VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol)

The cost of Voice over IP is a definite plus compared to the traditional telephone services. For the most part Voice over IP is either free or costs very little. With this in mind, usually Voice over IP to Voice over IP phone calls using any provider are on average free, but Voice over IP to Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) phone calls tend to cost the Voice over IP user. One major reason for its inexpensiveness is that Voice over IP uses a single network in order to carry voice and data. With that in mind you should know that if you are currently using an existing underutilized network you can use Voice over IP for no additional costs.

As far as PSTN to Voice over IP services go there are two types: access numbers and Direct Inward Dialing (DID). Access numbers will involve the caller having to input the extension number of the Voice over IP user. Also the caller is usually charged for a local call, and the Voice over IP user is charged nothing with access numbers. On the other hand DID connects the caller and the Voice over IP user directly. Also in most cases DID will cost a Voice over IP user monthly, but there are some rare situations where DID is free to the Voice over IP user and costs the caller instead.

One minor disadvantage that people over look has to do with the phone jacks in your house or business. You have to make sure you telephone jacks are able to accommodate Voice over IP standards. Which means you might have to rewire your telephone jacks. When you accommodate your telephone jacks, you will more than likely be limiting how many telephones you can now use. You also have to set up a telephone near your high speed internet connection source.

You just need to keep in mind that for a relatively new technology Voice over IP’s costs are actually low and reasonable. There are a few companies that charge a bit more for their services, but with so many companies out there you should be able to find one with low prices and tons of extras.