You've probably at least heard of the word "VoIP", even if you didn't quite understand what all the excitement is about. VoIP stands for "Voice over Internet Protocol" and is going to change the way you think about making long distance phone calls. Basically, VoIP technology turns analog audio signals (i.e. 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 revolutionizing the industry?
Because it means that by getting your hands on some of the free software that's available right now, 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! Perhaps you've seen television commercials for one of the pioneers of VoIP - Vonage. Vonage brands itself as the "broadband telephone company" and offers enticing perks to customers who switch to it's VoIP service such as low-cost 800 numbers and very cheap international rates (fees are waived from the U.S. to Canada, and international calls are as low as .03 cents a minute to overseas locations such as Paris). But Vonage isn't the only company who is interested in harnessing the power of VoIP. AT&T is setting up VoIP calling in several areas of the U.S. and there are other major VoIP players on the scene as well, such as Skype, who is relying on viral advertising to get the word out. Even some regional cable television companies are now offering VoIP telephone service at deep discounts to their customers.
One of the interesting components about VoIP is that there's not just one way to make a VoIP call. There are actually three ways to make a VoIP call:
1) VoIP via ATA: is the most commonly used VoIP method right now. Using the ATA (analog telephone adaptor), 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 so you are able to make VoIP calls. This is how Vonage and AT&T's CallVantage handle VoIP calls. The ATA is free with their services. And using an ATA for VoIP 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 ready to begin making VoIP calls. Depending on your computer, where you live, and what type of Internet connection you have, you may need to also install VoIP software onto your computer, but this shouldn't be too difficult for most people.
2) VoIP via IP Phones:VoIP phones look just like a standard telephone. They have a handset, cradles and buttons. But an VoIP phone uses an RJ-45 Ethernet connector instead of the standard RJ-11 phone connectors. VoIP phones connect directly to your router and all the hardware and software is already built inside to handle your VoIP 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 hotspot. This will allow you to take your VoIP phone with you when you travel, and stop in at any Internet café, hotel or other location where you can use your Wi-Fi laptop, and you can use VoIP technology to "phone home" from anyplace in the world.

3) VoIP via Computer-to-Computer:This is arguably the easiest way to use VoIP. There are no fees for long distance calls and there are several companies offering free or low-cost software right now for you to make use of VoIP technology. All you need is the software, a microphone, speakers, a sound card and a broadband or cable DSL Internet connection, and you can start using VoIP service right away. Except for your normal monthly ISP fee, there is no charge for any computer-to-computer VoIP call, no matter how far away they are. http://www.skype.com/ is one such VoIP service. Chances are, you've already 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 VoIP calls are decompressed, reassembled and routed back to a local circuit switch.

VoIP telephony is the wave of the future.
VoIP technology 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 VoIP technology. More and more businesses are already installing VoIP systems, and as VoIP technology makes its way into our everyday language, our lives, and our homes, it will continue to grow in popularity. According to Forrester Research, nearly 5 million U.S. households will have VoIP phone service by the end of 2006. The two biggest advantages of VoIP for home users are price and flexibility. Currently, most VoIP providers offer calling plans similar to that of cell-phone companies, which 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 VoIP service, it can actually amount to a significant savings for you. For example, you may be paying extra for features like:
· Call waiting
· Three way calling
· Call forwarding
· Caller I.D.
· Repeat dial
· Last call return with VoIP
These services come standard. Plus there are some advanced features that make VoIP something worth looking into. With some VoIP 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 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 VoIP prices and services do vary).
The second benefit that makes VoIP so attractive for home and small business users is flexibility. With VoIP you can make a call anywhere you can get broadband connectivity. Since the VoIP phones or ATAs broadcast information over the Internet, they can be administered by any provider. For business travelers, this means they can take their VoIP phone or ATA with them on the road and never miss a home phone call.
VoIP FAQ:
How does VoIP / Internet Phone Work?
VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. If you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is then converted back at the other end. VoIP can allow you to make a call directly from a computer. If you make a VoIP call using a phone with an adaptor, you’ll be able to dial just as you always have, and the service provider may also provide a dial tone. If your service assigns you a regular phone number, then a person can call you from his or her regular phone without using special equipment.
Does My Computer Have to be Turned On for VoIP to work?
Not if you are making VoIP calls with a phone and adaptor or special VoIP internet phone, however your broadband Internet connection needs to be active. You can also use your computer while talking on the phone.
Is There a Difference Between Making a Local Call and a Long Distance Call?
Some VoIP providers offer their local service for free, normally only charging for calls to non- subscribers to the VoIP service. Some VoIP internet telephony providers charge for long distance calls to numbers 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. Your VoIP internet telephony provider may permit you to select an area code different from the area in which you live. This means that if your VoIP provider charges for long distance, then charges could be based on whether you call within your area code rather than geographic area. It also means that people who call you may incur long distance charges depending on their area code and service.
Can I Take My internet Phone Adapter with me when I Travel in order to use VoIP?
You may be able to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a broadband Internet connection available. In that case VoIP service would work the same as in your home.
How Do I Know If I have a VoIP Phone Call?
The phone will ring like any other call.
Additional Considerations for VoIP service:
If you’re considering replacing your traditional telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible considerations you should be aware of: Some VoIP services will not work during power outages and the VoIP service provider may not offer backup power. It may also be difficult for some VoIP services to seamlessly connect with the 911 emergency dispatch center or to identify the location of VoIP 911 callers. In May 2005, the FCC ordered providers of Internet-based phone calls to certify that their customers will be able to reach an emergency dispatcher when they call 911.
Dispatchers also must be able to identify the caller's phone number and location. You can review additional information about VoIP and 911 considerations at [http://www.911voip.org] VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance/white page listings. Aspects of these considerations may change with new development in Internet Voice technology. You should always check with the potential VoIP service provider to confirm any advantages and limitations to the VoIP service they offer.

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Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, has grown in popularity recently and with that rise in popularity has come a number of common misconceptions and confusion. Global Value Conncet ( http://globalvalueconnect.com/ ) has complied this simple guide to address some of these most common questions and concerns.

1. What is VoIP and what does it stand for?
2. How do I make a VoIP phone call?
3. What equipment do I need for VoIP phone calls?
4. Are there any differences between making a local call or a long distance call?
5. Who can I call if I am using a VoIP service?
6. Are there any advantages in using VoIP phone service?
7. Will I be able to dial 911 emergency services?
8. Will I be able to use my computer while making a VoIP phone call?
9. Will I be able to take my phone adapter with me while traveling?
10. Does my computer need to be running in order to use VoIP service?
11. How will I know when I receive a phone call over my VoIP service?
12. Who regulates VoIP services?
13. What are the computer system requirements for VoIP?
14. Are free trials normally available?
15. How can I improve the sound quality?

1. What is VoIP and what does it stand for?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and it allows you to place telephone calls over a data network like the internet. It operates by converting your voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that can then be transmitted over the Internet. The digital signal is then converted at the other end back to a voice signal that the other party can hear. When you use a phone with an adapter the calls are placed just like a regular telephone. You first hear a dial tone then the call is made. You are also able to place a call directly from your computer using a conventional telephone or microphone.
2. How do I make a VoIP phone call?
Making a VoIP phone call is no different from using a regular land line telephone. You pickup the receiver and listen for the dial tone. You can then dial your number as you always have in the past. The call connects to your high-speed Internet connection and travels to your local telephone company's equipment to a VoIP provider which transport the signal through the Internet to the local provider of the party you are calling. They relay the signal to your parties telephone. As an alternative, you may also place the call using your computer's hardware and software, entering the number through your keyboard. The signal is then sent through your cable modem to your local telephone carrier.
3. What equipment do I need for VoIP phone calls?
Your existing incoming high-speed Internet connection should be sufficient but the higher the connectivity the better the signal.
In terms of hardware, you can hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer or connect a phone directly to a VoIP telephone adaptor (ATA). Or you can use a phone specially made to work with Internet Voice. This is called an SIP Phone. Each SIP phone is a network endpoint, and voice is routed via its IP address. It allows a DID (direct inward dialing) number to move with a user. You can move, add or remove stations and never have to call your interconnect/PBX service company. SIP phones also allow full use of advanced features like voice mail to e-mail and auto attendant.
4. Are there any differences between making a local call or a long distance call?
There are many different calling available for VoIP. The calling rates and fixed plans will vary from one vendor to another depending on the service you select. Please make sure to read all of the fine print associated with any plan that you choose.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that VoIP can blur the difference between local and long distance by issuing a local number for your Internet phone. This allows you to make LOCAL calls to your home area code from that phone, regardless of where you are geographically. All you need is an Internet connection to plug in your phone, it doesn't matter what Internet provider you use, and you can call your local area code from anywhere in the world without paying long distance rates.
5. Who can I call if I am using a VoIP service?
Your calls can be made to any local telephone number, mobile phone, long distance number, or any international number. You may even use the service to speak with more than one person at a time. More importantly, the person you are calling does not need any special equipment; just a regular telephone.
6. Are there any advantages in using VoIP phone service?
If you are using a broadband internet connection, you don't need to maintain and pay the additional cost for a regular land line just to make telephone calls. With VoIP you're able to talk to many people at the same time. You can set up conference calls with your colleagues, staff, family and friends. VoIP allows you to reduce interconnect/PBX fees by enabling you to add, move and remove stations from your network without calling your service provider. In addition, you don't have to buy an expensive phone switch to set up your network. VoIP also offers many advanced calling features from caller ID and call forward to voicemail and distinctive ringing to call tracing and reminder calls, among many others. You can also manage your features through the Internet; log-in and customize services that normally you would have to rely on your provider to change - for a fee of course. Voice over Internet can lower long-distance fees by assigning a local telephone number to your VoIP phone. You will then be able to take your phone anywhere in the world, plug it into any broadband connection regardless of specific provider, and you can make LOCAL calls to your home area code. Parents can keep in touch with children at college; churches can contact missionaries all over the world; and businesses can connect branch offices in different cities.
7. Will I be able to dial 911 emergency services?
Some Internet Voice services have difficulty seamlessly connecting with the 911 dispatch center or identifying the location of Internet Voice 911 callers. Check with your local VoIP provider to determine if they can provide this service in your area.
8. Will I be able to use my computer while making a VoIP phone call?
Yes you most certainly will be able to use your computer while making calls on your VoIP network.
9. Will I be able to take my phone adapter with me while traveling?
You should be able to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high-speed Internet connection available. Your adaptor should work the same as when you are at home or in the office as long as you have access to a high-speed Internet connection.
10. Does my computer need to be running in order to use VoIP service?
Your computer does not need to be turned on but your broadband connection must be active in order for VoIP to functionproperly. However, if you are not using an adapter and choose to use a microphone or headset with your computer then your computer must be on.
11. How will I know when I receive a phone call over my VoIP service?
Your VoIP phone will ring like any other telephone.
12. Who regulates VoIP services?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has worked to create an environment promoting competition and innovation tobenefit 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. In November 2004 they ruled that States do not have the jurisdiction to impose taxes on VoIP services, another victory for the consumer.
13. What are the computer system requirements for VoIP?
The specific requirements of any VoIP system must be checked with each individual VoIP provider.
14. Are free trials normally available?
You need to check with your selected VoIP provider to determine if a free trial is available. Most VoIP providers will provide some kind of free trial or conditional free trial period. If you are dissatisfied for any reason you should return the equipment in their original packing boxes together with all shipping paperwork and packing slips to ensure they will honor their warrantee.
14. Will I be able to use VoIP behind a firewall?
You need to ask your network administrator regarding any special setting that are required to function through the firewall.
15. How can I improve the sound quality?

• Speak with a headset instead of a microphone. Better still, use a phone with an adaptor.
• If you are using a microphone, hold it away from the speakers to avoid having the sound from your speakers recirculate into your microphone causing feedback.
• Lower the volume on your speakers.
• Check with your sound card manufacturer to be sure you are using the latest drivers.
• Use a direct phone jack. A split line or extension cord between your phone jack and computer can distort the sound causing an echo.

Global Value Conncet ( http://globalvalueconnect.com/ ) offers a wide range of VoIP products and services from the most reliable vendors at the most competitive prices. If you are in the market for VoIP services or curious as to what it may cost or how you may benefit then stop in and check out our products and services at: http://globalvalueconnect.com/VoIP.htm

Copyright 2004 Raymond Klesc

You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated - send to info@globalvalueconnect.com

About The Author Global Value Connect ( http://globalvalueconnect.com/ ) has been providing the best value in telecommunication products and services for the home or office since 1995. If you want to cut your telephone bill in half register today for our free eBook entitled "Telephone Bill Saving Tips for Home and Office" and is available at: http://globalvalueconnect.com/Saving_Tips.htm info@globalvalueconnect.com Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Klesc

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You have probably heard about VoIP technology, as there is a lot of "skype hype" out there and praises screamed from mountaintops about similar services. For those of you who do not already know, VoIP is an acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol or Voice Over Internet Provider)However, as it is with anything new, you probably have a lot of questions which you need answered before you make the decision of investing in VoIP, or even switching over completely from land line telephone services to VoIP.
Do you remember in the not so distant past when only some us had cell phones, and those of us that did just kept them in the glove compartments of our cars, and used them only sparingly? Remember how expensive they used to be? Now look at us! We can't leave home without them, and can barely function in this day and age without even having one. Well, the same kind of development and sudden demand that existed in cell phones is now prevalent in the VoIP industry - in fact, in a few short years, VoIP may replace not only conventional land line phones, but cellular phones as well. VoIP services represent an excellent savings for your pocket, and the efficiency with which VoIP services operate are unmatched when compared to any other type of telephone services. This is why it is of utmost importance for you to understand all of the advantages to VoIP now, rather than later, and get in on this new technology while the price is still right.
The Advantages of VoIP over Conventional Land line Telephones
VoIP technology provides its users with a wealth of benefits. If you already have a computer with a broadband connection, a router, a microphone, and/or headset, then you are already set up and ready to go with VoIP - you're only halfway there. Having all of this set up ahead of time will prove to provide you with additional savings, which you can use to put towards VoIP service, and add any extra features you may want to your desired service package.
Without further ado, here are some of the most popular advantages of VoIP services which have been shared with us in the past, and enjoyed by people just like you all over the world.
There is no need for a land line telephone anymore - While it is not absolutely necessary for you to pull out your conventional phone lines and throw them in the garbage, you will soon find them unnecessary, as VoIP will eliminate the need for any long distance services you will have. While these services are expensive and no longer necessary, you can save money by dropping long distance services from your land line telephones, or drop land line service altogether, as you will not have much more use for it while you are using VoIP. This benefit alone can cause you to become addicted to VoIP.
There Is No Limit To Your Communications - Generally, if you choose to have your VoIP services with one of the more well known companies, they will put you on a flat rate where you can have unlimited communications with whoever you want anywhere throughout the world. For example, if you have a business partner or friend in Germany, and you live in Pennsylvania, there is no need to keep looking for a cheaper way to do so. Most VoIP service providers will charge nothing extra for this service, and in the event that such fees may apply with a particular VoIP provider, the charge is minuscule as compared to conventional land line phones and cellular phones.
With flat rate VoIP services, there is no need for you to not call a loved one over the concern of applicable long distance charges. VoIP eliminates that completely and you are able to talk as long as you want.
You Can Have Multi-Party and Conference Calling - Virtually all VoIP providers offer a service better than the conventional 3-way calling service found with land line and cellular phones. Instead of being limited to only 2 other people in the conversation, you can have as many as you like, because using the internet as the method of delivery with this technology is multidimensional, as opposed to the others which are 2-dimensional. With VoIP, you can use it for conference calls and teleseminars with relative ease. VoIP is an excellent idea for businesses, especially those who transact with others overseas.
No Additional Cost For Internet Services - Most VoIP providers offer service packages which allow you to save money on paying for broadband service from your ISP, as VoIP services can provide you the same quality service as a part of your VoIP plan. By doing this, you'll save more money from this unneeded extra expense. To be sure, always ask your VoIP service provider if this valuable option is available.
VoIP is Extremely Inexpensive: Even the most expensive of all the VoIP internet providers are much less expensive than costly conventional service. Because there are not a whole lot of middlemen or channels which help provide VoIP services, this brings your costs down dramatically, as no one in the "assembly line" needs to get paid. Also, Because your connection is maintained and established through the internet connection, it has no need to go through land based wiring systems, which need constant maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. VoIP operates using your computer's broadband technology, connecting it instantly to who you need to talk to, with no one between you and the party on the other end. There may be some small charges when calling a land line or cellular phone with VoIP, depending on your VoIP service provider. Although these costs are fractional, consult with your service provider for exact rates, if applicable.
VoIP has Many Free Services - With many VoIP providers, there is no charge to use their VoIP services at all. If someone you know is in England and has VoIP, and you need to speak with them from Australia, all you need to do is activate your VoIP service and talk away. Generally, computer to computer calls are free, but check with your VoIP service provider to determine rates, if applicable. By making these calls over the internet, there are no rental fees for cellular towers or land line phones. This is one of the main reasons why conventional phone services cost much higher than VoIP services.
VoIP Services Travel With You - No matter where you go in the world, VoIP follows you, because the internet is accessible worldwide. Any computer in a coffee house, internet cafe, library, hotel computer room, etc., with a broadband connection is suitable for using VoIP. This is extremely advantageous, as if you need to make an overseas phone call, or even a phone call overseas within the country you are in, you can make a phone call at a very small price per minute if calling a land line or celluar, and possibly free if the other party has VoIP service. This works out to be drastically cheaper than hotel room rates, cellular roaming and long distance charges, and conventional long distance charges. Think of all of the places in your home country where there are broadband or WiFi, or wireless, "hot spots." Where these exist wherever you go, you can use your VoIP service, just pull out your headset and microphone and you're ready to connect. There are also VoIP phones, which resemble cellular phones that can be used for this purpose by tapping into the signal provided. Sometimes, these special phones are provided with your VoIP package. With these nifty things, anywhere a broadband connection exists, you can use your Portable VoIP phone, as everything is configured automatically, once the signal is detected.
VoIP Comes With Loads Of Free Features - Features which you would normally pay extra fees for on land line and cellular services, such as call waiting, caller ID, call forwarding, three-way calling, and voice mail, etc. These features are very easy to use and are completely set up and ready to go upon purchasing a package with a VoIP provider. Most people never use these features when associated with the other types of telephones as they came with additional fees. Once experienced with VoIP, these features are nearly indispensable. As with conventional phones, your particular VoIP package company you choose to sign up for can determine which services are included and which ones are not.
VoIP is Data Capable - That is, VoIP is more than capable of making data calls, such as faxes. Using your broadband connection, you can send an international fax at a much lower cost, and much quicker than you would with a cell phone or land line phone. As some of us know, the fax capabilities with a cellular phone were spotty at best. VoIP works just the same in this regard to downloading a file from the internet.
Here are some comments we have received from satisfied customers who have purchased VoIP service and have written into us. Read what they have to say about the tremendous benefits of VoIP service
"Wow! That's all I can say! I was at a convention in Milan, Italy and needed call my wife in Cincinnati. If I had used my cell phone, it would have cost me $1.06 per minute. With VoIP, that cost me next to nothing! Thanks for the recommendation." - Robert J., Cincinnati, OH USA
"This is totally cool. Thanks for turning me onto this. I can now talk to all my chat friends online through VoIP rather than sit in front a monitor like all day typing. Cool Beans!" - Sally D., Decatur, GA USA
"With my contacts in America, I can do whatever I need to do with at 75% of what my previous costs were. Whether it be a fax, a phone call, or even a conference call. Can you imagine the money I save each year now just in travel alone, thanks to the teleconferencing features in my VoIP plans?" -- Ian Mc., Dublin, Ireland
"I would have thought that the service would have been spotty, or sounded like you were talking in a bucket or something. But, to my surprise, I noticed no difference in quality of the phone calls I make as compared to the phone calls I make on my mobile or land line phone. This VoIP stuff is amazing! I'll even go out on a limb and say that the quality is a tad bit better than my land line service!" - Meghan P., Ontario, Canada
In reading these testimonials I'm sure you can see that these satisfied customers are already reaping the priceless benefits of VoIP in their business lives and personal lives alike.
As you can see, VoIP will be the new wave in telecommunications in the future. There is no doubt that the time is now to secure a VoIP service for yourself whether you are in business, or even for personal use. Not doing so now will only leave you living in the dark ages, and catching up can take longer than we sometimes imagine. Before you sign another cellular contract or make a commitment to land line phone service, look into VoIP, sign up for its cost-effective services and reap the benefits immediately.
By not doing so now, you are voluntarily giving phone companies money that you could be putting towards your savings or something else you may be dreaming of. Why give phone companies any more money than you have to for service which is not 100%?
Sign up for VoIP today, put these troubles behind you, and stay in touch with the world, rather than yourself alone.

Read more about Phone Power and other VoIP information at the author's website: Fire Your Phone Company. Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Todd_E_Butcher

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