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Free VoIP Services: Not Necessarily Free |
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Though not a new technology, VOIP, or Voice Over Internet
Protocol, has recently begun gaining ground on the traditional
long distance telephone industry. Simply put, VOIP is the
ability for a person to talk on the telephone over an Internet
connection. Using a variety of types of equipment to switch
analog sound bits into digital data packets, VOIP has made
placing long distance phone calls more efficient, more convenient,
and much less expensive. Because there is no phone company
or long distance provider involved, there are no monthly fees,
long distance toll charges, or other charges associated with
a traditional telephone bill. There are many VOIP service
providers out there, and more cropping up on a regular basis.
That means there is a demand for these providers to offer
even lower cost services than they already do. In an effort
to increase customers, some providers are now offering what
they call "free" VOIP services. It is important
to be aware that this type of service is not truly free.
A primary problem with so-called free VOIP services is the
limitations that are often placed on the service subscriber.
Many "free" providers limit the people you can call
to only just users of the service you are yourself subscribing
to. Sometimes you can call members of other "free"
VOIP services. Because the commercial VOIP service providers,
such as Vonage, connect to a traditional phone network, paying
subscribers can call anyone with a telephone, whether it is
connected to the Internet or not. As a subscriber to a "free"
service, you can't place calls into the public telephone network,
and those on a public network can't call you. This restriction
negates the potential convenience that VOIP offers.
There are some "free" VOIP service providers that
now offer customers the opportunity to call anyone, whether
members of the service or not. This, of course, comes at a
price. Service providers can offer this possibility to their
customers at arguably lower rates than conventional long-distance
providers, both domestically and Internationally, covering
most of the globe. Though this is still cheaper (and probably
a lot more convenient) than traditional long distance phone
service, it is not free, and should not be advertised as such.
Subscribing to any of the free VOIP services are not truly
free of cost. Chances are if you are interested in VOIP, you
already have a home computer equipped with a soundcard and
speakers. But if you want to subscribe to a VOIP service,
you are required to have a broadband Internet connection,
as dial-up just won't cut it anymore. Though prices for broadband
Internet have come down, it is still a little more costly
than dial-up, averaging $30-$40 per month. In addition, you
will probably have to invest in a microphone that is specially
equipped with an analog-to-digital converter and a USB connector.
This will allow you to talk through your home computer when
you place calls. Or, you can purchase an IP phone or headset
that plugs directly into your home computer. This allows you
to talk into a handset or headset, and have a dialing mechanism,
much like a traditional telephone. Many IP phones come with
a number of added features. Though these are one-time start-up
purchases, it is important to note that service providers
claiming to offer totally free VOIP services can't really
fulfill their claims.
VOIP isn't too good to be true. It has the potential to forever
alter the course of telephone communications. It is flexible
(you can travel with your phone and phone number around the
world), it is more than reasonably priced for the services
you receive (services often include Call Waiting and Caller
ID as part of standard service - features you pay extra monthly
charges for with a traditional phone company), and it is convenient
(you can check your voice mail from your email account, the
voice reception is often clearer, and you don't get dropped
calls like you do with a mobile phone). But, as with many
other products and services, you get what you pay for. So,
beware of "free" VOIP services. They are not always
free, and if they are, they are most likely very limited in
what they can offer their customers.
About the Author:
Learn the essential information for picking the Voip provider
/ services at Free Voip Services. Article by Mark Woodcock.
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