Still calling friends and family using the old phone that Mr. Bell invented long time ago? Well it might not exactly be Stone Age technology but it is not state of the art anymore. Maybe you are one of the many people that are moving from ordinary phones over to the use of VoIP technology which is the used of the internet to phone other people. Some people might refer to it as broadband phones.

Broadband phones are great for both home and business usage. However if you are thinking of implementing it in larger business then sufficient bandwidth will be an issue that you need to consider upfront.

To use the VoIP technology you will only need the computer that you already have, the internet connection that you already have and then a set of headphones and a microphone (or a headset with build in microphone). Secondly your internet connection will need to be broadband, Cable or DSL in order for you to have the high quality (amount of transferred data) that is voice conversation requires.

The internet connection you have is the single most important aspect affecting the quality of your VoIP calling experience. It doesn’t matter nearly as much what VoIP provider you have. Using a 56k modem will give you an extremely poor performing quality of sound and it will result in you having a negative VoIP experience. The second most important issues are the configuration of the hardware for VoIP, but if you make sure to follow the guides that is provided (or call technical service for help) you should be just fine.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a DSL or similar internet service so that you are able to enjoy the high quality of online phoning.

First important thing

To the question “Do you need to keep a landline for your DSL to work?”, there is a really simple answer and that is that if your provider says that you don’t then you don’t. Now that was easy wasn’t it?

Second important thing

Second thing is that you need to be sure that you are not being ripped off. Browse Google or Yahoo to see what the available providers are offering in terms of service, extra features and naturally price. You might even be lucky to find sites that actually compare the prices of the different DSL providers which will make your task so much easier.

If you can find a provider that delivers “naked DSL” then that would be the optimal solution for VoIP because of its stability but other services will do just fine as well. In order to test the internet connection that you already have go to the site called TestMyVoIP.com. This simple test will show you what the line performance is and the call quality as well (they go together).

A third suggestion for you is to visit a few forums or bulletin boards where VoIP topics are discussed. You will be able to get any questions that you might have answered fairly quickly and that will help you go for the best possible solution.

Luckily the available broadband solutions keep getting better and better (and at a lower and lower cost) and we will soon see a huge boosts in subscribers of VoIP. No doubt about it!

For more information about fiber optics and data fiber optics please visit the author’s website.

Did you ever consider using your computer and the internet connection that you already have and that you are probably already paying a monthly fee for, to phone friends, family and relatives abroad? Normal telephone rates for long distance calls can be very expensive and especially if you are calling countries that are one of the major industrialized ones.

If you would like your phone bill to much smaller or maybe even totally disappear then you really need to learn about the VoIP technology that already exists and are becoming more and more common due to the low cost (or even zero costs) and the high quality it provides. But first I will cover some basics with you about the technology with which you are able to phone using your computer and internet connection.

The 4 letter term “VoIP” stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is a technology that has become public within the last 5-10 years and what it does is that it converts audio signals into small data fragments called packets. These packets are then sent to the person in the other end using the internet highway. When it arrives at its destination it is reassembled and transformed back into audio that the person in the other end can hear. It might sound a little bit strange but the process in not that different from sending emails to friends and relatives. An email is also transmitted through small packets sent over the internet at the speed of light. The great about this form of communication is that it is fast, reliable and very economic.

Why not switch to VoIP?

The most obvious reason for using VoIP is that it is definitely the way of the future. There are no standard telephone providers that are able to compete with the VoIP providers low prices if they are to use their old copper based systems. Even if they reduced their earnings and profit margins, their systems are just costly and ineffective to run, compared to the new VoIP technology. Using the internet protocols to send sound packages using the internet is an extremely cost effective way for the companies to provide the ability to make a phone call (long distance and short distance). The bottom line for you as the costumer will be that you are able to realize huge savings over your phone bills and especially if you are making many long distance phone calls.

A nice little feature that you might not have thought of is that with this technology you will now be able to receive local phone calls no matter where in the world you are located. You will even be able to have local phone numbers in places like New York, Moscow, Toronto, London and any place else in the world (where there is a supplier for this product). Now that would look cool on a business card.

So when you are on vacation in sunny Italy you can still receive a local call from e.g. US. Friends and family will be surprised when you tell them that you are not hope an that you are on the other side of the planet.

So many additional free options

As you would now be using a computer you have all the advantages of that. Most VoIP companies delivers standard packages that include: answering machines, show caller ID, voice mail option, video conferencing and many more.

Skype – The Favorite Tool

If you haven’t heard of Skype you haven’t been reading enough newspapers. Skype is a small piece of software that was developed by two young Scandinavian men. Not to long ago it was bought by Ebay and they both made fortunes.

Skype provides a piece of software that you download to your computer. To be able to call someone else for free, the other person has to have the Skype installed as well prior to be receiving the call. Skype is 100% free to download and you are only charged if you would like to take advantage of some of the extra options that are available (voice mail, video conferencing etc.).

A few years ago they also developed the concept of “Skype Out”, which offers you the possibility to contact any telephone line, without needing the end user to have the basic program installed. All they would need is a phone and a phone number.

A few of the other companies that you could benefit from knowing are Vontage, Packet 8 and Sun Rocket. You can probably find many other great companies but be sure to do your research if you are not using one of the larger providers. Talk to people that have already used the smaller providers’ services to see whether they are happy with it.

For more information about fiber optics and data fiber optics please visit the author’s website.

It used to be that an Internet phone service was clucky, crackly and just not worth the price of admission. Thanks to companies like Vonage VoIP, however, this bad reputation is quickly going away. Offering reliable service at a fraction of the pricing regular telephone companies charge, VoIP is gaining in popularity for a number of solid reasons.

Vonage VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is considered one of the leaders in the Internet telephone industry. This company has been on the ground floor of the movement and is responsible for setting some of the industry standards enjoyed by customers today. Although Vonage offers phone services for both business and residential clients, we’ll take a look at the features this different kind of communications company offers home users.

Some of the things that make Vonage VoIP stand out, over its longevity in the field, include:

* Pricing plans. Vonage VoIP is famous for its flat-rate monthly fees. Standard unlimited calling packages that include both local and long distance calls are typically about $25 a month. When a lot of long distance calls are made, this is a cost saving that’s pretty phenomenal!

* Phone choice. Vonage VoIP offers customers the ability to keep their old phones. Working with a specialized adapter, this is great for those who just don’t want to buy new equipment to save money on calls.

* Features. Vonage VoIP provides all the same features as regular phone service, and it does it within the flat-rate fee. Included in the sticker price are such perks as voicemail, call waiting, caller ID and even around the clock customer service. A total of 20 standard features are included in basic packages.

* European calling. Vonage VoIP even offers unlimited free calls to select countries in Europe. While this doesn’t include calls to cell phones, it can really rack up the savings for those who make calls to places such as France, the UK and Ireland on a regular basis.

* Number retention. In many cases, Vonage VoIP is able to allow customer to keep their old telephone number. This makes switching all the more simple. This particular perk can be a big one for those who have had the same number for years and fear the hassles of switching.

It’s considered one of the pioneers in the Internet phone business. Vonage VoIP is known for its cost-saving, reliable plans that open up a good portion of the world for a monthly flat fee.

Slash the costs of your telephone bill TODAY! To find out more about the Vonage VoIP service and the benefits it can bring, visit http://www.thevoipinfosite.com. It’s the #1 source for VoIP information, advice and resources, and the #1 source for putting cash back in your pocket.

People who are unfamiliar with the options that VoIP phone services have to offer are quite often surprised at the choices. This new type of phone service doesn’t use regular telephone lines and it doesn’t cut corners in the options department.

VoIP, which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, is nothing more than a phone service that uses a broadband Internet connection instead of phone poles and lines to make communication possible. This type of phone service works just like the regular phone service, but it doesn’t cost nearly as much. This means callers can dial out and receive phone calls just like regular phone users would. There are no restrictions that say Internet phone users may only call Internet phone users either.

While quality used to be an issue with VoIP services, this is no longer the case. As broadband connections get better and better, Internet phone services are matching and even beating regular connections for quality and options.

Some of the extra features that VoIP phone users are finding that are now available include:

* Unlimited calling. Just like some mobile phone providers, VoIP service providers tend to offer unlimited calling as part of the standard package. This might include local, national long distance and even international long distance. This can be a great perk for phone users who make a lot of long distance calls. The cost savings can add up very fast.

* Caller ID. One of the reasons many people love their regular phones is having the ability to see who is calling before they answer. Many VoIP providers now offer this service, too.

* Call blocking. This standard feature of regular phone services now extends to many VoIP services. This feature allows users to stop callers from calling.

* Call waiting. Some VoIP providers offer call waiting and even multi-line services so busy people and businesses can get their jobs done without missing a call.

* Call return. Automatic call return is one of the many features now found standard among VoIP service providers.

* Personal secretary services. From wake up calls to message taking, VoIP providers are making the secretarial services available on regular phones available to their own customers. These services might cost a little extra, but they generally are more than within reach.

VoIP services used to offer virtually no perks and really bad connections. As this technology moves forward and more major name players get into the game, the perks offered to VoIP customers just keep getting better.

Slash the costs of your telephone bill TODAY! To find out more about VoIP and the benefits it can bring, visit http://www.thevoipinfosite.com. It’s the #1 source for VoIP information, advice and resources, and the #1 source for putting cash back in your pocket.

A lot of people who haven’t fully embraced the ‘Computer Age’ are still mystified by all this technology and the Internet can do. One of the many interesting creations to grow out of this revolution is the VoIP solution. Providing fast, affordable and unlimited calling using the Internet as the conduit, Voice over Internet Protocol has become a major factor in the telecommunications world in recent years.

As the VoIP solution keeps getting better and better, many people wonder if the option is right for them. VoIP is now considered a viable choice for people and businesses coming from all walks of life, having very different needs. As the technology behind the movement has improved, so too has the quality and reliability customers can expect. The VoIP solution works well for these kind of situations and many others:

* Regular home use. Even if calls are kept to a minimum and bills aren’t that high, the VoIP solution is worth looking at as its flat-rate fees tend to be lower than regular phone service monthly charges.

* Homes where long distance calls rack up. A VoIP solution is ideal for families that make a lot of long distance calls. Since most VoIP plans provide for unlimited long distance calling within the flat-fee, there’s no need to worry about a phone call to Dad resulting in a $20 charge added to the bill.

* Families that call Europe. Many VoIP solution providers offer unlimited calls to some international locations in the monthly fee. When they don’t, they provide for a very low per-minute rate. This makes budgeting for calls much easier and enables friends and families all over the globe to talk without spending a small fortune.

* Small businesses. The VoIP solution is one that’s being taken very seriously by many small companies. Offering a lot of perks for a single fee, this type of phone service might be “new,” but it’s reliable and affordable.

* Large companies. As well as small businesses, a VoIP solution can be tailored to meet the needs of larger companies, too. The pricing will depend on the individual needs, but it’s still very likely that overall fees will be a whole lot less than regular phone service.

The VoIP solution is one that’s sound for all sorts of situations. From families looking to save a few dollars to companies that must keep budgets in check, it’s more than likely that a VoIP solution can be found to fit the bill.

Slash the costs of your telephone bill TODAY! To find out more about the VoIP solution and the benefits it can bring, visit http://www.thevoipinfosite.com. It’s the #1 source for VoIP information, advice and resources, and the #1 source for putting cash back in your pocket.

As more big-name companies jump on the VoIP provider bandwagon, customers looking to tap into this type of service will find the options are pretty amazing. Where only a few companies once existed, many thrive now.

The rise in the number of VoIP provider companies can be attributed to a number of things, but mostly it falls in the realm of advanced technology. The better technology for online services becomes, the greater the demand for VoIP has become. The reasons this type of service is gaining in demand include:

* Rise of broadband services. The best VoIP provider companies rely on broadband Internet to offer their services. As broadband becomes more available, even in remote locations, the ability for VoIP to be offered has been increased.

* Quality increases. Along with more accessible broadband, the quality of services has increased, too. The better broadband connections become, the more popular VoIP provider services are becoming, too. Since the quality of the connection greatly impacts the quality of the service, this link makes sense on many levels.

* Customer understanding. When VoIP provider companies first began offering Voice over Internet Protocol phone services, not a whole lot of people understood what PCs were let alone PC phone service. As the computer has become a household tool, the popularity of VoIP services has increased.

* Pricing. This is one of the biggest factors driving the VoIP provider revolution. As the pricing tends to be lower than a regular phone service, more people are flocking to give Internet phone services a try. With low flat-rate fees and many unlimited calling plans available, it’s easy to see why VoIP is gaining serious ground.

* Major names. As VoIP provider demand has increased, more recognizable companies have begun offering this type of online, digital service. With the name brand companies taking part, customer confidence is increasing.

* Features. VoIP provider companies have managed to match regular telephone service features almost down the line. Since customers won’t suffer a loss of their favorite phone perks, such as Caller ID or voice mail, they feel a bit more confident in choosing to give this option a whirl.

VoIP provider companies still have a long way to go to corner the market, but as the popularity of this type of service increases, they are making some serious headway. More and more, customers are giving VoIP phones a try and many are finding they like them better than old fashion “landlines.”

Slash the costs of your telephone bill TODAY! To find out more about how a VoIP provider can provide great benefits, visit http://www.thevoipinfosite.com. It’s the #1 source for VoIP information, advice and resources, and the #1 source for putting cash back in your pocket.

The VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone service is gaining some serious ground with more and more companies offering this cutting-edge technology to customers. From cable companies to regular phone service providers, VoIP service is offered by big and little names in the industry. As it proves to be much more than a trend, many potential customers find themselves asking why they should consider VoIP.

There are a lot of compelling reasons that customers choose to give VoIP a go in their homes or offices. From budgeting and options, VoIP has fast enabled itself to stack up well against regular phone services in comparisons. Here are five of the biggest reasons to entertain the idea of getting a VoIP service:

#1 Freedom: VoIP service companies tend to offer clients a lot of freedom in regards to the perks, benefits and pricing. It’s even possible in some cases to choose the type of phone used. This means expensive regular telephones aren’t necessarily deemed useless when VoIP is introduced into a home or business. Plus, many companies are able to cater to not only residential clients, but also businesses themselves. With multi-line options and more, VoIP offers customers the freedom of choice.

#2 Clarity: The VoIP service has come a long way since it first began. As the Internet becomes higher-tech through broadband connections, VoIP is also becoming more reliable and clear. Where customers used to report problems with dropped calls, inaudible calls and other issues, this is just no longer the case.

#3 Perks: VoIP service providers are now able to give their customers just about everything a regular phone company can. From Caller ID to call block, the options are matched almost perfectly.

#4 Unlimited calls: Many VoIP service companies give their clients unlimited calling within their plans. This may or may not include unlimited national and international long distance, as well. This particular feature is one that has a lot of people taking VoIP more seriously.

#5 Pricing plans: Most VoIP service providers offer their customers a flat-fee for use on a monthly basis. This flat-fee rate tends to be a great deal lower than a regular phone service, which makes it great for budgeting in these times of rising prices.

Offering reliable phone service in a new and different way, VoIP service companies are making a name for themselves. With reliability on the rise and pricing that’s lower than the rest, these companies have put the VoIP service on the map.

Slash the costs of your telephone bill TODAY! To find out more about the VoIP service and the benefits it can bring, visit http://www.thevoipinfosite.com. It’s the #1 source for VoIP information, advice and resources, and the #1 source for putting cash back in your pocket.

More and more businesses around the world are turning to Internet telephone services to meet their communications demands. Offering some perks over regular phone services, these connections are no longer considered “substandard” or “unreliable.” In fact, many big companies have turned to business VoIP to ensure good connections at a more economical price.

The reasons business VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is gaining ground in the corporate world are many. From cost savings and reliability to features packages and beyond, there’s literally a laundry list of reasons companies choose to go this route. Let’s look at some of them:

*Ease. Business VoIP is very easy to get started using, especially for companies that already have a broadband Internet connection in place. Requiring only that connection, a computer, which is an office staple, and a service provider, VoIP for business can be a very simple thing to get going. It’s even possible for a company to switch over and keep its former telephone number.

*Perks. Business VoIP has gained some serious ground in regard to perks in recent years. Offering just about everything regular phone service does, and then some, the perks include multi-line services, call waiting, caller ID, call return, call block and more. There’s virtually nothing a regular phone company can provide that a VoIP for business company cannot.

*Pricing. While corporate pricing tends to be a little higher than plans for small businesses, the fact is business VoIP is still quite a bit cheaper than regular phone services. With unlimited monthly plans that can include long distance and international calling, VoIP just makes sense for a lot of businesses’ bottom lines. Some companies will offer packages that include international calls in the unlimited column, but others will charge as little as 1 cent a minute.

* Better use of lines. Since most companies already have a broadband Internet connection in place and are already paying the fees, using business VoIP services just maximizes the use of that expenditure.

* Personalized set ups. Many business VoIP providers will work with companies large and small to ensure they have the best possible phone set up for their needs.

When business VoIP is a consideration, companies will find that cost savings doesn’t have to equate to a loss of quality. Providing reliability and fast connections, VoIP phones for business work like regular landlines without the high fees. This is great for making sure the bottom line stays in the black.

Slash the costs of your telephone bill TODAY! To find out more about business VoIP and the benefits it can bring, visit http://www.thevoipinfosite.com. It’s the #1 source for VoIP information, advice and resources, and the #1 source for putting cash back in your pocket.

I’m a Vonage telephone service user. I have used Vonage for about two years now. In that period I have saved at least several hundred dollars using Vonage phone service. Vonage is a VOIP which means voice over IP address. This means it uses you pre-existing high speed internet connection to attach to the Vonage servers and get phone calls to your home.

My review will focus in on the benefits of Vonage service as well as some of the drawbacks. You’ll also see my final analyses on this service.

What I have liked about Vonage is the price. You pay under $25 bucks per month for a phone full of services. Services that include unlimited long distance phone service in the whole USA and Canada with no additional charges. Basically you are getting free long distance service nationally. Now if you are the kind of person that makes international phone calls you’ll also see a benefit. The charges to call overseas are significant. My old long distance phone carrier charged $.35 per minute to a certain area I called. With Vonage the charge was only $.04 per minute.

I also have a business line that only costs me $14.99 per month since it only has 600 minutes on the plan. But that’s enough for the few calls I make and receive from my business line per month.

The one fault I find with Vonage is that sometimes calls are choppy. This occurs during periods when your internet connection is slower or interrupted for some reason. This is not due to anything that Vonage is doing but the status of your own internet connection.

My final analyses is that we are mostly using our cell phones to make calls. We hardly use land phone lines anymore. Vonage cuts down on the price of your phone bill every month on a service we are using less and less of. I definitely recommend Vonage.

Get one free month of Vonage service and other freebies when you visit
http://www.vonageonemonthfree.info.

VoIP Service is one of the hottest technologies on the internet today. And, unlike so many other internet services, VoIP service - in place of a standard telephone service - actually provides real value to the user.

So what exactly is Voice over IP (VoIP)?

Voice over Internet Protocol. Simply the ability to transmit Voice traffic (an analog conversation) over the internet (a packet based protocol or data conduit). This is done much the way music is digitized when converted to MP3.

You have probably heard of Voice over IP or VoIP before, and maybe even used it, but check your knowledge against this list of 9 need to know facts:

• VoIP is an exciting new technology, but it’s not yet perfected
• Skype, and now Google Talk, are the easiest ways to get started
• Some VoIP Service companies that are here today will be gone tomorrow
• A VoIP phone is only as reliable as your broadband internet connection
• You don’t want to rely on a VoIP phone line for 911!
• VoIP phone service does not carry the same legal protections as a landline
• Low introductory prices for VoIP service will likely increase later, maybe a lot
• Long distance is getting cheaper all the time, removing some incentive for VoIP
• VoIP is the future, and merits looking into

VoIP is exciting, but not perfect

We all love something for nothing, but have you ever heard the phrase “There’s no such thing as a free lunch?” Sure you have. With Voice over IP, keep in mind that it is a relatively new and developing technology, and the “price” can be lack of quality.

The internet is designed to pass data packets. The ability to resend packets that are lost in transmission is built in to the way the internet works. This works great with data packets - keep resending until the recipient gets it or a predetermined timeout factor.

If a packet is lost with voice, however, how does the person speaking know to stop talking until the packet arrives at the other end? Getting the picture? Think early days of cell phones (depending on where you’re at you might be thinking of cell phones today!).

Anyone who has used VoIP, and you probably have been on the receiving end of a VoIP call whether you knew it or not, knows that drop outs and dropped calls do happen. Many businesses are beginning to use VoIP to save money on long distance. Next time you receive a call from a business and the line quality “waffles” a bit, you are probably on a VoIP call.

Skype (or Google Talk) is a must for anyone interested in VoIP

You simply MUST checkout this technology. It primarily turns your computer, with a microphone and speakers (preferably a headset), into a telephone. When you login to Skype, Skype servers can then connect others to you automatically when they “dial” your username.

You can call any other Skype user, who is online, for free. With inexpensive minute packages, you can call any phone number in the world.

WIFI enabled cell phones even have the ability to make skype phone calls right from the phone’s menu. This saves paid minutes for other calls and allows international calling to be free.

I know several businesses with employees scattered around the world who keep everyone in touch via free skype calls.

What VoIP companies will be around for the long haul?

Not all VoIP companies are like Vonage, and Vonage is… well, have you noticed that the Vonage stock IPO (initial public offering) was less than well received, with the price of the stock quickly falling 50% and more?

Vonage is probably the best known VoIP company, and if you prowl the internet chat rooms and newsgroups you will see an awful lot of complaints about dropped calls and other quality and service issues. The company may ultimately get the kinks worked out and improve their reputation, but only time will tell.

Many other VoIP companies may not last very long. Don’t you kind of wonder about a business that pays up to $200 for a residential VoIP Service referral, as long as the referral stays a $20/month customer for at least two months? I know of one such company. Scary.

Not a big deal if you are just playing around with VoIP on a second phone line and trying to save a little on long distance. But what happens to number portability when the company that has your number no longer answers their phone?

Reliability of the Internet

With Voice over IP, don’t forget what IP stands for - Internet Protocol. Is your internet service ever down, or sloooow? Guess what that does to your VoIP service; that’s right, what service!

Even if you have the most reliable ISP or Internet Service Provider, the VoIP call needs to get to the other end after being properly routed everywhere in between. If any part of the path fails and cannot quickly redirect, your call is either dropped or nonexistent in the first place.

In order for VoIP service to work well, the entire network must support something known as QoS, which stands for Quality of Service. Problem is, not every path on the internet supports QoS, at least not yet.

Just like a chain, a Voice over IP phone call is only as good as its weakest link.

And that leads right into the next point..

Do NOT rely on a VoIP phone line for 911

Now I know there are those of you who are young, single and carefree who maybe have never had to call 911 in your life and don’t expect to have to.

But it’s not just seniors and families with children who have medical emergencies, whether it be for someone who lives in that residence or a visitor.

What about fire? What if you have to call the Police?

• Do you ever want to pick up the phone to dial 911 and not get an immediate dial tone?
• Do you ever want to have to redial because the call was dropped?
• Do you ever want to get routed to the wrong 911 dispatcher? Or have the dispatcher not get your correct address on their screen?

Emergency 911 service is yet to be available with many Voice over IP services in most areas of the United States. Some providers in fact will only let you make OUTBOUND calls from your home because of this (they want you to keep a land line for now).

For those where it does work it depends on the correct data being entered in their master database somewhere and for the routing algorithms to work correctly for your call to get to the correct 911 emergency call center.

Traditional landlines have a variety of legal protections, but not VoIP phone service

With the current attitude of the US Government to keep chipping away at the Consitution in the name of anti-terrorism, I don’t expect that many, if any, legal protections will be extended to VoIP. Certainly none that will protect you from Uncle Sam that’s for sure. And YES, VoIP calls can be traced, even over encrypted connections!

Don’t be sucked in by low introductory rates

We all know how it works. 3, 6, 12 months at a low price, then huge increase once they’ve got you hooked. Companies like Vonage started out with rates around $50/month. Now they offer intro rates of $20 - $30/month.

You know where they want to go with those rates. Up. The higher the better for them. Quite possibly back toward $50/month.

The only thing that will prevent that from happening is competition. But in order for competition to keep prices down, the customer, that’s you, have to be willing to endure the inconvenience of jumping ship. That’s a task certain to be more painful if you try to take your phone number with you.

Can you count on the VoIP service provider to make it easy for you to switch to one of their competitors? Can you spell “Busy Signal”? Sure you can. You’ve been there before. It’s not like being able to walk in the office of your local phone company where you can speak to someone in person!.

And for $20 - $50/month, you can buy a lot of long distance these days; which leads me to the next item..

Long distance just keeps getting cheaper

If your primary reason for giving up the quality and reliability of a land line is to get free long distance, your reason is getting smaller every day.

Why? Long distance rates are coming down. Between competition and the fact that telecommunications companies are themselves using Voice over IP to route long distance traffic. The difference, though, is that telecoms use dedicated networks with high dollar equipment to eliminate the dropped calls and to keep the quality of the call in line with what their customers expect.

Many traditional phone customers are being offered unlimited calling packages now. And who doesn’t have some spare minutes on their cell phone package to use for a long distance call now and then? The attractiveness of free calling via a VoIP service is diminishing daily.

Conclusion: The future of VoIP

Bottom line? Voice over IP is here to stay. It is the future. For those who feel like being a pioneer, new technology can be fun. Just remember what can happen to pioneers, they get arrows in their back!

If you fancy the latest in technology, take Voice over IP for a test drive, I am.

But when I have a really important call, or I don’t want to make a bad impression or I’m calling someone older who doesn’t hear so well any more - I pick up a land line, dial 1+ the number and show some respect for the person on the other end of the line.

For more information about Voice over IP and other Windows and Computer issues, visit the author’s website at http://www.FreeComputerConsultant.com

Roger DeReu has been working with PC’s, as a programmer, IT specialist and independent consultant, since 1984. He currently consults primarily with small and medium sized businesses in the Midwest. He is a Microsoft Certified Professional and Small Business Specialist. The FreeComputerConsultant website was originally created to be a free resource for the employees of his clients to have access to his knowledge for benefit of their home PC’s.

Roger’s daily computer blog can be found at http://FreeComputerConsultant.WordPress.com

Sign up for his free weekly e-zine, Tip-Of-The-Week, at http://www.freecomputerconsultant.com/e-zine.html