Voice Over IP

One of the huge trends right now is utilizing Voice over IP as a phone solution. This is an incredible technology that allows dramatic savings and cost reduction. If you are starting a new business or attempting to reduce the cost of an existing small office phone system, Voice over IP is a must consider. Several years ago the technology was flakey and premature, but the last several years IP telephone solutions have become a reality.

Below is a complete description and highlight of most frequently asked questions on Voice over IP from the FCC.

What is Voice over IP/Internet Voice?
Voice over IP allows you to make telephone calls using a computer network, over a data network like the Internet. Voice over IP 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. When placing a Voice over IP call using a phone with an adapter, you'll hear a dial tone and dial just as you always have. Voice over IP may also allow you to make a call directly from a computer using a conventional telephone or a microphone.

How Can I Place a Voice over IP Call?
Depending on the service, one way to place a Voice over IP call is to pick up your phone and dial the number, using an adaptor that connects to your existing high-speed Internet connection. The call goes through your local telephone company to a Voice over IP provider. The phone call goes over the Internet to the called party's local telephone company for the completion of the call. Another way is to utilize a microphone headset plugged into your computer. The number is placed using the keyboard and is routed through your cable modem.

What Kind of Equipment and Software Do I Need?
A broadband (high speed Internet) connection is required. This can be through a cable modem, or high speed services such as DSL or a local area network. You can hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer and send your voice through a cable modem or connect a phone directly to a telephone adaptor.
Is there a difference between making a Local Call and a Long Distance Call?
Some Voice over IP providers offer their services for free, normally only for calls to other subscribers to the service. Your Voice over IP provider may permit you to select an area code different from the area in which you live. This means you may not incur long distance charges if you call a number in your area code regardless of geography. It also means that people who call you may incur long distance charges depending on their area code and service.
Some Voice over IP providers charge for a long distance call to a number outside your calling area, similar to existing, traditional wireline telephone service. Other Voice over IP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes.
If I have Voice over IP service, who can I call?
Depending upon your 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 call can be made to a local number, a mobile phone, to a long distance number, or an international number. You may even utilize the service to speak with more than one person at a time. The person you are calling does not need any special equipment, just a phone.
What Are Some Advantages of Internet Voice?
Because Voice over IP is digital, it may offer features and services that are not available with a traditional phone. If you have a broadband internet connection, you need not maintain and pay the additional cost for a line just to make telephone calls.
With many Voice over IP plans you can talk for as long as you want with any person in the world (the requirement is that the other person has an Internet connection). You can also talk with many people at the same time without any additional cost.
What Are Some disadvantages of Internet Voice?
If you're considering replacing your traditional telephone service with Voice over IP, there are some possible differences:

• Some Voice over IP services don't work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power.

• Not all Voice over IP services connect directly to emergency services through 9-1-1.

• Voice over IP providers may or may not offer directory assistance/white page listings.

Can I use my Computer While I talk on the Phone?
Yes

Can I Take My Phone Adapter with me When I Travel?
You may be able to use your Voice over IP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high speed Internet connection available. In that case it would work the same as from your home based business.

Does my Computer Have to be Turned on?
Not if you are making calls with a phone and adaptor or special Voice over IP phone, but your broadband Internet connection needs to be active. You can also use your computer while talking on the phone.

How Do I Know If I have a Voice over IP phone Call?
It will ring like any other call.

Does the FCC Regulate Voice over IP?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has worked to create an environment promoting competition and innovation to benefit consumers. Historically, the FCC has not regulated the Internet or the services provided over it. On February 12, 2004, the FCC found that an entirely Internet-based Voice over IP service was an unregulated information service. On the same day, the FCC began a broader proceeding to examine what its' role should be in this new environment of increased consumer choice and what it can best do to meet its role of safeguarding the public interest.