First let's make sure you understand what VOIP is. VOIP or voice over internet protocol is a way of taking [traditional telephone signals] and turning them into digital data that is broadcast across the internet.



This internet technology takes your standard internet telephone and turns it into a free phone service. By using VOIP software, you can actually bypass a telephone company, since you really don't need one to have an internet connection.

VOIP is revolutionary and it has changed the way the world's phone systems can operate. There are several providers but Vonage has probably become the most recognized name in the industry. In the near future voice over IP will probably catch regular phone systems, and possibly pass them in popularity.

There are actually three different ways that VOIP can be used. ATA is the easiest method using a device called an ATA or analog telephone adaptor. It's basically a little box that connects your phone to the digital connection coming into your house.

IP phones are specialized telephones that look just like a regular phone but rather than the traditional phone jack they have the Ethernet connector and they connect directly to your router. Computer to computer is the easiest and is already in common use. It requires a microphone, speaker, and sound card and you can talk to anyone that has the same.

Now that you have a good understanding of VOIP let's have a close look at the benefits of using it.

Savings On Long Distance

Almost all of the VOIP providers offer excellent packages ranging from 100 minutes to unlimited minutes every month. With most VOIP providers there is no differentiating between long distance and local. The minutes count the same.

Many Area Codes

VOIP customers can choose any area code they want no matter where they live. So for example you may live in California but want a Washington area code - no problem. This is a very handy feature for anyone that does a lot of business outside the area they reside. So using the previous example, you live in California, do business in Washington and you have a Washington phone number, which means your clients from Washington pay no long distance.

Free Functions

You get all kinds of functions for no charge- call forwarding, call display, answering machine, and plenty of other value added features.

Cheap Second Line

Most VOIP providers offer you a second line for a very affordable price. That means you can get a second phone line for the kids and not go broke doing it.

Port Your Number

If you have a telephone number you would like to keep you can use porting which transfers your traditional number to a VOIP number.

No Charges

Many of the VOIP networks do not charge a roaming fee and they also offer free calls home. This is a nice feature especially for travelers or sales people that spend a lot of time on the road.

Free Network Calls

Some VOIP providers offer no charge calling to anyone that's on the network. This is really very beneficial if everyone has the same provider. In fact it's something to take time and plan out so that all of you sign up to the same provider and then can save a bundle.

VOIP is a lot cheaper than traditional telephones. Even long distance charges if they are separate are very competitive. VOIP offers you all those added features for almost nothing, and with so many great minute plans why not try it.