VoIP allows users tremendous flexibility.  For instance, many VoIP users can take their phone adapter with them, and use their telephone number anywhere they have access to an Internet connection.  This includes traveling overseas, while staying in hotels, or even camping.  If you have high speed Internet, you will be able to take phone calls on your regular number.  This is a much better solution for those with active lifestyles compared to the expense of cell phones as well as being the perfect solution for mobile employees and those whose jobs require much travel.

VoIP Users Can Choose their Own Area Codes

VoIP providers allow users to choose their own area codes.  This is a fantastic option for those whose friends and family all live in one particular location, and they are out of state.  By choosing your family and friend’s area code, you are allowing them to call you, whenever they choose, and they will not have to pay long distance charges.  Their calls will be local.  Some providers extend the area codes to other countries.  This would be extremely beneficial to someone whose friends and family are halfway across the world. 

 VoIP offers Features for Free

Features that typically cost extra with PSTN phone services are usually bundled with VoIP unlimited calling plans.  These features include Voice Mail, Call Forwarding, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Return, Call Block, and Do Not Disturb.  Because of the integration between VoIP and the Internet, many service providers will allow you to access and control all of your VoIP phone features through the Internet.  With VoIP, users have greater access to control all of their phone features as well as save on charges.

If you have a high-speed connection in your home, then you can utilize VoIP.  You may need to purchase some equipment, such as a VoIP phone adapter.  The phone adapter will allow you to use all of your telephones with the VoIP technology.  You may also need to purchase a router.  Most of your VoIP service providers will supply you with the hardware that you need.  You even have the option of purchasing phones designed for VoIP as well as Videophones that will display images while you speak.  VoIP is the wave of the future.  Many major computer companies have already begun to incorporate VoIP with their Instant Messaging programs.  Yahoo has also recently purchased the VoIP Company, Dial Pad.  Now, Instant Messaging programs such as Yahoo, MSN, and AOL allow pc-pc phone calls.  The world is making the switch to VoIP, but in case you are still unsure if VoIP is right for you, here are five benefits to adding VoIP to your home and business.

VoIP is Cost Efficient

Whether for your residence or business, VoIP is just plain cheaper then other telecommunication applications.  You can reduce cost in your home by saving on long distance and local telephone calls. Many VoIP service providers have plans that allow unlimited local and long distance calling.  You will have to check with various companies to see how far their unlimited local and long distance calling areas serve.  You also save money by using VoIP throughout your house.  You won’t need to install additional phone jacks and wires, you just add on to your VoIP system. 

VoIP will Integrate your Audio, Data, and Video Applications.

VoIP systems can integrate your telephone needs with your computer applications such as E-mail, Fax, Web conferencing, and Video Phone needs.  This saves money and energy by combining all of these services into one basic application.  You can use your phone and access all of your other programs at the same time, allowing greater freedom and is a simpler way for the home owner to utilize all of these different products.

These include Voice Mail, Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, Caller ID, Call Transfer, and Do Not Disturb. Also, since VoIP is carried over the Internet you will discover that all of these calling features are fully integratable with the Internet. This means that not only can you access your Voice Mail through your E-Mail, but you will also be able to handle your Voice Mail, and change settings for your applications through the Internet. 

Business owners are also pleased with VoIP and their amazing calling plans and inexpensive and unlimited long distance features.  Many employers reimburse employee’s phone usage and if a mobile employee is using a cell phone, between roaming charges and long distance calls this can become quite an expensive burden for a small business to bear.  VoIP can offer unlimited calling features, unlimited local and long distance calling all for a small monthly fee. 

Other businesses are taking advantage of VoIP for their needs such as mobile employees, sales men, and call centers.  Many employers are outsourcing their work to countries where they can inexpensively hire laborers.  For them, VoIP is a must have.  They are able to establish call centers virtually worldwide, and they don’t have to concern themselves with incredibly high overseas rates.  Employers are pleased with the flexibility and ultimately increase in productivity offered to them through VoIP services.

VoIP also allows users to select their own area codes.  Many of these area codes can be selected anywhere in the United States or in other countries.  You will need to check with various service providers to determine which area codes they can offer you.  This is an incredible tool that can increase productivity and sales not only in the business-to-business arena, but can also save money for home users and their family and friends.  The benefits to VoIP are vast and the more people are exposed to VoIP and its savings, the more people who decide to make the switch to VoIP. 

VoIP is changing the way the world looks at telephone services.  Because VoIP is neither PSTN (the public switched telephone network) nor Circuit Switching Networks, it is a new technology complete to itself.  VoIP is referred to as Packet Switching, because the audio is transferred as a packet then sent over the Internet.

When VoIP began to surface on the Internet there were many programs that you could download to your computer, absolutely free, and then place long distance calls.  Some of the more familiar programs include Dialpad and Skype. 

Today, there aren’t many VoIP providers that offer their services for free.  However, you can experience free VoIP (including free long distance calling) with simply a computer microphone and speakers.  Programs such as Ad Calls, Skype, Yahoo Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, and MSN all offer free forms of VoIP and long distance calling.  The trick with all of the above programs (except for Ad Calls) is that the other user will need to have the same program running on their computer, and at the same time for you to make a VoIP connection.

However, you will be able to communicate in real time and see what all the fuss is about VoIP.  Chances are that once you make that first free long distance call, you will want to learn more about the services and products offered by VoIP service providers.  By using an Internet Messaging program with VoIP, you will discover the full potential that VoIP has to offer.

VoIP technology is booming and by the year 2008, it is expected that most companies will be using VoIP for their business needs.  Many VoIP service providers are in favor of Federal Regulations to accelerate the rapid growth of VoIP and provide stability for customers nationwide.  Currently, the FCC has begun regulations with VoIP, yet we can be sure that in the next few years, we will see rapid advancements in the race to regulate this phenomenal technology.

 The FCC has initiated two major moves of concern to all VoIP technological advances everywhere.  The first concerns CALEA and the other is in regards to Enhanced 911. 

CALEA stands for Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act.  CALEA would enable law enforcement to issue taps on VoIP data the same as they do with PSTN.    This is an interesting area, because VoIP technology has now opened the door, through CALEA, to monitor other forms of Packet Switching networks.  If VoIP service providers can be called upon for tap and trace procedures, and if it doesn’t matter if the communications were PC to PC, then that would extend to Instant Messaging services, gamers, and the like.  When it comes to the area of the FBI, CALEA, and tapping VoIP there are some major issues to consider.  First, the government rulings have been established for decades regarding Circuit Switched technology, by transferring these rules to VoIP (packet switch) we are redefining the nature of VoIP.

The second issue that the FCC has established new regulations is in regards to Enhanced 911. This stems from the fact that when VoIP first went mainstream, there was no way for users to contact 911.  This lead to many problems and the FCC has declared that if subscribers don’t sign a waiver stating that they understand their VoIP services will not connect to 911 like PSTN networks, they will have to be cut off.  Currently, the new Enhanced 911 service does have its imperfections, and we can expect to see more growth in this area as VoIP service providers redefine telecommunications.

The impact of these rulings lies in the fact that the US government is trying to enforce rules upon VoIP technology as if it were PSTN.  The truth of the matter is VoIP is very different from PSTN, and what the implications of this kind of ruling may lead to in the future is unchartered water.   

VoIP works with a broadband or high speed Internet connection and allows you to place phone calls over the Internet rather than with telephone lines.  There are variations between different VoIP service providers.  Some only allow communication between two computers that are running the same service, while others will allow you to call any phone from your VoIP service provider. 

VoIP has many advantages, simply because it is cost effective and Packet Switching uses less bandwidth then Circuit Switching which in turn saves money.  Since the inception of VoIP, it was clear that because VoIP utilizes Packet Switching and not Circuit, VoIP was in a new category all by itself.  Hundreds of years have passed, dedicated to passing and establishing certain laws regarding Circuit Networks and telecommunications, yet VoIP has gracefully slipped beneath all of the established rules and regulations.

The main difference between Packet Switching and Circuit Switching, is that Packet Switching uses (data) or Packets and sends them over the Internet while Circuit Switching is accomplished by using electrical circuits to make a telephone connection.  Circuit Switching is like the old switchboard operators, wearing headsets frantically trying to connect the right caller with the receiver. Packet Switching is used to transfer data all across the Internet- it is used for E-mail.

Packet Switching converts audio formats into data packets and transmits them over the Internet, then reassembles them on the other person’s phone or computer in real time.

By using a High Speed Internet Connection, a microphone, and speakers a conversation can take place that is comparable to any landline telephone conversation.

VoIP technology is not relatively new; it is just becoming increasingly popular.  During the latter part of the 1990’s, programs were springing up across the Internet offering some form of free VoIP technology.  Most of those are either no longer existent or now charge a standard monthly service fee for the use of their product.  But one thing remains certain, VoIP is developing higher standards of quality every day, and it has proved that it is a viable force for telecommunication needs for the future.

Many telephone companies are expanding to allow for monthly VoIP services.  Companies such as Sprint, Verizon, and AOL are offering VoIP plans.

VoIP telephone service providers are increasing in popularity as well.  Many people are discovering all of the benefits available to them by switching to VoIP.  First, VoIP costs significantly less than standard telephone service, and this is a great attraction for bringing in new customers.  Many VoIP service plans will let you make unlimited long distance calls or provide you with a plan for very inexpensive rates.

Many of the features that are often included for a fee with traditional phone service are often included for free with VoIP services.  These include features such as Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, Call Block, Three-Way- Calling, Voice Mail, and more.  Another benefit to VoIP services include the fact that many providers will let you keep your existing phone number, or allow you to select a new area code.  Selecting a new area code has great appeal to many people.  For instance, a customer can select an area code for the same town where most of his friends or family live.  By choosing this area code, not only is he still getting a great deal with his VoIP services, but also now his family and friends will save money whenever they call.  For them, it will be a local and not a long distance call.

VoIP has proved that it is a viable force in the field of telecommunications, we can be sure that VoIP is here to stay.

You should be well aware of the fact that VoIP has conflicting problems with the 911 emergency systems, before you decide upon a plan.  The FCC has instigated various rules and regulations that pertain to VoIP services and 911.  Before you sign up for service, you will have to sign either a waiver or a statement that you are aware that you will not be receiving 911 services the same as you would with a landline telephone.

Here are a listing of various VoIP providers and some of their featured calling plans.

Broadvox- features included Online Account, Caller ID, Caller ID Block, Conference Calling, Family Address Book, Speed Dialing, Do Not Disturb, Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, Voicemail, Call Logs, Call Transfer, and Customizable Contact.  Broadvox Direct offers residential and small business services.  Their residential services include the Residential Choice Plus plan for $9.95 per month.  The Residential Choice Plus plan includes 100 outbound minutes and unlimited incoming minutes.  Their Residential Unlimited Plan costs $29.95 a month and includes unlimited calling anywhere in the US and Canada. The SoHo Small Business Regional Plan costs  $34.95 per month and includes 1500 monthly minutes in the US and in Canada.  The SoHo Small Business Unlimited Plan costs $44.95 per month and includes unlimited calls in the US and Canada and also includes a free fax line and Yellow Page listing.

Galaxy Voice-offers two plans, residential and business. Their residential plan costs $19.95 a month and includes unlimited calling, Voicemail, Caller Id, Call Waiting, Call Return, Three Way Calling, and Call Forwarding.  Their business plan costs  $39.95 per month and includes unlimited calling, Free Voice Mail, Free Call Transfer, Free Call Forwarding, Free Repeat Dialing, and Free Caller ID block.  They also offer free Broadband Phone service for those who have Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island phone numbers.

Vonage- features include Voicemail Plus, Three Way Calling, Call Waiting, Call forwarding, Caller ID with Name, 911 Calling, Free Phone Adapter, ability to keep your phone number, or choose any area code throughout the US and even other countries.  Vonage is probably the most well known VoIP providers; you may be surprised to discover that Vonage is also one of the more expensive providers.  Vonage offers two plans, residential and small business.  Residential users may choose between the Basic 500 plan and Unlimited.  The Basic 500 plan offers 500 minutes of talk time for $14.99 a month.  The Premium Unlimited residential plan costs $24.99 per month.

The Small Business Basic plan costs $39.99 per month and allows 1500 minutes.  The Small Business Unlimited plan costs $49.99 a month and provides unlimited calls throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.

VoIP American- features include- free phone number transfer, free Caller ID, free Call Waiting, free Three Way Calling, free Voicemail, Voicemail delivered to your E-mail, or Web Control panel, Free Call Forwarding, Personal Toll Free Availability, and the Ability to Select your own Area Code.

VoIP American has three different plans.  These are the VoIP American PBX plan, the VoIP American Voice plan and the VoIP American bVoice plan.  The VoIP American PBX plan cost $19.99 a month for a private line and $44.99 a month for unlimited calling. The VoIP Voice Residential Basic plan costs $14.99 per month and the VoIP Voice Residential Unlimited plan costs $29.99 per month.  The bVoice Business plan costs $34.99 per month.