| Unless you live in a bubble, you have probably been | | | | great benefit is that as it currently stands (in January |
| hearing alot of buzz lately about something called | | | | 2006), the Government does not apply a tax to your |
| Voice Over IP (VoIP). Perhaps you have heard that | | | | VoIP service, unlike the additional taxes and fees that |
| you can use VoIP to get cheap or free long distance | | | | are applied to your standard phone bill. This can |
| calling, even Internationally. The good news is that this | | | | amount to a substantial savings alone, but this may |
| is true!VoIP, which stands for Voice Over Internet | | | | only be a temporary benefit. As VoIP gains in |
| Protocol is an exciting synergy between computers | | | | popularity, it is more than likely that the Government will |
| and telephony, but don't let that scare you. VoIP is just | | | | find a way to tax that as well.Do I Need "Special |
| as easy to use as any ordinary telephone. So, you | | | | Stuff"?This depends on the provider, once again. One |
| have heard the buzz and perhaps you are curious | | | | thing that you must have is an always on broadband |
| about taking the plunge and getting set up with VoIP | | | | internet connection. This means DSL or Cable Internet, |
| service. Being so new, VoIP is still somewhat shrouded | | | | for home users. Depending on whom you get service |
| in mystery. Help is here! In this article we will answer | | | | with, you will likely have to connect just regular phone |
| several common questions most people have about | | | | to an adapter, or maybe purchase a special phone to |
| VoIP Service and help clear up the confusion about | | | | use with the service. Check for specials before you |
| the technology and how it can work for you.What | | | | sign up, sometimes the equipment is given away for |
| Exactly is VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol)? | | | | free to encourage you to sign up. Regardless, the |
| VoIP is a new technology that makes use of your | | | | investment in hardware for home users of VoIP is |
| broadband connection to route your telephone calls | | | | very minimal, if it costs you at all.Can I call 911?You |
| over the internet, rather than using the traditional analog | | | | need to check with the provider to ensure that they |
| telephone lines. This has proven to be a very efficient | | | | do indeed provide this functionality. That said, in May |
| and cost effective way to place phone calls to | | | | 2005, the US Government ordered all interconnected |
| anywhere in the world.Who Can I call? | | | | VoIP Providers to provide 911 functionality to their |
| This depends upon your service provider. There are a | | | | subscribers.Sounds... Too Good, What's the |
| few different flavors of Voice Over IP Service. Most | | | | Catch?Well, there is a minor catch which is that if your |
| of the larger VoIP service providers you see | | | | internet goes out, so does your phone. This isn't usually |
| advertised to the consumer market (such as Vonage, | | | | too big of a problem, however as most modern |
| BlueSky, etc..) work just like your existing phone and | | | | broadband ISPs do a great job of maintaining reliable |
| enable you to call any phone, anywhere.What's It | | | | service.Where Do I Find VoIP Providers?Usually, it is |
| Going To Cost? | | | | not important that you find a local provider just as long |
| The cost for this service varies depending on the | | | | as the provider you choose is based in the same |
| provider and the service plan you select. Currently, | | | | country. Therefore, the internet is a very valuable |
| most service providers have plans that cost in the $10 | | | | resource for finding and comparing VoIP |
| - $25 monthly, which is considerably cheaper than | | | | providers.Which one Do I choose?The VoIP provider |
| ordinary phone service. Keep in mind that this service | | | | that you choose is a personal choice, as they all tend |
| includes long distance calls. Usually, you can choose | | | | to work slightly differently. What sounds the most |
| from several plans that vary in cost depending on the | | | | feasible for your setup and usage requirements is the |
| level of usage you desire. Most companies also offer | | | | best choice for you. Do keep in mind that this is a |
| an unlimited plan that includes unlimited long distance | | | | rapidly maturing technology and that changes are |
| calls.You will also be plesantly surprised to find that | | | | occurring all the time. You will want to choose a |
| many services such as caller id, call forwarding, call | | | | company that you feel will be able to provide you |
| waiting, three way calling, and even voice mail features | | | | reliable service in the future. |
| often come standard with most VoIP plans. Another | | | | |