VoIP revisited

Now it's cheaper & easier than ever to make calls from your PC! By Rick Castellini, MCP Nationally syndicated computer consultant Special to PRIME Almost three years ago I introduced you to an up-and-coming Internet technology called VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). VoIP allows phone calls to be made over the Internet instead of a phone line ... reliably and inexpensively. With the growth in this market, many options and players have emerged. Sorting through the various options can be daunting. After reading this month's article, making a decision about your phone bill should be easier and save you money. How does VoIP work? VoIP uses a technology called computer telephony to route audio through the Internet. When VoIP first started, calls could only be made between members on the same network. This type of VoIP is still alive and well through your popular instant messaging programs like Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger. Using these programs with a microphone and speakers attached to you computer, you can make a 'call' to anyone, anywhere in the world using the same service. The call is free and works quite well if you have a high speed Internet connection. In fact, using these services, you can make a 'video phone call.' Call home from your computer VoIP has matured over the past three years to the point that, now, you can make free or low-cost calls from your computer to an to an actual phone using services like Skype ( www.skype.com) and the new Google Talk ( talk.google.com). Actual phone handsets that connect to your computer and use this technology also are increasingly available from retailers online and in consumer electronic stores. VoIP and cable ... The biggest push, however, stems from the broadband Internet and cable companies like Comcast, Verizon, Bresnan, and Road Runner. Almost every major cable Internet company today offers 'broadband packages' that bundle your TV, Internet, and telephone services into one package. Three services, one bill and a great price. All of the packages offer unlimited domestic long distance service for a low flat fee any time of the day, any day of the week. The keyword is packages ... you must buy all three services in many cases. Getting VoIP without a package To simply add VoIP service to your existing high speed Internet plan, many other companies offer stand-alone services. Some of the more popular plans come from: VoIP - only providers Vonage : www.vonage.com Lingo : www.lingo.com Broadvoice: www.broadvoice.com Sun Rocket: www.sunrocket.com In addition to offering unlimited, any time, any day long distance for the United States, all these services offer extremely low international calling rates as well. In fact, some plans include free calling to Canada and Mexico and parts of the Caribbean. You still need high-speed service Again, to use these services, you need to be hooked up to a high speed Internet connection such as cable or DSL. These computer-based phones replace your existing house phones and usually include many more services like call waiting, voice mail, call forwarding and more at no additional cost, as opposed to the nickel-and-dime approach to add-on services from many phone companies. And, with the telephone transfer legislation that was enacted last year, you can even keep your existing phone number when you go VoIP.. The downside to VoIP Not everything is peaches and cream with any type of technology, and the same holds true for VoIP. The major downsides to the service that I can see are: 1. the fact that the techonolgy is new and different (which scares people). 2. inclmplete 911 services. (this important emergeny location service is now working to adapt to VoIP phones, which can't be tracked like a regular phone line,.) 3. Voice quality which can sometimes be lacking, and, 4. Actual phone hardware which is slightly more expensive than traditional phones. VoIP's the future get informed! I am amazed at how much VoIP has grown since I wrote last about it. All indications point to a world where all voice calls will be made via VoIP in probably less than ten years. Getting on board today will save you money, give you more services, and give you greater flexibility as to whom and when you make telephone calls. Search sites like howstuffworks.com or wikipedia.com to learn even more about VoIP. Rick Castellini is an author, computer consultant, and hosts a nationally syndicated computer radio show. Visit his web site at www.HelpMeRick.com for new tips every week and sign up for his free weekly email newsletter.