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The newest technology for making telephone
calls is called VOIP, which stands for Voice
over Internet Protocol. Once the realm of
computer geeks, VOIP is charging into the
mainstream with VOIP offerings now available
from many of the traditional phone companies.
Among its unique features is the ability
to effortlessly move your phone and phone
number to anywhere that there is broadband
internet access.
VOIP transmits voice as digital packets over
a broadband Internet connection (cable or
DSL) instead of traditional, dedicated phone
lines. It requires a device at your end that
is either a special Internet phone, a headset
connected to your PC, or a device that converts
your phone to an Internet phone, and a service
provider anywhere on the Internet that will
interface the other end of your Internet
connection with the standard telephone network.
When choosing a VOIP service provider, here
are some features to consider:
- The ability to call anyone with a phone including
local, long distance, mobile and international
numbers, so you may call anyone you wish
without an additional charge.
- The ability to use a regular phone with an
adaptor instead of one that works only over
the computer for greater convenience without
always tying up the computer
- A competitive monthly cost and a flat rate
for a fixed number of minutes. Charges vary
from provider to provider, so it pays to
check around.
- Provisions for phone service during power
and broadband outages so you always have
phone service.
- E911 calling for emergency situations, an
arrangement analogous to that used for determining
the location of a cell phone caller.
- White pages listing so that others can get
your numbers if needed
- Call waiting, voice mail, caller ID, 3-way
calling, and any other phone and calling
features you would like to have
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