How You Can Save Money With VoIP

VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is the technology used by Internet Telephones to transmit voice or audio files over the Internet. Using the Packet Switching Network does this; your voice is transmitted over the Internet and then received by either a computer, internet phone, or standard telephone. This is in contrast to the Circuit Switching networks that are used for the Public Switched Telephone Network (the standard telephone system) that people have been using for almost 100 years.

There are lots of advantages to be gained by using VoIP instead of PSTN primarily the fact that VoIP is considerably less expensive than other networks. In fact a lot of Instant Messaging programs are now including the technology for VoIP and are providing free calls to anyplace in the world. The only requirement is that the other user has a computer, high speed Internet, speakers, a microphone, and the same Instant Messaging program so that the call is handled entirely over the Internet.

To lots of people this opportunity to talk with friends and loved ones worldwide, without time limits, absolutely free of charge is a fantastic money saver. Now that Skype version 2 have introduced the ability to have a video connect as well, the video telephone is now here and it is free to use.

Many users adore VoIP because of its ability to integrate telecommunication services such as Email, Audio, Video, and Web applications into one program. This again is best shown by the Instant Messaging programs, while talking on a VoIP telephone service, users can continue to surf the web, read and write email, and also send video with their web cameras or digital cameras. All of this is made feasible by the power of the Internet.

This develpment offers amazing advantages for businesses as well as the personal user.

Internet telephones are starting to achieve a reputation as a replacement for the old style PSTN network. In fact, several PSTN networks are starting to recognize the value of VoIP and have started offering VoIP plans to their customers. Sprint, Verizon, and Cingular wireless are all including VoIP services. Over the next few years we will see a enormous increase of VoIP services and products.

VoIP telephone service providers are increasing in popularity as well, as more and more people realize all of the benefits available to them by switching to VoIP. First, that VoIP costs significantly less than standard telephone service, and this is a great attraction for new customers. Many VoIP service plans will let you make unlimited long distance calls or supply you with a plan for very inexpensive rates and of course if you are working over the Internet with no connection to a PSTN network then the call is completely free.

Also people are discovering that they prefer a VoIP service plan compared to a standard telephone plan for numerous reasons.

First, many of the additional services that you have to pay for with standard phone companies are typically free with a VoIP unlimited long distance and local calling plan.

These services include Voice Mail, Call Waiting, Caller ID, Call Blocking, Call Forwarding and Call Transfer. Obviously you will need to confirm with individual VoIP service providers the exact listing of detailed services and features offered.

Again, long distance calls are usually unlimited check with the service provider you are thinking of using to find out which countries you may call for either free or at significantly lower rates. There are presently no tax fees involved with VoIP services and no roaming charges when using mobile VoIP Wireless as well.

Businesses have found that they can eliminate extensive telephone cabling networks from their offices and replace them with VoIP and High Speed Internet connection. Many businesses prefer transacting their audio over the Internet for a mass of reasons. First, it is cost effective, second it provides superior flexibility and freedom, and third businesses can integrate their audio, video, Email, and Web applications and increase productivity and enhance their customer service all while saving money.

One benefit that may not be so popular with the general public is that Call centers have started to utilize VoIP and are now establishing virtual call centers worldwide. This gives them the ability to outsource to other countries, saving them money, and allows them the freedom to hire personnel in different time zones. In return this creates virtual call centers equipped with agents who can work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year so now they can call us 24/7/365!

VoIP has allowed working practice flexibility to rise because employees can exploit features such as Interactive Voice Response and Desktop Telephony Integration. Mobile employees can also benefit from VoIP services as VoIP is applicable wherever that there is a High Speed Internet connection or Wireless Hot Spot.

By allowing greater flexibility of working better integration with other computer programs, low cost connections to the traditional telephone system and free connections over the Internet, VoIP is allowing Internet Telephones to give huge savings and increased benefits to both the personal and business user.

For all the latest news and information about Internet Phones and VoIP check with www.internetphonecenter.info

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VoIP - Good Choice

Using DSL for your broadband access? Naked DSL (DSL without primary phone service) still not available in your area? Don't discount VoIP phone service just because you cannot discontinue your existing primary phone service. VoIP can be a huge help to those with home-based business, satellite employees needing a business line and of course families with teenagers! (just to name a few possible candidates!)

Tired of the high phone bills? For some the high costs are because of one or more of the categories mentioned above. This is 'exactly' why you should not discount VoIP for your second or third line. Imagine the looks on your teenagers face when you tell them they can get their own phone complete with their own phone number, voice mail and unlimited local and long distance calling! WOW - problem solved. For satellite employees, mentioning to your boss you can cut your existing phone expense will also put a smile on their face. For the home based-business ANY cost savings certainly helps. Now you can make those long distance calls without worrying about the expense.

If you're putting off VoIP because you cannot use the service 'exclusively' you still just might be able to save money every month. Your home office or employee business line or the line for your child can all be easily converted to VoIP.

There are ?some? providers offering naked DSL so you should first check with your local telephone company. Ask if they provide this service. If not, you can visit our web site as we?ve recently added a couple providers that offer naked DSL. You can find them in our VoIP section.

If your goal is to eliminate your local telephone company all together and you don?t want to wait for naked DSL to become widely available, then perhaps it?s time to consider switching your residential broadband access to cable. If you?re a cable TV subscriber the monthly fee is usually lower than if you were not. In either case, run your own numbers. Take your existing phone bill and add the cost of cable broadband. What?s the total? Now add up the cost of cable broadband and VoIP. Compare the two numbers. Paying a little more for your cable broadband access just might be offset with the cost savings achievable through VoIP. Run the numbers and decide for yourself. For more information on VoIP technology, visit our site, search the net, do whatever it takes to get the information you need to make a more informed decision.

VoIP is a good choice and a good way to save money.

FullService Broadband provider. Our free service is possible through Try Right Technology, Inc. We provide unbiased and informative information on broadband and communication products and services.

VoIP Providers The Top 7

Voice Over IP (VoIP) is the new phone system technology. It's valued for cheap prices and cost effectiveness. It offers many of the same calling features as regular landline services at typically no extra cost. VoIP allows users the freedom to use their high-speed Internet connection to integrate their phone, audio, video, and web browsing capabilities into one application. Because of these new trends, VoIP providers are adding new products and services daily.

Here is a list and details of the top 7 VoIP providers with costs:

1. Skype (Ebay - New Owner)

Skype is famous VoIP provider with the slogan, "The Whole World can Talk for Free". Skype is a free download and users can make free calls via, Skype to Skype. For a fee, you can advance your Skype to Skype Out and make calls to landline phones. Skype In will let your choose your area code and phone number. This way, friends and relatives can call you locally, if you select the same area code. Skype is compatible with the leading operations systems - Windows, Linux, Macs and Pocket PCs.

2. Broadvox Direct

Broadvox Direct VoIP providers offers small business and residential services. Their residential services include the Residential Choice Plus plan for $10.00 per month. The Residential Choice Plus plan includes 100 outbound minutes and unlimited incoming minutes. Their Residential Unlimited Plan costs $30.00 a month and includes unlimited calling anywhere in the US and Canada. The Small Business (SOHO) Regional Plan costs $35.00 per month and includes 1500 monthly minutes in the US and in Canada. The SoHo Small Business Unlimited Plan costs $45 per month and includes unlimited calls in the US and Canada and also includes a free fax line and Yellow Page listing.

3. Vonage

Probably the most well known VoIP providers, you may be surprised to discover that Vonage is also one of the more expensive providers. Vonage offers two plans, residential and small business. Residential users may choose between the Basic 500 plan and Unlimited. The Basic 500 plan offers 500 minutes of talk time for $15.00 a month. The Premium Unlimited residential plan costs $25.00 per month.

The SOHO Basic plan costs $40.00 per month and allows 1500 minutes. The Small Business Unlimited plan costs $50.00 a month and provides unlimited calls throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.

4. Dialpad

Yahoo and Dialpad have merged services. There is trend amongst VoIP providers to consolidate their services. Currently, Dialpad offers 3 service plans: Dialpad Monthly 300, Dialpad Monthly 500, and Dialpad USA. The cost for Dialpad Monthly 300 is $7.50, Dialpad Monthly 500 costs $10 and Dialpad USA costs about $12.00/month.

5. Galaxy Voice

Galaxy Voice offers two plans, Residential and Business. Their residential plan costs about $20.00 a month and includes unlimited calling, Voicemail, Caller Id, Call Waiting, Call Return, Three Way Calling, and Call Forwarding. Their business plan costs $40.00 per month and includes unlimited calling, Free Voice Mail, Free Call Transfer, Free Call Forwarding, Free Repeat Dialling, and Free Caller ID block.

6. Packet 8

Packet 8 offers phone and videophone plans. One of the few VoIP providers to offer both services. Their residential plans are the Freedom International and Freedom Unlimited. Both of these plans cost $19/month. Their business plans consists of three different plans. These are the Virtual Office service plans, the Virtual Attendant Service plans, and the Business Phone Service plans. The Virtual office phone plan costs $19 per month, the Virtual Attendant service plan costs $14 per month, and the Business plan costs $35.00 per month.

7. VoIP American

VoIP American one of the biggest VoIP providers and has 3 different plans. These are the VoIP American PBX plan, the VoIP Voice and bVoice plans. The VoIP American PBX plan cost $19.00 a month for a private line and $44.00 a month for unlimited calling. The VoIP Voice Residential Basic plan costs $14.00/month and Residential Unlimited plan costs $29.00/month.

VoIP providers are increasing in number with growing competition amongst the various VoIP providers prices will start to come down even further. The quality of the voice calls is getting better and now video calls is becoming the standard offering by the VoIP Providers. Talk will be cheap!

James Rogers guides you through the maze of VoIP provider and services with concise VoIP information including costs. VoIP is the future of cheap global communications. Want to learn visit: http://www.4voip-providers.com

VOIP - a Threat to the Industry?

VOIP stands for "Voice over Internet Protocol" and it's going to change the way you think about making long distance phone calls. This technology turns analog audio signals (like the sounds you hear when talking on your regular telephone) into a digital signal (which is then transmitted over the Internet.)

So why is VOIP a threat to communications industry? Because it means that by getting your hands on some of the free software that's readily available, you can totally bypass your telephone company, and start making long distance phone calls for free!

This revolutionary technology has the ability to totally change the phone system of the entire world! Maybe you've seen television commercials for one of the pioneers of VOIP - Vonage. It brands itself as the "broadband telephone company", and offers enticing perks to customers who switch to its service, like low-cost 800 numbers, very cheap international rates (fees are waived from the U.S. to Canada, and how about .03 cents a minute to call Paris?)

But Vonage isn't the only company who is interested. AT&T is setting up VOIP calling in several areas of the U.S. and there are other major players on the scene as well, such as Skype, who is relying on viral advertising to get the word out.

One of the really interesting thing about VOIP is that there's not just one way to make a call. There are three:

1) ATA (analog telephone adaptor) - is the most commonly used VOIP method right now. Using the ATA, you connect your regular telephone to your computer or Internet connection. The ATA is an analog-to-digital converter and it takes the analog signal from your phone and converts it into digital data and transmits it over the Internet.

This is how Vonage does it, and AT&T 's CallVantage will be doing it. The ATA is free with their services. And using an ATA is so simple that anyone can do it. Open the box, plug the cable from your phone into the ATA instead of the wall socket, and you're set. Depending on your computer, and where you live, and what type of Internet connection you have, you might have to also install the software onto your computer, but even my grandmother knows how to do that these days.

2) IP Phones - They look just like the phones we are used to. They have a handset, cradles and buttons. But IP phones use an RJ-45 Ethernet connector instead of the standard RJ-11 phone connectors. They connect directly to your router and all the hardware and software is already built inside to handle your IP calls. Look for Wi-Fi IP phones to be available in the near future, which will allow you to make VOIP calls from any Wi-Fi spot. (Can you see the power of that? Just take your IP phone with you when you travel, and stop in at any Internet caf?, hotel or other location where you can use your Wi-Fi laptop, and you can "phone home" wherever home happens to be!

3) Computer-to-Computer. Arguably the easiest way to use VOIP. Not only do you not have to pay for long distance calls, there are several companies that are offering free or low-cost software right now for you to make use of the VOIP technology. All you need is the software, a microphone, speakers a sound card and a broadband or cable DSL Internet connection, and your loved ones sound as if they're in the next room. And, except for your normal monthly ISP fee, there is no charge for any computer- to-computer call.

Most likely, you have been using the VOIP technology without even being aware of it, any time you've made a long distance telephone call recently. Many of the major phone companies are already using VOIP technology to reduce their own bandwidth. It's a simple matter of routing thousands of phone calls through a circuit switch and into an IP gateway. Once received on the other side of the gateway, the calls are decompressed, reassembled and routed back to a local circuit switch.

IP telephony is the wave of the future. It makes sense in terms of ROI, from both an economic and infrastructure point of view. It may take some time, but eventually all of the current circuit-switched networks that are in use today will be replaced by packet-switching technology. More and more businesses are already installing VOIP systems. And as the technology makes our way into our everyday language our lives, and our homes, it will continue to grow in popularity.

Forrester Research predicted that nearly 5 million U.S. households will have VOIP phone service by the end of this year. The two biggest advantages for home users so far are price and flexibility.

Currently, most VOIP phone companies offer plans similar to that of cell-phone companies - what are commonly called "minute-rate" plans for as little as $30 a month. And as with cell-phone plans, you can also get unlimited plans for around $79 a month. With the elimination of long-distances charges, unregulated charges, and all the freebies that come standard with your VOIP service, it can actually amount to a significant savings for you. For example, you may be paying extra for features like: call waiting, 3 way calling, call forwarding, caller I.D., repeat dial & last call return

With VOIP, they come standard. And then there are some advanced features that make VOIP something worth looking into. With some carriers, you can set up call-filtering options, and actually have some control over how calls from certain numbers are handled. For example, you can: forward the call to a particular number, send the call directly to voicemail, give the caller a busy signal, play a "not in service" message and send the caller to a funny rejection hotline

With most VOIP services, you can also check your voice mail on the Internet, or attach messages to an email that is sent directly to your computer or handheld. (By the way, if you're interested in any of these features, not all VOIP companies are created equal, so do a little shopping around first, because prices and services do vary).

The second benefit that makes VOIP so attractive for home and small business users is the flexibility. With VOIP you can make a call anywhere you can get broadband connectivity. Since the IP phones or ATAs broadcast information over the Internet, they can be administered by any provider. For business travelers, this means they can take their phone or ATA with them on the road, and never miss a home phone call!

By using a softphone, (which is client software that loads your VOIP service onto your desktop or laptop), you can make calls from your laptop anywhere in the broadband-connected world, with just a headset and microphone.

We could easily see here that tremendous opportunities also abound for the industry participants. It just depends on how you see VOIP a threat or an opportunity.

Alan Ocab is the Chief Knowledge Officer of VOIPService.Visit http://www.thevoipservice.info

5 Benefits to Adding VoIP

There are many benefits and advantages to switching from PSTN- Public Switched Telephone Network. VoIP technology is growing and changing every day. Major corporations are transferring their business needs over to VoIP and households worldwide are making the switch. VoIP is produced by transferring voice into digital data over the Internet. Because the data is smaller compared to a standard electric unit, VoIP users save on valuable bandwidth as well. If you have a high-speed connection in your home, then you can utilize VoIP. You may need to purchase some equipment, such as a VoIP phone adapter. The phone adapter will allow you to use all of your telephones with the VoIP technology. You may also need to purchase a router. Most of your VoIP service providers will supply you with the hardware that you need. You even have the option of purchasing phones designed for VoIP as well as Videophones that will display images while you speak. VoIP is the wave of the future. Many major computer companies have already begun to incorporate VoIP with their Instant Messaging programs. Yahoo has also recently purchased the VoIP Company, Dial Pad. Now, Instant Messaging programs such as Yahoo, MSN, and AOL allow pc-pc phone calls. The world is making the switch to VoIP, but in case you are still unsure if VoIP is right for you, here are five benefits to adding VoIP to your home and business.

VoIP is Cost Efficient

Whether for your residence or business, VoIP is just plain cheaper then other telecommunication applications. You can reduce cost in your home by saving on long distance and local telephone calls. Many VoIP service providers have plans that allow unlimited local and long distance calling. You will have to check with various companies to see how far their unlimited local and long distance calling areas serve. You also save money by using VoIP throughout your house. You won't need to install additional phone jacks and wires, you just add on to your VoIP system.

VoIP will Integrate your Audio, Data, and Video Applications.

VoIP systems can integrate your telephone needs with your computer applications such as E-mail, Fax, Web conferencing, and Video Phone needs. This saves money and energy by combining all of these services into one basic application. You can use your phone and access all of your other programs at the same time, allowing greater freedom and is a simpler way for the home owner to utilize all of these different products.

VoIP Provides Flexibility

VoIP allows users tremendous flexibility. For instance, many VoIP users can take their phone adapter with them, and use their telephone number anywhere they have access to an Internet connection. This includes traveling overseas, while staying in hotels, or even camping. If you have high speed Internet, you will be able to take phone calls on your regular number. This is a much better solution for those with active lifestyles compared to the expense of cell phones as well as being the perfect solution for mobile employees and those whose jobs require much travel.

VoIP Users Can Choose their Own Area Codes

VoIP providers allow users to choose their own area codes. This is a fantastic option for those whose friends and family all live in one particular location, and they are out of state. By choosing your family and friend's area code, you are allowing them to call you, whenever they choose, and they will not have to pay long distance charges. Their calls will be local. Some providers extend the area codes to other countries. This would be extremely beneficial to someone whose friends and family are halfway across the world.

VoIP offers Features for Free

Features that typically cost extra with PSTN phone services are usually bundled with VoIP unlimited calling plans. These features include Voice Mail, Call Forwarding, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Return, Call Block, and Do Not Disturb. Because of the integration between VoIP and the Internet, many service providers will allow you to access and control all of your VoIP phone features through the Internet. With VoIP, users have greater access to control all of their phone features as well as save on charges.

Olivia Tan is co-publisher of http://www.AllVoipSolution.com. She provides tips and review on VoIP equipment and VoIP Service Providers.

VOIP For Your Business

Many businesses are considering VOIP for their telephone businees needs. Many don't know exactly when they should consider it an option for them. Many do not understand how it differs from regular telephone service and how the two differ.

Many companies are now beginning to look into alternatives to high priced telephone systems currently in use. They are realizing that there are huge benefits financially to those switching over to VOIP. They are realizing there is greater functionality with VOIP as well as cost savings and room for growth.

The simple basics of VOIP is that it uses high speed internet lines to carry voice traffic instead of telephone lines.

There are two basic technologies.

IP telephony runs over a local area network also known as a LAN. this is a very cost effective way for communicating within an organization. It allows voice transmissions between people within a company who are part of an internal network.

VoIP is carried over a wide area network also know as a WAN. VoIP can be used to transmit voice through a WAN (such as the internet) or carry voice over a public WAN (such as the Internet) or a private WAN, which provides enhanced security for communications.

Why would a business consider making this change?

Large companies currenly use PBX systems. This is a private phone system within an organization. Users work with a certain number of lines for all external calls.

Some companies use a cental office exchange service know as Centrex, which is basically a PBX in which all routing occurs not on a company's premises, but at the local telephone company.

Some use "Key systems", which are very small PBXs, designed primarily for small offices.

These systems all share the same problem. When it comes to long distance the costs are enormous. As more and more this becomes a global world, long distance becomes a major necessity and this means one thing...large long-distance bills, Coupled with this these systems are difficult to change or expand with company growth and are unsuited to support more technically advanced communications. Because these systems are based upon proprietary technologies, companies are limited to only what the phone companies provide.

VOIP services make this a thing of the past. As VOIP gains popularity among companies seeking more cost effective services these antiquated phone systems are slowing disappearing. Expansion of services will be a breeze because of the technology involved with VOIP.

Companies will benefit from reduced overall costs as IP-based voice technology can virtually eliminate toll calls. It also slashes the cost of making add-ons, moves and changes to the system.

Enhanced functionality. VOIP offers all the options that callers are used to using such as call waiting, caller ID, unified messaging, directory services and vertical-specific applications. In addition, VOIP is a standard, open protocol, allowing companies to build their own audio applications or purchase other applications that will come from software developers.

Easy Expanion. As your company expands and grows this cost effective system will allow for expansion with very little cost.

Easy To Use. With VOIP, employees wil have many options--they can use a VOIP phone that is identical to a regular desk phone or use a "softphone" which loads into desktops, laptops or PDAs as software. Added benefit is that they will be able to use their telephone number in any location.

In time VOIP networks will become even more usefull as it will be able to support the convergence of data, video and voice services. This will enable companies to be ready for a plethora of multimedia applications that are emerging from developers. VOIP technology will give guaranteed levels of reliability, quality of service and security.

VOIP is now a fully developed technology, providing companies with a valuable voice system today, and allowing for the latest technological advances that will develop in the future.

Companies need to get in on the ground floor to take advantage of all the new technology that is coming and the savings it will afford.
Jean Sutherland is a technical writer for the popular website http://www.voip-place.com/where everything VOIP is discussed. She is also the owner of the successful website The Company Newsletter at http://www.thecompanynewsletter.comwhere you will find loads of free software, articles on marketing and common computer questions.