VoIP - Using your Internet connection for phone service
Voice over Internet Protocol ("VoIP" or "Voice over IP"), is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection. Depending on the type of VoIP system you choose to use, this exciting technology can significantly reduce, and in some cases eliminate, portions of your telephone bill. Voice over IP usually serves as a viable substitute or in addition to POTS (Plain Old Phone Service), which is the regular (or analog) phone system. VoIP has enjoyed tremendous success and acceptance in the corporate realm for several years, and has seen a sharp rise in private usage as the availability of broadband internet has grown.
There are two categories of VoIP service, Free VoIP and Paid VoIP. This is not standard terminology, simply a way to categorize the various Voice over IP services mentioned here so that we are comparing similar technologies. This website is not intended to be a definitive resource for all things VoIP. The goal of this website is to provide useful, unbiased information on VoIP services, and provide links to the various VoIP options available to consumers today.
Free VoIP
Free VoIP generally allows you to call other people who are using the same VoIP service as you are without charge. These types of VoIP services only work through a special VoIP application installed on your computer, and your computer must be turned on to make and receive calls. Communication is accomplished using headsets or your computer speakers and a microphone. There are also special VoIP phones that can be used with some services. These USB phones allow you to use a traditional looking hand-held phone. Most Free VoIP companies include advertisements on your screen while the VoIP is in use. As stated earlier, Free Voip only works when connecting to other users on the same system. So, if all of your contacts have installed the software, and they leave their computer on 24/7, you could practically eliminate long-distance and local toll charges. Some companies offering Free VoIP may also offer paid services that have enhanced VoIP features, such as the ability to connect to the POTS system. This type of VoIP service is discussed in the next section.
Some of the best known and largest peer-to-peer VoIP systems are Skype, Glophone, and Firefly. Click here to learn more about Free VoIP
Paid VoIP
Universal Access VoIP is the closest thing to POTS, and to many people it is superior. The technology is constantly improving as demand for VoIP service grows. Universal Access VoIP allows you to use standard phones, keep existing phone numbers, and in most cases even get phone numbers in area codes outside of where you live. You can also use the phone without having to have the computer turned on. In fact, a computer is not even necessary as long as you have a high-speed connection.