How Does VoIP Work?

To reiterate, VoIP works very simply by using broadband internet connections to place phone calls versus using an analog phone line. The signal placed is converted from digital to a regular phone signal, which requires the installation of high speed internet. The good news is that roughly 93.5% of the US population has access to high speed internet and would be able to use VoIP.

There are also abilities to use VoIP “hot spots’ ‘ in places like airports, cafes, and parks much the same as WiFi hotspots. Some pros to setting up a VoIP include cost efficiency, more phone features, and availability. Compared to landline set up, VoIP is very cost efficient and only runs about $35 per month to use. You can also use many features not traditionally seen with landlines. Auto attendants are automated connections that let you know when other people have connected to the call.

Call recording, caller ID, and voicemail to email features are added benefits as well. Another great feature is desktop and mobile apps, which make it really simple to use on the go, as well as being incredibly user friendly. Other benefits include the ability to call anywhere worldwide, as well as being remote ready without incurring extra costs.

As with any service, however, there are a few cons to beginning the utilization of a VoIP system. There is the requirement of high speed internet, so this will need to be in place before the service can be started. There are emergency call limits, especially with dialing 911, the service may be much slower than landlines when calling for help. Another disadvantage is that most VoIP systems do not have the ability to use directory or white pages assistance.

More worrisome is that with any internet related service, VoIPs can run into outage issues, making the phone call ability run slow, or not at all while trying to come back online. These cons should be taken into careful consideration before making landlines obsolete in the home or business.

A different consideration to take on is making sure that people are ready to use VoIP systems. Some VoIP service providers require that people have the same service, while other providers require that people only use computers when connecting calls. When placing calls, some providers allow people to call anyone including local, long distance, and international calls. Many VoIP service providers can also let customers keep their landline phones, so long as they utilize a special VoIP adapter that is plugged into a modem.

Other providers require the purchase of a special VoIP equipped phone that is used for VoIP calls only, and cannot be used to make regular landline calls. Companies and customers may not want to purchase separate or additional equipment in order to utilize VoIP service.