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