| Voice over IP (also called VoIP, IP Telephony, and | | | | a hassle not worth the trouble. |
| Internet telephony) refers to technology that | | | | 3. VoIP features and benefits are like any other |
| enables routing of voice conversations over the | | | | products. Some are more featured oriented than |
| Internet or any other IP network. The voice data | | | | others. Of course the biggest benefit is in the long |
| flows over a general-purpose packet-switched | | | | distance savings, but you need to see if things like |
| network, instead of the traditional methods for | | | | call waiting, call forwarding and 3 way calling are |
| local and long distance telephone service. | | | | included if these are important to you. |
| There are many benefits to VoIP. Here are 6 | | | | 4. Depending on where you call you may be able |
| benefits we found to voice over ip. You may be | | | | to get unlimited international calling to certain |
| able to think of even more reasons to switch or | | | | countries. Check to see if your country is included. |
| to include this exciting way to communicate at | | | | If you make a lot of international calls check the |
| reduced prices. | | | | rates before you sign up for a provider. |
| 1. You save money on your long distance charges. | | | | 5. What is the money back guarantee: Since VoIP |
| Because there are many different VoIP providers | | | | is relatively new most all VoIP providers will offer |
| to choose from you will want to shop around, | | | | a free money back guarantee. You will want to |
| much like you have for your current long distance | | | | keep the original packaging that your equipment |
| carrier. You could save anywhere from 50-75% | | | | came in just in case you need to send it back. |
| on what you pay now for unlimited calling. | | | | 6. One other thing to consider is does your VoIP |
| Packages can run as low as around $20 a month. | | | | provider offer E911 for emergencies. If not you |
| 2. Can you keep your current phone number is | | | | will want to have a regular land line or cell phone in |
| one question to consider. Most VoIP services will | | | | case you need it. |
| let you keep your current number. Depending on | | | | If you are new to this technology you will be |
| how long you have had the phone number you | | | | better off not committing to any long term |
| have this may or may not be a big deal. If a lot | | | | contract until you give it a try and are |
| of people have your number changing it could be | | | | comfortable with the provider you use. |