VoIP explained
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services are an alternative to using normal landline or mobile phones. VoIP calls are usually cheaper than calling using landlines or mobiles, where VoIP providers such as Vonage and Skype usually have special rates such as free calls to European countries or 15 countries if you pay a subscription fee. There are other advantages to using aVoIP service with the unlimited capacity for calls and a flexible voicemail system. If you don’t already rent a line from BT, you could save nearly £12 a month by using you broadband connection for calls.
You can get free instant messaging applications such as Windows Live Messenger, and talk for free to anyone else with Messeanger, but both parties need a microphone and speakers or a headset for the best call quality. Sype and Google also provide free software that lets you talk with other users of the same software. You can also make video calls using VoIP packages. With so many laptops now having built-in webcams, its not surprising that video calling is on the increase.
Skype has also partnered with hardware manufacturers such as Belkin and Netgear to produce WiFi phones. These can only make calls via Skype, but they make calls via Skype, but they use your broadband connection by connecting directly to your router.
Some VoIP services offer free software phone clients or ’softphones’ that let you dial numbers, store contacts and monitor call activity. Softphones can be configured for use with with any SIP service, (a common VoIP protocol) once you’ve chosen your provider your not limited to any particular software.
Some providers offer hardware, such as adaptors that let you plug your analogue BT phone into your router, or IP phones that plug into your PC or laptop. These are SIP-compliant and will work with any service.
The best service for you will depend on who and you call most often. If your calls are limited to the UK, opt for a service that offers the most free UK calls for a flat subscription fee. If you call Europe or anywhere else abroad on a regular basis you can also select a package that is good for you where these international calls will be free for a flat subscription fee. You can also choose a VoIP provider who can give you a local number in the country of your choice, so that people calling you don’t incur high charges.
Some VoIP providers have all-in-one packages, while others offer basic call rates, with add-on packages, while others offer basic call rates, with add-on packages for call types such as mobile, overseas or peak times. You should consider call volumes too, if you are a light user, pay-as-you-go schemes will work out cheaper, while heavy users will benefit from package discounts such as unlimited calls to specific countries.
Our VoIP or Voice Over IP section provides the reader with information on the Sype and Vonage packages and tariff details, the following articles are included……….Skype Unlimited World ….Skype Unlimited Europe…Skype Unlimited Country….Skype Pay As You Go….Vonage VPlan UK……Vonage VPlan free calls to 45 countries….Vonage VPlan 3 free calls to 25 countries……Vonage VOIP India Calling Plan….Vonage VOIP USA Calling Plan….
