Using Skype or similar a similar product you can make free or low cost calls and SMS to fixed lines and mobiles. What have you got to lose?
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) is growing in popularity as it allows both home and business users to use their existing internet connection to make telephone calls all over the world at a fraction of the cost compared to the current fixed line charges.
Currently most popular method of using VOIP is:
PC to PC both the caller and recipient use simple headsets or VoIP handsets which are essentially a traditional phone which connects to your USB port but uses the Internet connection and calling software to make calls. These are sometimes called IP phones and are very affordable.
To many who have heard of VoIP, they might not know how to get started and how much they can benefit from it. Here we will outline the main things to consider helping you make the decision about if you should embrace the VoIP revolution.
VoIP can be especially beneficial if your home or business makes a large number of calls especially if these include long distance and international calls. In any event even if you currently have a time plan with your current provider you should compare this against the options offered by VoIP software suppliers such as Skype who are one of the most well known following eBay buying the whole company a number of years ago.
Usually most suppliers offer either a pre-paid system where you buy a certain amount of credit or an unlimited usage option for a flat fee typically monthly. Depending on if you are using the service for residential use you may find it easier at least initially to choose the pre-pay option.
If however you are looking into using VoIP in a business environment you should ensure you will have a high enough level of service and support from the VoIP provider alongside ensuring your Internet connection is fast enough to handle what could be many VoIP calls whilst needing email and browsing to be unaffected.
The downside to VoIP in the past was the call quality could suffer as by using the internet for voice each call is broken into small packets if a packet is lost during the transfer the call could jitter or suffer and this could lead to confusion and irritation. However now software and broadband speeds have increased to several MB/s you should not notice any obvious differences from making a VoIP call from a fixed line call.
