So Do You Depend On VoIP Phone Service?

VoIP phone service is a communication technology that enables you to make and receive telephone calls via the Internet. It is pronounced as "V-O-Y-P" which stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol.

VoIP phone service is also known as...

IPT - short for IP Telephony

Digital phone

VoB/VoDSL - Voice Over Broadband / Voice Over DSL

...and some other terms. They all mean the same and refer to VoIP phone service so don't get confused.

My adventure with 'VoIP' started back in 2000 when I left my home country. Never did I imagine that I would create a website and share my experience with you. More about that story on About Me page.

How VoIP Phone Service Advanced

You know in the 90s many people used to ignore IP Telephony, perhaps because of its quality and didn't resemble a regular phone. However, it improved and nowadays VoIP is preferred over POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service). Let me take you through the system methods that were introduced in-order.....

First: Computer based systems known as PC to PC & PC to Phone calls

Second: Hardware based - Device to Device & Device to Phone calls

Third: Phone based - Phone to Phone calls

The Growth...

As I said above VoIP has advanced so much so it's gradually replacing POTs (Plain Old Telephone systems). The below figures show you the growing number of VoIP users and market ...

Who Is VoIP For?

Anyone who would like to ...

reduce telephone bills
have more than just a phone and
communicate in a way that is not possible with old traditional phone system

It can be said this technology is for almost everyone and every industry...

➦ Residential consumers

➦ Businesses of all size

➦ Governments, NGOs

➦ Tourists

➦ International students

➦ Refugees/immigrants

Who's left? I bet you belong to one of the above category, no? Comment below.

Advantages & Disadvantages (a.k.a Pros & Cons)

Let's mention the disadvantages of VoIP first...

Disadvantages / Cons

Power outage - unfortunately VoIP won't work when an electric power cuts i.e in the case of using a device on-site (cloud based exceptional). Developing countries often face this problem

VoIP & 911 - Emergency call, residents of Europe and North America depend on 911 calls when an emergency occurs.

➦ Update: Nowadays FCC is requiring providers to meet E-11 (Enhanced 911) obligations to solve the problem. E-911 is a system that automatically provide caller's ID number and location information to emergency service personnel.

Advantages / Pros

Obviously you will find the benefits numerous; I summed it up the main ones as:

Cheap and/or Free - it costs you nothing or very low. Compared to local telecoms' rate. This will SAVE your hard earned money especially if you often make long distance/international calls like myself

Freedom, Flexibility & Portability - you are not restricted to a limited location with VoIP. You can take your device and number wherever you go. For instance; if you are from Toronto and travel abroad, your contacts can still call your Toronto number and you can make or receive calls regardless of where you are

Rich-Features - caller ID, call waiting, call forward, free video conference calls, voice to e-mail, voice mail, etc.. you get all these for free / included

➦ Tips: You can even

✔ make or receive calls for FREE

✔ get free phone number and

✔ get an ATA device (depending on your location and provider's plan).

Interesting? Visit free VoIP service page for more details. (opens in new window).

As you can see it's a win-win situation for everyone. VoIP eliminates your high-charges, increases your productivity and strengthens your core communications. Make it your choice as main system for your data, voice and video applications!

So do you already depend on VoIP or? Leave a comment below.

Enjoy VoIPing!