You have most likely heard of VOIP, but may not understand what it is or how it works. VOIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and it is a process of converting analog audio signals to digital data, which enables it to be transmitted via the Internet. This ground-breaking technology has changed phone service for homes and businesses.
VOIP phone systems use software to enable users to make internet phone calls. VOIP converts the analog data to digital data and routes it over the internet to your computer or local network. An increasing number of homes and businesses are using this technology to eliminate the need for traditional phone service and the bills paid to the telephone company.
As more people discover this innovative technology and the savings it provides, the number of people switching to VOIP phone systems has continued to grow. This has gotten the attention of some of the larger telephone companies and a few now offer VOIP plans. Some have even begun to use VOIP technology for long distance calls, due to the simplicity and the reduced need for expensive infrastructure.
You can continue to use conventional telephones with VOIP with an analog telephone adapter to connect your regular telephone to a computer. IP phones are specialized systems that connect through the router and have the features of normal phones. There are models for home telephones and offices. Another method is to talk through your computer to another computer using software and a computer with microphones and speakers.
VOIP phone systems enable you to make calls from anywhere with a broadband internet connection, including homes and offices. If you are away from the office, you can log in and make telephone calls from any location. A growing number of businesses have begun to implement this technology to reduce costs.
VOIP systems are available with all the features of conventional telephone service, such as call waiting, caller ID, three way calling, call transfer, return call, and more. Some systems offer advanced options, including the ability to send a call to voicemail, forward the call to another number, and other features.
Although this is an emerging technology, there are already a variety of plans available for residential and business telephone service. The cost of the plans is generally based on usage, but packages offer significant savings compared to what you are currently paying to the telephone company for business telephone service.
