What is VoIP/Internet Voice?
VoIP allows you to make telephone calls
using a computer network, over a data network like the Internet. VoIP converts
the voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that travels over
the internet then converts it back at the other end so you can speak to anyone
with a regular phone number. When placing a VoIP call using a phone with an
adapter, you'll hear a dial tone and dial just as you always have. VoIP may
also allow you to make a call directly from a computer using a conventional
telephone or a microphone.
How Can I Place a VoIP Call?
Depending on the service, one way to place
a VoIP call is to pick up your phone and dial the number, using an adaptor that
connects to your existing high-speed Internet connection. The call goes through
your local telephone company to a VoIP provider. The phone call goes over the
Internet to the called party's local telephone company for the completion of
the call. Another way is to utilize a microphone headset plugged into your computer.
The number is placed using the keyboard and is routed through your cable modem.
What Kind of Equipment Do I Need?
A broadband (high speed Internet) connection
is required. This can be through a cable modem, or high speed services such
as DSL or a local area network. You can hook up an inexpensive microphone to
your computer and send your voice through a cable modem or connect a phone directly
to a telephone adaptor.Is there a difference between making a Local Call and
a Long Distance Call?
Some VoIP providers offer their services
for free, normally only for calls to other subscribers to the service. Your
VoIP provider may permit you to select an area code different from the area
in which you live. This means you may not incur long distance charges if you
call a number in your area code regardless of geography. It also means that
people who call you may incur long distance charges depending on their area
code and service.
Some VoIP providers charge for a long distance
call to a number outside your calling area, similar to existing, traditional
wireline telephone service. Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere
at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes.
If I have VoIP service, who can I call?
Depending upon your service, you might
be limited only to other subscribers to the service, or you may be able to call
any phone number, anywhere in the world. The call can be made to a local number,
a mobile phone, to a long distance number, or an international number. You may
even utilize the service to speak with more than one person at a time. The person
you are calling does not need any special equipment, just a phone.
What Are Some Advantages of Internet Voice?
Because VoIP is digital, it may offer features
and services that are not available with a traditional phone. If you have a
broadband internet connection, you need not maintain and pay the additional
cost for a line just to make telephone calls.
With many VoIP plans you can talk for as
long as you want with any person in the world (the requirement is that the other
person has an Internet connection). You can also talk with many people at the
same time without any additional cost.
What Are Some disadvantages of Internet
Voice?
If you're considering replacing your traditional
telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible differences:
Some VoIP services don't work during power outages and the
service provider may not offer backup power;
Not all VoIP services connect directly to emergency services
through 9-1-1;
VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance/white
page listings;
Can I use my Computer While I talk on the
Phone?
Yes
Can I Take My Phone Adapter with me When
I Travel?
You may be able to use your VoIP service
wherever you travel as long as you have a high speed Internet connection available.
In that case it would work the same as from your home or business.
Does my Computer Have to be Turned on?
Not if you are making calls with a phone
and adaptor or special VoIP phone, but your broadband Internet connection needs
to be active. You can also use your computer while talking on the phone.
How Do I Know If I have a VoIP phone Call?
It will ring like any other call.
Does the FCC Regulate VoIP?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
has worked to create an environment promoting competition and innovation to
benefit consumers. Historically, the FCC has not regulated the Internet or the
services provided over it. On February 12, 2004, the FCC found that an entirely
Internet-based VoIP service was an unregulated information service. On the same
day, the FCC began a broader proceeding to examine what its' role should be
in this new environment of increased consumer choice and what it can best do
to meet its role of safeguarding the public interest. Aspects of these considerations
may change with new developments in internet technology. You should always check
with the VoIP service provider you choose to confirm any advantages and limitations
to their service.
SPANISH