Internet Calling

Overview

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) transmission technology allows you to make phone calls through your broadband Internet connection. The technology has revolutionized personal and business communications by reducing costs and expanding available options for users.

VoIP provides inexpensive solutions to traditional analog phone systems. While some Internet calling services require you to call people with the same service or software, others include features that allow you to call anyone on their home or mobile phones. You can use a landline to take calls, or you may take a call while surfing the web. Internet phone service providers offer plans that are flexible to your unique needs.

The following include features that are unique to VoIP:

• PC to PC calls
• PC to phone calls (sometimes called pc2phone)
• Cell phone forwarding
• Free calling
• An Internet phone number
• Low cost international calls
• Low cost domestic calls
• Voicemail
• Fax numbers
• Multiple phone lines

Benefits

VoIP technology reduces household and business communication costs, especially for international and long distance callers. Over analog lines, long distance and international calls can cost hundreds of dollars. In contrast, broadband phone services offer free to low cost plans, and some providers even offer unlimited calls for a low monthly rate or flat fee. A family can talk more with their relatives, and businesses can reduce the cost of communicating with overseas clients, affiliates, and partners.

Internet calling uses a digital service, which features enhanced call quality. Over analog lines, international phone calls do not always deliver crisp and clear sound. VoIP phone services eliminate this problem. VoIP also allows for high quality fax and video conferencing options.

Companies/Brands

Four prominent companies that provide Internet calling include Skype, ViaTalk, Lingo, and Nextiva.

• Skype: Skype-to-Skype calling is completely free whether you are calling internationally or locally. You are not bound to any contracts with Skype, and installation is only one click away. Digital service provides clear voice quality instantly. For international calls to non-Skype users, Skype offers competitive pay-as-you-go plans. Along with Internet calling, Skype offers free video chatting service as well. Businesses can make conference video calls using Skype for free. You can download Skype for free on their website.

  

• ViaTalk:ViaTalk provides domestic and international calling plans for business and residential users. Each package comes with approximately 40 options, including caller ID, call forwarding, and call recording. ViaTalk also allows subscribers to check voicemail by phone or online by browser or e-mail. ViaTalk also provides optional features including a virtual phone number, business class support, toll free service, and fax service. ViaTalk offers flexible billing plans ranging from 1 month to 24 month cycles. Residential and corporate clients can choose from a 500 minutes or an unlimited minutes plan. ViaTalk's Business Unlimited Plan includes a free fax line while their residential unlimited plan includes two phone lines and a free year of service. For an additional fee, customers can upgrade to an international plan which covers calls to more than 60 countries worldwide. Customers can choose to provide their own phone equipment.

  

• Lingo: Lingo is a broadband phone service that provides plans for homes and businesses. For businesses, Lingo offers plans for 500, 2000, and unlimited minutes. These plans include calls within the U.S. and abroad. Lingo also offers options for free equipment, one month free, an additional line, and a 30-day money back guarantee. Lingo also allows businesses to keep their current phone numbers. Residential customers can choose from two calling plans. One plan offers unlimited calls to anywhere in the world, and the other plan offers unlimited calls to anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. Lingo's business and residential services come with over 20 features and benefits including call waiting, *69, speed dial, and anonymous call rejection.

  

• Nextiva:Nextiva provides two business plans. These plans include 25 advanced features and are ideal for growing companies. The phone systems come with an auto-attendant that redirects and forwards calls. Plans also allow callers to make and answer calls from existing phones or PCs. Customers have the option to choose a local or toll-free number. Nextiva provides flexible options to business without set up fees or contracts.

  

How it Works

VoIP technology requires a broadband connection in the form of a cable modem, digital subscriber line (DSL), or fiber optic service. Internet call providers convert your voice into a digital signal that is sent through your Internet connection. A user can place or receive phone calls through computers, headsets, or traditional phone equipment. If you are calling an analog line, the telephone signal will be converted from digital to analog. Similarly, an analog signal will be converted to a digital signal if the end user picks up a call on a VoIP line.

Depending on your service plan, you can place and receive calls on a computer or phone. Some instant messaging software will allow you to make PC to PC phone or video calls with people on your buddy lists. For PC to PC calls, both parties must be connected to a broadband Internet provider. For PC to phone calls, only one party needs internet access.