Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP, is one of today's hottest and most confusing new technologies. Because of all the confusion and complexity, Teleco has written this page to inform and educate you.
We hope you find it helpful.
VoIP consists of 2 major technologies....
Making Calls Over the Internet
This is the most common use of VoIP. It is also called VoIP lines or trunks. If you have a high speed internet connection, like cable modem, DSL, or T1, you can use your high speed connection to make phone calls on the internet. There are many companies like Vonage, Lingo, and VoiceWing (Verizon) that offer VoIP lines. Cable companies also offer VoIP lines, but only if you have their cable modem service. So, to boil it down, instead of getting your dial tone from Verizon over the traditional phone network, you get your dial done from your internet company. Any phone system made (even an old one) can take advantage of VoIP lines. You do not need an IP based (IP PBX) or even IP compatible phone system.
The advantage of VoIP lines are:
Lower Bills. Usually you pay a flat monthly rate and all your calls in the USA and Canada are free You can take your number with you. If you move around the corner or across the country with VoIP you can keep your existing phone number even if you move to a different area code. Multiple area codes. You can get phone numbers from different area codes or even overseas numbers. Portability. You can move the VoIP router with you and take your service easily with you. You can even set it up to use your laptop and a WiFi connections to make calls from anywhere you can get high speed internet access. Features. VoIP lines come with Caller ID, Call Forwarding, and lots of other great features. The problems with VoIP lines are:
Best voice quality and reliability. Compared to other VoIP services, Most VoIP features.Due to successful patent infringement suits by Verizon and Nextel Sprint, Vonage has taken a big hit, but we still found it recommended in reviews. Though it doesn't have a price advantage over AT&T CallVantage, you do get a lot of extras with Vonage, including call waiting, caller ID, visual voicemail and even weather alerts. The base price also includes free calls to five European countries. The downside is that Vonage's long-term prospects are now cloudy. Overall, Vonage falls behind Cox and other services in call quality and service. E911 is available to ALL subscribers
Residential Premium Unlimited Plan
$ 24.99/month† tax.
Unlimited local and long distance calling anywhere in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. NEW! FREE calls to select European countries! See details below. or
Residential Basic 500 Minutes Plan
$14.99/month† tax.
500 minutes of local and long distance calling anywhere in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. Only 3.9¢ per minute after the first 500 monthly minutes.
click me...
