What is VoIP and how can it be beneficial to you?

What is VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol, or to put this more simply, it’s basically a technology that allows calls to be made and received over the internet. VoIP services convert your voice into a digital signal that allows this to then travel over the Internet rather than your typical phone network. You can still call a regular phone number because the signal can be converted to a regular analogue telephone signal before it reaches the destination. VoIP can allow you to make a call directly from a computer, a special VoIP phone, or a traditional analogue phone connected to a special adaptor that will convert the signal back to analogue.

With the growing popularity of VoIP, the increasing use of mobile phones combined with the roll out of the NBN network in Australia, the old days of having 2 connections, one for internet and your telephone line will become obsolete and the nationwide analogue telephone network will end up becoming decommissioned.  So its not a matter of if you will use VoIP technology. but when you will use it.

How is a VoIP number obtained?

Obtaining a VoIP number is as simple as signing up for a virtual number through an ISP (Internet Service Provider), or a specialised VoIP provider over the phone. If you already have an existing home phone number this can also be transferred to a VoIP service. The great thing about VoIP is that your phone number can then go with you wherever you go. You will not need to assistance from your telecommunications provider to port your number across. So, if you are moving house, you can easily take this with you. If you are travelling a lot, you can even answer calls from your mobile and have this number registered on your mobile.

So, what do you need to get VoIP working for you?

The first thing you need is an internet connection. Once you have a connection in place there are 2 more things you will need to set up VoIP.  You will need a VoIP Provider and a VoIP enabled modem.

A VoIP provider basically allows you to use their services to transmit call over the Internet.  A lot of the time, whenever you connect your standard home internet connection, you may receive a VoIP ready modem/ router from your provider. You can then easily configure your modem/router with the details your VoIP provider gives you. Once configured, you can normally just plug any standard phone into the phone port of your router and make/ receive calls on it, like a standard phone.

What are the benefits of VoIP and what are the costs like?

There are many benefits to switch to VoIP technology.

  • You’ll save money by having low set up costs and call rates tend to be cheaper. Especially when it comes to international call rates.
  • You will often get a heap of extra features that you may not get with an ordinary telephone line. These features include caller ID, voicemail, text to speech and extra numbers if you want a second phone number in your household for a business or relative
  • Traditional landlines will only allow 1 call at a time.  VoIP systems will often support multiple calls at one time.
  • Keep your number when you move.  You do not need to pay extra fess to disconnect and reconnect your telephone lines.

VoIP calling is becoming more and more popular in homes around Australia. Making it even more attractive is the continual implementation of the National Broadband Network that will allow users around the country to get the most out of their broadband connection. VoIP is reliable, full-featured, and cost effective telephony solution. Switching to VoIP will offers numerous benefits, including cost savings, features, flexibility and mobility.

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