Making a telephone call is probably one of the most common things you can do provided you do run your phone bill up high. The most you will gain out this is a simple use for a few minutes each day, perhaps more and engage in a conversation with the other person on the other end of the line. Telephones and communication across a network has been around for a little over a century, as quick communication is an extremely important part of putting across a message.



With this in mind the communication industry has progressed forwards as technology has advanced. One way of making a relatively cheaper phone call is via a VoIP phone (voice over internet protocol) which simply put is internet telephony software that allows you to make calls across the net. Unlike MSN or a normal messaging chat room, this is an actual telephoning system, which can be done for free or for a low cost across continents. VoIP phones are more popular amongst who live further away from each other and can communicate better through a broadband connection.

VoIP phones normally require both parties to use a broadband internet connection, install the same internet telephony programme and have added each other to their profile (similar to that of MSN messenger). These programmes do not charge for calls from one computer to the other, however, they do charge for landline and mobile phone calls. Over the years the connection and audio quality have improved making communication easier for both parties and the sound quality clearer.

Most internet telephony providers allow using various devices to make the calls, either by using a headset or using VoIP phones. Skype is one of the leading companies that offer such service, others include Paradial, Ooma, NETXUSA, Volt Delta Resources and many more. Some of the VoIP service providers can include different packages, such as Ooma offers a wireless internet telephoning protocol hub, which when connected to the broadband allows for cheaper or free calls.

Unlike conventional telephoning methods there are no wire transference present, which means they do not need to be manually connected. However, unlike normal telephoning, VoIP phones do require the users to be connected to broadband internet only and to have installed the same programmes. Therefore, anybody with a limited knowledge on the internet and computers will need to be shown how to install the programme and set up their own account.

Where normal telephones are permanently attached to a wire, the VOIP systems can be taken anywhere around the world provided you are connected to a broadband internet service and have your own computer (laptop or WAP). This can be done at no cost if the call is made to the same network. Furthermore, these come with in-built caller ID, call waiting, conference calls, repeat dialling, answering messages, and forward calling and voicemail options. Some of these features may be missing in some older conventional telephone models.

It would appear that VOIP phones are better at connecting to long distance calls, making it sound like a normal local call, whereas it could work out to be a costly process to make conventional calls across the border. They are by far more efficient, yet not convincing enough to take over conventional telephones, as they are still not as accessible. Many people are still unaware of internet telephone protocols, which is why the transition will be slow.