VOIP Brings People Together
Summary: Recently my family discovered VOIP and it has entirely changed the way we think about phones and communication.
Recently I came home from work and found my Father as giddy as a toddler with a new toy. My brother had recently moved to the country of Georgia (no, not Atlanta, this one is next to Russia) and due to the distance, communication with him had been somewhat limited. What was the reason for his visible delight? He had discovered VOIP; a cheap new technology which utilizes the internet to bridge long distance communication gaps or connect businesses on a smaller, area network. As a result of this fabulous new technology, it would no longer cost our family a small fortune to talk to distant relations
What is VOIP?
VOIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol, which means that phone conversations can be routed over the internet instead of through traditional phone lines to either a computer or phone. The real beauty of cheap VOIP is that it can be used anywhere and as long as you have an internet connection. If you have access to the internet in an internet café in the middle of Australia, than you can call anyone for cheap.
Another cool perk is that your VOIP phone can go with you. Anywhere. For example, if you live in Kansas, but decide to travel through Russia, others can still call you as long as you have your VOIP phone with you. It works like a satellite cell phone, but without the astronomical cost.
Is it really Cheaper?
Because VOIP is all done over the internet, it cuts out the phone lines and expensive networks that other phones require. By bypassing cellphone towers and telephone lines, and using cheap internet access, you eliminate the middle man and the distance in between you and the person you are talking to. As a result, if you are calling Russia, where the phone lines tend to be crowded and your connection is crackly and patchy at best, in using the internet, you avoid all those problems. Even more important is that this new technology does not have exorbitant prices attached; it is generally much cheaper than regular telephones.
Not just for Long-distance
VOIP is not just handy for long distance talking, but can be used on any IP system. This means that if you have a local area network in an office or at home, you can have an internal phone system. This is especially helpful for businesses where it is inefficient to have multiple phone lines, but employees need access to each other and an outside line. In recent years certain phone companies have started to specialize in VOIP phones and the small business phone system especially for businesses that feature auto attendant, a business voicemail system, and all the benefits of VOIP.
What are the Drawbacks?
While VOIP is cheaper and generally more reliable than other forms of communication, there are several drawbacks. For example, if your internet is down, with VOIP your phone is too. Power outages, hurricanes, and computer viruses are sure to limit your communications. On the other hand though, most the time when your power is out, your traditional telephone will also be down, so that is a risk it is probably worth taking.
Ever since we have installed our VOIP phones, our telephone bill has been dramatically increased and my parents are happy, because they get to talk to brother whenever they want. It helps Mom feel like her son is not so far away. But isn't that what the internet has been doing over the past decade? It brings people together. And VOIP is just another way of doing that.
Annie Small loves to travel and works for an internet marketing company. For more information on cheap VOIP, check out Simpliphones.
