The Voice over Internet Provider services have provided an alternative
to the older analog landline telephone services. There are several
companies that are now serving as a VoIP provider. VolP telephony as it
is sometimes called is a protocol that converts an analog signal to a
data signal and transmits it over the internet and then converts it
back to an analog signal to be received as a voice transmission.
These services are also called a voip service provider. One such
company is Skype which began as a free service, but recently has
revamped its fee program and is now charging for most basic services.
Skype is a peer to peer internet telephony system and allows such
additional services as video calling and voice mail to its customers.
With its Skypeln service, virtual phone numbers can be created. Virtual
phone numbers are numbers that are created in local directories and can
receive calls at local rates from other users in that same zone. A user
living in California can create a virtual number in Paris, France, and
receive local calls from other people living in Paris. The protocol
used for Skype transmissions has raised some concerns about security.
VoiceGlo is an example of a more conventional VoIP service provider. It
allows call forwarding which is one of the nice features available on
all phone systems. The sound quality of the calls is excellent, but
VoiceGlo does not yet offer the full range of features that can enhance
VolP. You are not able to use your existing phone number when you
transfer to this service. There is no virtual numbers, call return, or
conference calling available. A major drawback is that it does not have
911 support. The services like VoiceGlo are really intended as a low
price addition to your regular landline telephone service, rather than
a replacement for it.
Perhaps the best and certainly one of the most well known services is
Vonage. Vonage is moderately priced and offers a full range of
services. It is easy to install and allows you to retain your existing
numbers. It does have 911 service, although it differs slightly from
normal and must be activated during installation. Virtual numbers can
be used on Vonage. With its full range of services, Vonage is designed
to replace your landline telephone service. A VoIP phone service has
the advantage of being able to go with you when you travel as it is
available anywhere you can hook up to the internet. Power loss is the
one drawback to VolP telephony, but back up batteries can overcome
this. VoIP is one of those remarkable new technological breakthroughs
that is revolutionizing communication in our society today.