoIP phones have very similar features such as setting up your voicemail, caller ID etc., you can configure it. In fact, there is an internet control panel that you can use to configure these features.
VoIP phone service is a definitely a blessing to the world of communication. You can make very inexpensive long distance and international calls and use business VoIP phone service for your business – small or large.
VoIP Resellers: Providing Reliable VoIP Services
Today, with VoIP resellers, telecommunication industry holds huge potential for spreading VoIP call termination services across the world. The clients of VoIP resellers belong to different sectors of the industry, that is, from professional to businessman and residential users at large.
Well, it can be said that VoIP is gaining popularity over conventional public switch telephony network. Branded VoIP resellers are considered as intermediaries between VoIP providers and end users. VoIP resellers avails some portion of VoIP switch from VoIP service providers and give it to end users. Thus, it can be said that relationship with VoIP provider and reseller is a one-step opportunity to connect with the best carriers. Before selecting a VoIP provider, any reseller must opt for the provider that gives more features and services.VoIP telephony reseller platform is best suitable for those business houses that have strong client base spread in their geographical area. Well, with good customer base, efficient and sound sales department is mandatory for venturing in VoIP services. So, without spending more on setting up infrastructure or investing in capital, resellers have an ability to terminate over 20, 000 calls. Moreover, for being a VoIP reseller, one must have a deep knowledge of VoIP.
Reseller of VoIP provide high speed of Internet access and allow end user to make more than one call at any time. To improve the efficiency of resources, VoIP resellers allows it’s end users to share data, video and voice through single line. Besides that, VoIP reseller services enable users to access long distance or international calls at cheaper rates. To consider reseller’s benefit, VoIP providers offer two different VoIP resellers program. Standard and white label or premium VoIP reseller program provides various advantages to end users.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Novice Guide to VOIP Service for Home
In the process of trying to explain to some older friends why they should consider VOIP service for their home, it struck me that I have not found a true beginner’s guide or novice guide that explains what VOIP is and why it may be a good economic and financial decision. This article will address home VOIP service from the beginner’s standpoint, and while not addressing each and every question or concern about VOIP, should provide enough basic information to the point where it will give you a background to know what you are looking at and whether or not it makes sense for your home.Basic Requirement
The VOIP service provider, almost regardless of which one you choose, does NOT provide your high-speed Internet access. When you buy the VOIP service from them, they assume you already have that. You see, VOIP service uses your existing high-speed Internet service to make and receive phone calls, and the VOIP provider assumes you already have that to email, surf the web, etc.
Even if you do already have high-speed Internet access, it needs to be stable, fast, and reliable. If it is not all three of those things, you are not going to be happy with VOIP service from ANY provider. If your high-speed Internet connection is via satellite, do not consider VOIP, satellite will not work well with it.Your Local Phone Number
In larger cities and major metropolitan areas, you can almost always get a phone number for your VOIP phone that would be considered a LOCAL phone call for people in your area who want to call you. But in many less-than-metropolitan areas, it is not possible to get a local phone number for your VOIP phone. You can still get and use VOIP service but you won’t have a local phone number. For example, if you live in Podunk Idaho, you may not be able to get a phone number for your VOIP phone that is local to Podunk, but you CAN get a local number for Boise Idaho. The problem with this is that when people want to call you on your VOIP phone, they will actually be making a long distance call to reach you, since your phone number is a Boise number.
If you are just considering VOIP service for making long distance calls and really don’t care that local residents will need to make a long distance call to reach your VOIP phone, then this is not an issue, but it is something to be aware of nonetheless.
Many VOIP service providers will also give you a second (and third and fourth, etc) phone number which is known as a Virtual Number. Say you live in Chicago and have a Chicago phone number for your VOIP phone. But you frequently get calls from friends in Tampa Florida and Denver Colorado. You can get virtual numbers for Tampa and Denver, so that when your friends in Tampa and Denver want to call you, they can call a phone number that is LOCAL to them (where most local calls are free) but it will still ring on your VOIP phone at your home in Chicago.The Economics Of VOIP
Assuming you have a good stable and reliable high-speed Internet connection, this part is your basic no-brainer. For a traditional phone from the phone company with no extra features like caller ID, voice mail, call waiting, etc, you can expect to pay $25 to $30 per month, and that is just for a dial tone and local calls, with no long distance included. By contrast, your VOIP phone provides unlimited local calling, unlimited nationwide long distance calling, plus caller ID, voice mail, call waiting, and various other things depending on the provider, and it does so for around $20 per month. Our Editor’s Choice top pick at our web site does all this for under $17 per month!Putting It All Together
The last part is the phone itself. Do you need a special telephone handset? No, you can use the phone you already have. Can you use a cordless phone? Yes, that presents no problem at all. Simply take the phone jack from your existing phone (known as an RJ-11 jack) and plug it into the small box (about the size of a deck of cards) that the VOIP provider sends you when you order service, plug the other end of the box into a spare jack on your high-speed Internet connection router (known as an RJ-45 jack) and you are good to go after you activate your VOIP phone.
It may seem like high-tech rocket science but it really isn’t. The economics are unbeatable and the voice quality (again, assuming you have a rock solid reliable high-speed Internet connection) is as good or better than your traditional phone. With this foundation of knowledge, you may want to check out more details and our Editor’s Choice VOIP services at our web site. It could be one of the smartest financial decisions you will make this year!
Moving Forward To Connect With A VOIP Telephone
VOIP telephone and voice over ip systems are changing the way people talk on the phone. A VOIP telephone is now helping corporations change their global communications policies and is putting them more in touch with international business partners.
A VOIP telephone is changing the way personal users talk to their families and giving them more time to share and communicate like it was originally intended. Distance no longer needs to mean cost thanks to VOIP telephone services.
Having a VOIP phone may make you the most popular person in the office. Imagine having the capability to use your VOIP anywhere in the world and still get excellent rates, possibly even pay no money at all, for long distance phone calls.
Incoming calls can be automatically moved to your VOIP phone, regardless of where you have decided to connect to the VOIP network. This gives the VOIP phone user a great deal of mobility and functionality, on the road or abroad. The VOIP telephone is certainly the thinking person’s communication device, enabling the entire world to draw closer as the user continues to move through it.
Business VOIP is one of the most popular services available from VOIP providers. Most providers offer free VOIP telephone numbers to use nearly everywhere in the world. These numbers are arranged through organizations that compile and connect people on VOIP networks.
VOIP User is one of these organizations and it enables customers the ability to connect to any network and at time anywhere in the world for free. This mobility makes VOIP telephone systems the wave of the future for corporate users and for business VOIP plans.
You can also use a VOIP call center to enable connectivity for customer service at all hours of the day, every day, any day of the year. This type of service is unique to VOIP users because the VOIP call center can actually be mobile, too. As long as the VOIP call center user has a good connection to the internet or to another network, helping out with customer service calls is possible.
Many VOIP systems or providers also provide a series of bundled extras for no extra charge. This PSTN features include great items like 3-way calling, call forwarding, call waiting, automatic redial, and the ever-popular caller ID.
The services VOIP call centers provide are also bundled with these great features, making VOIP an even more popular choice among people looking for a great deal with great service features as well. It is a program that seems too good to be true to many people, but the technology is real and the programs work just as they say they will.
The future in terms of VOIP telephone systems is here. Without a doubt, VOIP telephone technology is on its way to taking over the communications work and establishing new trends within a matter of mere years.
As systems change and evolve to offer even more capabilities to customers, the customer base of companies like Vonage VOIP will grow significantly and people will flock to VOIP providers to upgrade their existing telephone services to something better. VOIP will change the way we communicate once again.
A Basic Insight Into the Technology Behind VoIP Phones
A VoIP phone can be defined as an entity that is used to make telephone calls over the internet. A VoIP phone utilises the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology wherein our voice is converted into digital signal that is transmitted over the Internet. VoIP phones enable you to enjoy the benefits of VoIP technology.
The VoIP technology is based on protocols, such as SIP, H.323 or proprietary ones like Skype.
How is voice transmitted using the VoIP technology?
VoIP phone—
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Guide to Voip
VoIP is Voice over Internet Protocol. Standard telephone lines are referred to as PSTN or the Public Switched Telephone Network. PSTN works on circuit switching. A good example of circuit switching is the old switchboard operator who would connect callers to receivers by the use of electrical circuits. VoIP is Packet Switching. Packet Switching consists of data packets, or packets of information being carried across the Internet, from your computer to either another computer or PSTN telephone.
VoIP operates in different forms. For instance, you can use VoIP when you use an Instant Messaging program with voice on your computer. These are very popular and now Yahoo, AOL, MSN, ICQ, and even Google have VoIP Instant Messaging programs. The benefits of these programs are that they are free to download off of the Internet, and by using a microphone and your speakers; you can talk over the Internet with any of your buddies. As long as your friends and family members download the same program, you will be able to talk with them as long as you like, and absolutely free. You can talk to anyone, anywhere in the world with VoIP Instant Messengers.
Another method of VoIP technology is to use a VoIP service provider for your basic telephony needs. A very familiar company is Vonage. For a monthly fee, you will receive VoIP services, the same as you pay for your regular telephone services. You can choose to use your VoIP service over the Internet, or you can choose to connect your VoIP to your standard telephone. By connecting a VoIP phone adapter to your modem and standard phone, you will be able to use your VoIP service and your telephone as you would with any other telephone service provider.
Many people prefer to use a VoIP service provider because the cost of local and long distance calling with VoIP is very inexpensive. Many providers offer unlimited calling plans. There are other features that are often bundled with your service plan. Features such as Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Transfer, and 3 Way Calling are often included for free in your selected VoIP plan. By choosing your VoIP service provide and installing a phone adapter, you will be on your way to making low cost VoIP calls in minutes.
You can also purchase a specialized VoIP phone. These phones come in both cordless and corded styles. The cordless VoIP phones work the same as standard cordless phones.
Many of these phones also come with conferencing features and are suitable for small or home business needs.
Another form of VoIP telephones are the VoWiFi phones. These are wireless VoIP phones. This is the same technology as VoIP, only you are not limited to a plugged in connection. You can use your VoWiFi phone wherever there is a wireless High Speed Internet Connection. These phones are more expensive then mobile phones, and haven’t had all of the kinks worked out yet. However, they are still a cost effective choice for those who would like to save a little money.
VoIP has proved to be a viable source of telecommunications. Many companies are now offering VoIP services and those who aren’t have plans to do so. Companies such as Verizon and Sprint offer VoIP services. Other companies are working on creating VoIP phones and VoWiFi phones.
There are Hybrid phones on the market, which allow for both VoWiFi and Cellular calling. These phones have many people excited. They can work in a network range as a cellular phone, and then, they can work as a VoWiFi phone, avoiding all roaming charges.
The FCC has issued some regulations regarding VoIP and the ability to call 911. Because VoIP uses the Internet and not a landline phone, when a call is made to 911 from a VoIP connection, the operator who receives the call receives none of the caller’s pertinent information. This includes address or location of the call. Some service providers do not supply 911 at all; others have what is known as Enhanced 911 services. To use these services you may need to activate your service, as well as register your information with 911. However, you will need to sign a statement when you apply for your VoIP services stating that you understand your 911 capabilities may be limited.
What You Should Know About VoIP Phones
VoIP phones are the phones used with Voice over Internet Protocol technology. VoIP is the technology used to transmit audio as data or Packets over the Internet to either a computer user or to a landline telephone. VoIP is increasing in popularity, as it is highly valued for its great quality, low cost, and incredible features. VoIP is gaining respect, as a viable solution for business needs as well. VoIP will allow long distance calls for either free or for just pennies compared to traditional phone services.
There are many different ways to use VoIP. For some services you will need a computer, a high-speed Internet connection, an Instant Messaging program, speakers, a microphone, a phone adapter for converting standard telephones into VoIP phones, or a VoIP phone.
When using VoIP services, you can simply use a microphone and speakers to communicate with your caller. You need a High Speed Internet connection to allow for your calls to be in real time, and you will also need a soundboard and computer that is up to date with VoIP technology.
You can also use VoIP technology by using Instant Messaging services that have voice options enabled. These include Yahoo Messenger with Voice, ICQ, AOL Instant Messenger, MSN, and even Google has started their own VoIP messenger. To use these VoIP messengers you will need a microphone and speakers connected to your computer.
VoIP phone adapters are another means of communicating with VoIP. A VoIP phone adapter will connect between your standard telephones, and your Internet modem. Your phone adapter will come with installation and user instructions. Generally, you will need to power off your computer, then connect the adapter to your Internet modem and then plug your telephone into the adapter’s phone jack. Power everything back up and you should be good to use your phone. You will need to make sure that you have VoIP service previously installed.
You can also purchase a VoIP phone, specifically designed for use with your VoIP service. VoIP phones come in both corded and cordless forms. VoIP corded phones come with many features. You can purchase a desktop phone that includes speakerphone, Call Waiting, Hold, Speed Dial, Transfer, and programmable keys such as Menu, Dial, Volume, Transfer, Cancel, and Headset or Speaker mode.
You can also purchase a 2 line VoIP corded telephone. Some of the features that come with a phone like this include Three Way Conferencing, phone to phone, or phone to PC, or phone to gateway direct dial. These phones are perfect for small businesses or for use in the home office.
Another popular choice in VoIP phones is the cordless VoIP phone. These cordless VoIP phones are not the same as VoIP wireless or VoWi FI phones. VoIP phones are similar to cordless standard phones. They will work in your house, but not outside, apart from your basic VoIP service.
There is another option and that is called VoWiFi. VoWiFi stands for Voice over Wireless Fidelity. This is the use of VoIP over a wireless connection. A VoWiFi phone operates by using a wireless network’s access point. The advantages of using VoWiFi, is that you can easily pick up network signals or “hotspots” for free. However, VoWiFi will not work if it is out of a wireless range, and immediately you will be terminated from your call. If you have a wireless network that you are local to, you will find VoWiFi to be a great advantage and extremely cost effective.
Because of issues with network connectivity, there are Hybrid phones available. A hybrid is a cross between a cellular phone and VoWiFi. A Hybrid will place your call when you are in your cellular network range, and then, to prevent roaming charges, can pick up free VoWiFi by entering a hotspot. This is a great combination of two technologies and time will tell where the hybrid phone will evolve in the future.
One thing is certain; VoIP is an advancement in telecommunications that is here to stay. Whether you use your computer, and Internet Messaging program, a VoIP phone adapter, VoIP cordless or corded phones, VoWiFi or Hybrids the future points to VoIP as the telecommunication method of choice.
Checklist: How to Choose a VoIP Provider For Your Small Office, Home Office Business (SOHO)
Once you’ve decided to use VoIP for your Small Office Home Office, it’s time to get set up. You’re probably keen to get going, find a VoIP provider, and start saving money on phone calls. It’s a good idea, though, to take a little time to consider some of the points on this check list. That way, you can be sure you’ve chosen the VoIP provider that’s best for you, and best for your business.
Who are the best established VoIP providers?
VoIP isn’t new technology, as such, and though broadband telephony is likely to become the way we all make telephone calls, you want to be sure that your provider is reliable and experienced.
What’s your existing broadband infrastructure?
Make sure you know how your existing broadband works. Is it cable (eg Virgin)? If so, you could cancel your cable telephone line entirely without affecting your broadband connection. If it is ADSL (eg BT), however, you can’t cancel your phone line because you’ll lose your broadband, too. You can, though use a VoIP phone line as your second phone line which you could use to make your business calls.
Do you need just one line, or two?
If you work from home, either all the time or part of the time, you may want to separate business from private telephone calls, so a second, cheap VoIP phone line might make more sense, especially if your business is growing or likely to grow.
What features will help?
Will your customers be able to get hold of you whenever they need to? Check that the VoIP provider offers inclusive features such as call-forwarding, three-way calling, ringback, do not disturb, call waiting or voicemail sent to your email address.
Call plans.
Think about what you need in terms of the business calls you make. Do you call mostly UK numbers? Or do you need to call other European countries, or mostly the US? Look at the call plans the VoIP offers. Is there a good choice? Is there one that suits you? Are calls to mobiles included?
What exactly does ‘unlimited’ mean?
Make sure you understand exactly what the VoIP provider is offering. If it says ‘unlimited’, does this mean that the calls really are unlimited to the countries listed in your call plan? Most VoIP providers will have a ‘fair usage’ policy. That is, they will give you have a generous allowance of free minutes, say 2000 (about 33 hours a month). What is the VoIP’s allowance? Is your SOHO likely to use more minutes than that? What will you pay if that happens?
What will you pay if you call countries outside your plan?
Check what you’ll be charged if you call countries outside the call plan you’ve signed up to. VoIP usually offer very competitive rates, but it’s a good idea to check. If you think you may make regular calls to a country outside one call plan, it may be a good idea to see if there’s another call plan that includes that country.
What do its customers say?
Try and find some of the customer feedback about the VoIP provider. Reviews from customers, either satisfied or disgruntled, will often tell you a lot about what you need to know about a company in terms of reliability, customer service, technical support, customer satisfaction etc.
What are the extra costs?
As well as the advertised monthly call plan, make sure you know exactly what else you might have to pay for. The VoIP provider may, for example, charge a set-up or administration fee, a line activation fee, a cancellation fee. There may be charges for equipment, too, though some of it may be free.
Is the VoIP’s website clear?
You don’t want to have to root through a website to discover hidden charges and the small print. A well written, professional, clear website, with all the charges clearly set out, is a sign that the VoIP provider is committed to professional transparency.
What’s the support like?
A phone line is one of the most crucial elements of any SOHO. So it’s a good idea to make sure that the VoIP provider offers technical support and customer service 24/7. Can you always get hold of someone if you need to? Do you have to pay for this?
What add-ons do they offer?
If or when your business starts to grow, can you adapt your VoIP phone system accordingly? Find out whether the VoIP provider offers add-ons such as a second phone line, a fax line, or the ability to make calls from your laptop.
Can you keep your number?
If you’re starting up in business, it may make sense to get a whole new business number. But if customers already use your landline number, you may want to keep that. Check that the VoIP provider offers the option of ‘porting’ your existing number to your new VoIP phone provider.
Can you choose a dialling code?
You may want a VoIP telephone number that’s local to you. Or you may want one that’s local to your customers. Either way, find out what the VoIP offers in terms of choosing dialling codes, and check that the code you want is available.
What about emergencies?
A final important consideration is to think about how your business would cope if your broadband connection went down. If that happens, and your VoIP telephone is temporarily out of action, you need to make sure you have a back-up plan (such as a mobile), particularly in case of critical business calls or even calls to the emergency services.
Once you’ve been through this check list, you should be ready to choose your VoIP provider. It shouldn’t take long to get your VoIP phone line set up, and then you’ll be ready to start saving money by using your broadband to make and receive business calls.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
A History of Voip
The use of Voip (voice over IP) is increasing rapidly year on year. It is predicted that by the end of 2009 there will be 256 million users of VOIP around the world. The advantages of VOIP in terms of scale, cost and easy of use are now commonly agreed upon. But where did VOIP begin? Who invented VOIP? The history of Voip extends further back into the world of pre internet that most people would think. The first Voip calls where made as far back as 1973. The capability to send voice across a digital network was pioneered on the ARPANET network, the precursor to the modern Internet. It only carried data and voice between the private network of computers on the APRPANET grid but the seeds for the VOIP revolution where sown by these pioneers. Voip continued to developed amongst a small cache of computer users who used the technology to communicate with each other in a sort of geeky version of CB radio. Any two computers connected on the same network could use voip technology but there was no widespread adoption of the technology. The first major step towards the VoIP services that many of use to today was the introduction of the software called “Internet Phone” from a US based company called Vocaltec. The first publicly available of f the shelve internet phone software from Vocaltec was the catalyst for the explosion in VOIP use. The Vocaltec software was able to run on a home PC and utilized much of the same hardware products that Voip services use today in terms of soundcards, speakers and headsets. The Internet Phone software differed from most modern VOIP services in that it used the H.323 protocol instead of the SIP protocol that is more ubiquitous today.
Although Internet Phone was an immediate commercial success it did suffer from a variety of problems. The lack of high speed internet access meant that the quality could be poor and the flow of voice slow. Early voip calls where like using walkie-talkies to communicate in terms of quality of signal. Another issue was the fact that the two computers that where talking to each other needed to have the same soundcards with the same drivers for the software to work. This obviously limited the use of the software and the effectiveness of the process. Much of the transmission was done via modems and was therefore utilizing traditional telephone lines and providing a service that was of a worse quality to that of a normal phone call. Once Vocaltec had laid the foundations the increase in the use of VOIP was fairly rapid accounting for 1% of all US phone calls by 1998. Other companies began to develop software for the VOIP market and also hardware in the terms of hard phone and network switches. The expansion of broadband also aided the growth of VOIP by increasing the quality of calls and reducing the latency issues that effected VOIP at the beginning. By the year 2000 VOIP calls in the US where about 3% of the total. The popularity of VOIP has increased since the turn of the millennium and with free VOIP provider Skype currently having registered a staggering 400 million user accounts at the end of 2008. With the growing availability of VOIP services for mobile phones it looks as if the adoption of VOIP will continue to expand rapidly. Tony Heywood
10 Things You Need to Know About Ny VOIP
Thinking about getting started with NY VOIP service for your home or office? Here’s some important information to help you make the right choice.
1. VOIP is available anywhere in New York where high-speed Internet can be found. If you live in Manhattan or upstate, it doesn’t matter. All you need is a DSL, T1, Cable Modem or other fast connection and you’re equipped to start using VOIP.
2. NY VOIP service can take advantage of WI-FI. If you have WI-FI in your home, and a WI-FI ready cell phone, you can use both to move freely around the house while using your VOIP connection. As long as you stay in range of your wireless signal, you’re good to go!
3. VOIP offers big cost savings. Many customers reports saving 50% on their monthly bill thanks to the unlimited calling structure and low monthly service cost for VOIP.
4. VOIP offers cutting-edge features. Many VOIP providers offer some of the most cutting edge technology available in phone services today, including: voice mails that can be sent to email, call mapping and automated call recording.
5. VOIP is a great choice for people on the move. In Manhattan, people tend to move from apartment to apartment on a regular basis. VOIP makes it easy to move your phone service without all the installation hassles of a land-line phone. If you’ve got a high-speed Internet connection in your new place of residence, you can start calling as soon as you move in.
6. You can call Internationally with VOIP. More NY VOIP providers are adding international calling to their service options. Depending upon the plan you select, you can make International VOIP calls from your PC-based phone, or cell phone.
7. VOIP’s sound quality has improved significantly. In the early days of VOIP, one of the biggest knocks against the technology was the sound quality. Callers used to have to deal with dropped calls and long gaps or breaks in the conversation. Increased competition in the VOIP world has forced companies to upgrade their technology
VoIP Deals Give the Best Value in VoIP Services
Connecting a VoIP service effectively gives you an additional telephone line. Your existing copper wire service will still work, but now you can make calls on your VoIP service at the same time. Connect from UK to anywhere in this earth without worrying about horrible telephone bills.
Skype has pretty good VoIP deals on International rates. Skype is already working (in some form) on the iPhone, and considering the iPod Touch and the iPhone are as similar as Apple says they are, the software shouldn
Friday, July 16, 2010
How VoIP Phone Can Connect You to Anywhere in the World
A technological communication breakthrough, the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) can let you have voice conversations through a broadband Internet connection or any Internet Protocol-based network instead of a regular phone.
The other terms for the VoIP are: IP telephony, broadband telephony, Internet telephony, voice over broadband or broadband phone.
There are advantages in choosing to use VoIP over the standard phone line. You automatically receive phone calls once you get connected to the Internet, regardless of the network that you are using. Even during phone conversations, you can still access the other programs in your computer.
VoIP is also possible during road trips, you just use a mobile phone that can connect to the Internet. Incoming calls to your home will be treated as local calls wherever you connect to the Internet.
VoIP to VoIP calls are usually free of charge, which is a good advantage. But the VoIP user would be charged if he or she makes a VoIP to PSTN calls.
Stable Internet connection for VoIP service users is another advantage. This ensures faster access and delivery of good quality voice data.
There are other features in the VoIP services that are not available with the traditional analog phones. These include video conversation, conferencing, sending or exchanging files parallel to the conversation, managing your address book and more.
How does VoIP work? Through the VoIP service, your voice is converted to digital signals that pass through the Internet connection to a destination that you choose. Also, through this service, you can make calls by a computer or a VoIP phone. In case the computer is turned off, the standard phone line can be used to make and receive calls.
An important requirement obviously is that VoIP users should have a high speed broadband Internet connection.
The VoIP phone is plugged directly into the broadband connection and this can already be used just like any other traditional phone. But if you want to use your traditional telephone, you will need to connect it to a VoIP adapter. The dial tone will then be provided by the service provider. Remember that you would need the VoIP software and a microphone when you use the computer to make phone calls.
How does the VoIP system work for long distance or local calls? You would need an area code that may be different from the area code of where you reside.
This code would determine whether calls are long distance or local calls. If the person calling you is outside the area or the service covered in your VoIP, he will be charged for a long distance call.
But this could differ, depending upon the terms set by the VoIP service provider. There are some service providers who charge a fixed rate for a certain time limit regardless of the distance between you and who you call.
Who can you call with your VoIP service? This information would depend on the terms, conditions and services available of your VoIP service provider.
But you can call anyone who has a telephone or mobile number and this includes loca or long distance calls. The person you are calling will no longer need any special device other than his phone to receive your VoIP call. You can also make simultaneous calls or conduct video conferences, again, depending on the terms and service of the VoIP provider.
One disadvantage of VoIP phones is that during power outage, some services are not available so some VoIP providers provide backup power. Another disadvantage is that you have be constantly connected to the Internet to make and receive calls.
But you can divert the call to an analog phone or mobile phone if you do not want to miss any incoming calls. You can also activate your voice mail box so your messages can still be received even when you can no attend to them.
It is advisable that you choose a VoIP service provider that offers the directory assistance or white page listings because not all service providers offer this feature.
Also, check with the provider if they can directly connect you to the emergency service 911. Nonetheless, calling 911 through your VoIP phone will be treated differently from that using the traditional phone. But what matters is that you are able to readily seek help at times that you need it.
Connection to any place around the globe is possible with the use of a VoIP phone.