| VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is rapidly | | | | computer, mobile phone, and other gadgets will |
| becoming a top choice for people wishing to avoid | | | | keep you more connected than ever. Of course, |
| costly telephone service. Why? The system | | | | if you choose not to be connected, that is |
| works by allowing you to make phone calls using | | | | possible as well. Many Voice over IP providers |
| a computer network, such as your Internet | | | | include features you're used to, such as caller ID, |
| provider. The way it works is similar to email; | | | | call waiting, and call forwarding. You may also |
| most providers offer unlimited long-distance calling | | | | have the option to block callers, use an "away" |
| for a low monthly fee or for a low per-minute | | | | message, or "do not disturb" options.Additional |
| rate. Where long-distance fees can run high very | | | | features may include three-way calling (again |
| quickly through traditional phone providers, Voice | | | | avoiding costly charges), speed dialing, distinctive |
| over IP can provide the same types of calls for a | | | | rings, and many other options. Moreover, if you |
| much lower rate. VoIP is the calling choice of the | | | | don't want to give up some of the benefits to |
| future, and providers are already scrambling to | | | | which you've become accustomed, many |
| provide the best service for the best price. For | | | | providers offer directory assistance (for a fee, |
| the consumer, this is great news. As companies | | | | although this could change) and the ability to |
| compete for business, rates and service options | | | | access 911 emergency personnel, which is a |
| continue to improve. Why will you love VoIP? The | | | | concern for many people.It's Not Going Anywhere |
| following are three top reasons.Huge Savings | | | | VoIP is the future of calling. As the technology |
| Imagine being able to keep your current phone | | | | evolves, more and more integration options will |
| number and make as many long distance calls as | | | | come available. Depending on the use, you may |
| you wish (within a certain area) for one low price. | | | | be ready to switch over now and enjoy the cost |
| No more fluctuating phone bills, outrageous long | | | | savings. For home users, switching to Voice over |
| distance charges, or other surcharges that | | | | IP can be a very cost-saving option, particularly |
| repeatedly shows up on your bill. Voice over IP | | | | for those who make many long-distance calls. |
| offers just that. Just as email changed how | | | | Home-based businesses may also benefit from |
| people communicate, so too will VoIP.Depending | | | | switching. Larger business may do well to wait a |
| on the provider you choose, you may be able to | | | | bit, or start integrating the technology on a |
| combine your Internet service with your phone | | | | smaller scale. As VoIP evolves, so too will options |
| service into one lower monthly bill. As VoIP | | | | for larger businesses.When making the switch to |
| becomes more common, it will be available in | | | | VoIP, do a bit of research to choose the best |
| more areas. However, even for those who are | | | | option. Avoid getting locked-into a long-term |
| not yet able to change their local number to Voice | | | | contract, as new providers are competing with |
| over IP, there is still the option of switching your | | | | existing ones, and you'll want to take advantage |
| long distance. This requires a phone number | | | | of better rates and services if the come along. |
| outside of your area code, but the savings will be | | | | The basic information to look into includes:* If local |
| well worth it. Further, if you make many phone | | | | numbers are available in your area. |
| calls to a particular area code, choose a number | | | | * If you can call 911 emergency services. |
| from that area and your contacts will be able to | | | | * What the flat rate is for long-distance calling. |
| call you as if it were a local call. Not a bad way to | | | | * What geographic areas are included in the |
| go while you're waiting for local service!Options | | | | unlimited long-distance plan. |
| Voice over IP comes with many options, including | | | | * The services available and extra costs, such as |
| both the ones you are used to as well as some | | | | directory assistance. |
| new ones. Imagine checking your phone calls | | | | * The terms of the contract.Mike Singh is a |
| through your computer while you are traveling, or | | | | webmaster and successful publisher of On his |
| having an email sent to you every time you have | | | | website, he provides more related articles such as |
| a new voice mail message! The technologies that | | | | disadvantage of VoIP, voice over internet |
| integrate your computer and your phone service | | | | protocol systems and how to choose a voice |
| are opening up a whole new playing field in | | | | over ip provider. |
| communications. VoIP combined with your | | | | |