Keep IT Simple

There are so many things you can do with your computer. As long as you have a good internet connection, you can gain access to several services online.

One of those services is the VOIP. The acronym stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. I remember this type of service being launched at the same time DSL connection is getting stronger and more popular. It’s impossible to impose VOIP over a dial up line since the connection is not that fast.

Essentially, VOIP could give you the ability to talk to another person who has the same internet connection. But that slowly changed when VOIP started to evolve, giving the users the ability call local phone numbers at least in US and other countries in Europe. Then services such as Skype and Vonage made it even better. Aside from the ability to call local numbers in UK, US and Australia subscribers of these companies can now have a US, UK or Australian based phone number. This has led to different companies in other countries to have their own number, getting them closer to their major clients. A US, UK and Australia based phone number used to be expensive that is why only big companies have their own number.

Now, for less than 30.00 USD a month, US based customers can have unlimited calling using VOIP and have a phone number of their choice. For example, if you’re in California you can have a VOIP number with an area code from Florida. More and more persons are now using VOIP as their main phone line and have their regular phone as a back up.

Economically, having a VOIP is very good idea especially when you don’t have a regular phone line. DSL connection fees are far less than getting a phone line with a DSL connection. Instead of adding more than $50.00 a month for a regular phone line, in less than $30.00, you’ll have unlimited calling not only in US but in UK as well. Regular deals such as voicemail and caller ID are free additional services. Added to the fact that you will have the freedom to choose your phone number not only a local phone number but also in area codes.

However, there are restrictions to VOIP services. One big disadvantage of VOIP is the inability to work if you don’t have a constant and good internet connection. Without it, the lines will get choppy. It means VOIP is not reliable at all times. Another disadvantage is that ALL VOIP providers don’t support 911 calls. Although you have a standard phone number and call 911, government doesn’t have the ability to track where the call comes from. Try dialing 911 and it will never connect.

VOIP is definitely a great service but based on the disadvantages, it can’t be dependable at all times. We just have to wait until more than half of country uses VOIP as their main phone line. That time we may have 911 calls and stronger connection that we don’t have to worry about not having a regular phone line.