Although most people have a cell phone these days, there remains a need for a telephone line services land with old. However, phone service via the traditional telecommunications companies can be costly, especially for those who need to make long distance or international calls. Even when you buy a service as part of a "package" with the Internet and / or cable, like many people, the overall cost can still be astronomically higher than you might want to pay. The good news is, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a much more cost effective option - and if you're one of the 70% of American adults with high-speed broadband Internet at home, you can take advantage of it
What is VoIP anyway?
You may be wondering what exactly is VoIP. While this may sound complicated on the surface, VoIP is fairly easy to understand. Rather than having your phone service delivered by the telephone company, VoIP offers a telephone service through your Internet connection. This is done with the use of an adapter that connects to your modem. You can then connect your existing touchtone phone into the adapter and use it just as if it was plugged into the wall with a telephone jack. Nothing is different about the VoIP phone service of your traditional phone service, except the way the service is provided. You will still be able to take your phone, hear a dial tone and make or receive calls with the same (or better) quality as you do now. Since the technology works with your Internet service, you do not need a computer for VoIP works.
Why should you switch to VoIP?
There are more reasons than you think to switch to VoIP. Even if you do not have a frequent need for a land line, it is good to have just in case. Need more convincing? Here are five reasons why you should consider making the switch to VoIP.
1. You save money. The main reason most people go to VoIP from their traditional telephone service provider is cost. VoIP costs much less than other types of phone services, often providing up to $ 20 or more savings per month. basic VoIP services offer unlimited nationwide calling in the US for as low as $ 9.99 / month. If you need to make international calls, you could potentially save hundreds per year with a monthly plan that offers unlimited international calls to the country you will call more. The best part is, most VoIP services offer a limited money back guarantee so you can try before you commit. This will ensure that you do not get stuck paying for the service you do not like.
2. You can keep your current number. Maybe you've had the same number for 20 years and do not want to lose. The good news is, with VoIP, you must not! VoIP makes it easy to keep your existing phone number when you sign up for the service. The process of transferring your number is often called porting. all numbers are not able to be worn, but most can be. You can usually perform a test during the order process to determine if your number is portable or not. If so, you'll just need to wait a specified period of time until your number is successfully transferred over, and you'll be good to go. The next time someone calls your old number, they will call you on VoIP!
3. It is easy to set up. You may worry that VoIP is a complex system that will take time and technical knowledge to set up. Fortunately, the opposite is the truth. VoIP works through an adapter which is usually sent for free or low cost when you register for the service. The adapter is easy to use: just plug the adapter into an open port on your Internet modem, and then plug your phone into the jack on the back of the adapter. The best part? If you need to move, or even if you're just going on vacation and want to take your service with you, all you have to do is to unplug the adapter and take it with you. Service works through the adapter itself, so wherever you are, you can take your phone number with you.
4. Features, features, features! Not only VoIP works the same as your current phone service, but it offers a plethora of calling features to improve your telephone service. Some of these features are basic, such as call forwarding, three way calling and caller ID. Others are more advanced, such as enhanced voicemail that will send a transcript of your messages by email or SMS or the ability to have calls forwarded to a cell phone number in case of power failure. For those concerned about security, E911 comes standard with most VoIP service and forward your address to emergency services when you make a call.
5. Your business will also benefit. VoIP is not only for residential use. Many companies have saved tons of money by making the switch to VoIP, pay an affordable monthly price for unlimited calls and adding as many lines as necessary. business VoIP services are just as feature-rich as their residential counterparts, so your business will benefit from features such as music on hold and Internet fax. Most VoIP business services allow you to use the equipment you already have, so you do not have to worry about replacing your existing phones! This makes the transition to VoIP obvious.
If you're still on the fence about switching to VoIP, you can learn more about how it works and the best services to our VoIP Review page.