Learn About VOIP Service

VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is a technology which transforms analog audio signals into digital ones. VoIP can also be referred to as Internet Telephony, Broadband Telephony, IP Telephony, Voice over Broadband or simply broadband phone.

How Does VoIP Work

The VoIP works in a unique way. First the audio signals are converted into a digital signal. The audio signals are the ones that we generally hear over the phone. Therefore when you call at a particular number the analog signal is automatically transformed into a telephonic signal. This is done by a special type of adaptor referred to as ATA or Analog Telephone Adaptor. Fix the cable of your phone into the socket into the adaptor and start enjoying your VoIP connection. VoIP can be fitted with the help of modem, LAN (Local Area Network) or DSL (Digital Subscriber Line). Get an adaptor, computer or a specialized phone for installation.

To get the VoIP services in your handset or computer, you have to primarily get a high speed broadband Internet connection. To operate the connection via computer, you would require software which supports the VoIP technology. You would also need a microphone. When you receive a call from a VoIP number you will either hear a normal telephone tone or the software imposed specific tone. So whenever you get a call from a VoIP number you will be able to identify it.

The special phones can be fitted with the VoIP adaptor directly and operated like a normal telephone. These phones which are meant for VoIP transmissions look like normal handsets. The only difference is these phones are equipped with “RJ-45 Ethernet” connector. The IP phones directly connect to the router and helps directing the IP call. The Wi-Fi phones can also be used for making calls from a Wi-Fi hotspot.

To learn more about this technology log on to the following site: http://www.fcc.gov/voip/ 

You may also your queries at the address given below:
Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554
Phone no:  1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)

Advantages of VoIP Technology

There are several reasons that support the steady progress of this telecommunication technology. The main attributes are listed below-

• You can easily connect to the Internet in places like parks, airports, cafes and enjoy wireless VoIP service. This system is facilitated by setting up “hot spots” in the main public places.
• This can be easily installed in your computer with the help of a suitable adaptor.
• Make local calls, long distant calls, mobile calls and even international calls.
• Some VoIP services allow conference calls
• VoIP users can direct a call from a computer, a traditional telephone or a special VoIP handset once the adapter is plugged.
• Enjoy features like IVR, caller ID, call forwarding and automatic redial
• The connection allows cheap calls because the calls are billed via Internet
• Other valuable services include video conversation, address books management, exchange of data files and many others

Disadvantages of VoIP

• All VoIP services may not allow emergency calls by dialing 9-1-1
• You may not always be provided with a phone directory, white pages or other such assistances.
• There are some VoIP services which do not operate during power shortage. Therefore power backup may not always be provided by all VoIP services. 

For further information on VoIP rules and regulations visit: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/voip911.pdf

Specific VoIP Service Providers:

AT&T

Skype

Verizon

Vonage