What is VoIP?, put-simply

VoIP is known as “Voice over Internet Protocol.”

It is the routing of voice conversations and phone calls through the internet IP lines. It is a core technology that includes everything from voice chat software to IP-based telecommunication networks in large organizations. It is a way to simplify the corporate network and improve the experience for other users of the network. Soon, VoIP cell phones will be available. This will allow a person to talk to a client on their cell phone on the drive into work, and have that same call continued in his or her corporate office. Many broadband services work with VoIP including Vonage and Broadback Direct.

In short, VoIP phone calls travel over the internet rather than through a local phone company’s wires.

How does VoIP help save money?
Phone service using VoIP costs little to nothing. Cost savings come from the ability to use a single network to carry phone calls and voice data. VoIP to VoIP phone calls are usually free, while VoIP to PSTN (basic telephone networks) costs the user little amounts. VoIP also makes overseas and long distance charges as cheap as previous local calls, so long distance calling doesn’t put a burden on phone bills.

What are the types of PSTN to VoIP services available?
There are two types of PSTN to VoIP services;
DID (Direct Inward Dialing) and access numbers.

Direct Inward Dialing connects the caller directly to the VoIP user. Generally, DID is free to the VoIP user, but in some cases the user may have to pay a small monthly fee.
Access numbers require the caller to input the number of the VoIP user. Access numbers are usually charged as a monthly fee to the PSTN user, but are free to the VoIP user.

What are other advantages of using VoIP services?
- Functionality: VoIP can accomplish tasks that regular phone line services cannot.
- Mobility: VoIP users can travel anywhere in the world and still use the VoIP service to make and receive phone calls.