Voice Over IP Frequently Asked Questions

What is VoIP?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is the process of making voice calls over an internet connection as opposed to a traditional landline. VoIP calls can be made from both a computer, and a regular (VoIP enabled) phone (the regular phone also connects to the internet). With a regular VoIP enabled phone, no computer is required!

Why is VoIP relatively inexpensive?

VoIP is cheaper because it uses the infrastructure of the internet to make calls. For that reason, it is just like Instant Messaging or any other internet-based application. As you can imagine, it is cheaper to connect to someone via the internet than via landline routing. Also, VoIP is completely free if two people with VoIP connect to each other!

If VoIP is similar to email and IM, why isn’t it free?

VoIP (as mentioned above) is free if you’re connecting to someone else with VoIP. However, using VoIP to connect to a cell phone or landline still requires connection to that line, which is the part that costs money-although it’s still usually cheaper.

What are the advantages of VoIP?

The shift towards VoIP is driven by the significantly lower cost of the service as opposed to traditional landlines. However, there are also a tonne of other benefits when using VoIP. For example, VoIP being an internet service means that you can take your ‘phone number’ wherever you go. VoIP also allows increased flexibility with the number you have whereby you can may be based in the UK but you can have a local NYC number (good for business users).

What are the disadvantages of VoIP?

Although VoIP has many advantages, it also has some disadvantages. The major one being that VoIP services don’t work during power outages. However, it’s possible to purchase backup systems for VoIP, and many large companies do so. Also, some providers don’t offer phonebook listings with their VoIP services.