What is an Internet Phone Service
The internet phone is referred as Voice over IP or VoIP. It takes Analog audio signals and turns them into digital data that can be transmitted over the Internet, almost like what you hear on the phone.
What is great is that you are bypassing the phone company and their excessive charges.
VoIP allows you to use your internet connection and computer to call anyone in the world. Some have all the features of your land line phone and much more.
This new technology , due to its low cost, are replacing the phone land line, as the cell phone has already started to do. You can find some information about each program on the Best Internet Phone Service Page and you can do a quick comparison on each of the programs on the Comparison Chart.
The Comparison Chart also lists some free services. When looking at the different VoIP services available, some are geared more toward the local calls while others are better suited for international calls.
When you visit each of the sites listed, the sites have easy to follow instructions on the rates and how to install their software or hardware.
You will have some software to install and others will also require you to install their hardware. But it is easy to install and the rates are so affordable that it is worth the effort.
You will need some equipment, which is a Broadband Internet Connection plus a traditional phone. I personally use my mike and speakers that are hooked up to my computer.
There are three different types of VoIP:
The first one is ATA or Analog Telphone Adaptor. This is an Analog to Digital Converter. From your traditional phone it takes an analog signal and converts it into digital data.
Set up is easy, just take the ATA out of the box, connect a phone and to your computer or internet connection and you are ready to go. You may have some additional software to install.
The second one is Computer to Computer. This is probably the easiest to use as you don’t even have to pay for long distance calls. All you need is the software, a set of speakers, microphone and an internet connection.
The third one is the IP Phone. These are specialized phones. You have to have an RJ-45 Ethernet Connection. They connect directly to your router.
Since using VoIP, I have never looked back and will never use the traditional land line.