What is VOIP ? (Voice Over IP) and Why Should I Care?

VOIP :is a protocol optimized for the transmission of voice through the Internet or other packet switched networks .....

Now that I got the official meaning out of the way lets add some “What are you talking about” to this meaning. We all know about routers now, most of us have them in our homes so we can add all of our computers and laptops to our broadband connection (DSL, Cable, Satellite, etc..)

Well think of VOIP as just another router that connects to the Internet through your broadband, but it also has a connection for your phone! So you talk into your phone, which goes through your VOIP router and is converted into digital sounds ( kinda like taking your audio CD and making mp3's of it). These sounds (packets) are sent via your broadband connection to a VOIP provider who (just like your phone company) sends them to the party you are trying to talk to. Ok, so whats the big deal, my phone company connects me to whoever I'm calling, why should I care about VOIP?

Good question and hears a good answer, quality,cost saving, and full features plus... Lets start with a few companies out there that are currently providing VOIP.

AT&T

Time Waner Cable

Comcast Cable

Verizon

SkyPE

Vonage

ViaTalk

Packet 8

This is just the top dogs in the business at this time, there are many more. Now comes the good part of what it cost you.... I currently use AT&T CallVantage VOIP service and love it. Here are some of the features I currently get with AT&T:

Standard Features: (Included, no additional charge to subscribe)

Caller ID With Name
Call Waiting
Call Forwarding*
3-Way Calling*
E-911 Service

Advanced Features: (Included, no additional charge to subscribe)

Call Logs
Voice Mail
Phone Book
Locate Me*
Do Not Disturb
Speed Dial
Safe Forward Number*
Fax And Modem Support
Directory Assistance*
Control By Phone*

Oh, did I forget to mention that it's unlimited calls throughout the US ,Canada and Puerto Rico!!! And for all this I pay would pay $24.99 and month!!!!!!! Oh I forgot, I have my cell service through AT&T also, for which they gave me a discount of $5.00 per month. My cost per month is $19.99.... Ok, now that I have your attention, I have been using VOIP for three years now and have never regretted it. I call friends and family all over the country and there's no more “long distant charges”, which were a total joke anyways. Draw backs, sure there are some but I have found them not that bad and easy to deal with. Here's an example, cable goes out, so does phone, but with the “call forward if service is disturbed” option, I receive all my calls to my cell with no problems.

This is the new wave of phones service that will replace the old copper lines and multi-million dollar switches which cost just as much to service them anymore. Because it's via broadband , more players are involved ( not just the phone companies anymore) which drives down cost and raises quality of service. I recommend you check with your local phones company and your broadband provider and see what they offer in VOIP. The saving could make you a very happy person....