What is VoIP?

Since the mid 1990’s many large corporations, and increasing numbers of residential and small business users, have been taking advantage of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) to make phone calls over the internet rather than via the public telephone network.
By making calls over the internet and avoiding the public telephone network, call costs are considerably reduced, and in some cases calls can be free.

The underlying technology for VoIP was developed some 40 years ago, but remained the realm of the Defence and large corporate sectors until the mid 90’s. Now it is used on a daily basis by hundreds of thousands of people all over the world.

The way VoIP works is relatively simple. When you make a phone call your voice is converted into a data stream. This data stream is then broken up into chunks (called packets) and sent out over a broadband connection rather than the telephone network.

Each data packet is addressed to the destination caller (the person you are calling) and travels through the internet in the same way as other files and web pages. When the packets arrive at their destination they are reassembled and converted to sound waves. When this process happens in the reverse direction at the same time – hey presto – you have a telephone conversation.

The Benefits

Cost –
By far the biggest benefit of VoIP is cost. VoIP service providers are able to keep costs very low by avoiding conventional phone networks.

Since calls can be carried on the internet until they reach a local network exchange, long distance or STD calls will only be charged at local rates. This same principal applies to international calls, and regular international callers can save a great deal of money using using VoIP instead of normal overseas telephone services.

Features –
Cheap calls are not the only advantage of VoIP over conventional phone services. Because VoIP is data based, providers are able to offer a variety of functions unavailable to normal phone users. Free voice mailbox messages can be emailed to a nominated recipient.

Three-way calling can be set up like mini conference calls. Caller blocking, call diversions, and caller ID are all usually included at no charge. Plus, once you have a VoIP number it is yours until you don’t want it anymore – it will travel with you anywhere.

To add another phone line to a home or home office is a simple matter of purchasing another VoIP number and getting another phone (or Fax) and phone adapter (pictured).

There is also a misconception that you need a PC – you don’t. VoIP is different to Skype.

For further advice, there are a number of private consultants that can be contacted to help those considering embracing this wonderful new technology.

www.ExplorerGirls.com / Lindsay Beard

Lindsay Beard is the principal of Exutek an independent VoIP services company providing VoIP consulting and provisioning services to the Victorian Mornington Peninsula  (03) 9017 9590 (AUS) and surrounding areas. www.exutek.com.au

Other International VoiP Options:

www.magicjack.com (USA)