For over 130 years residential telephone communication has pretty much been done the same way, landlines using POTS (Plain Old Telephony Services).
But now that's changing fast.
There are three ways to talk over the Internet and both use the term VoIP because they both use the Internet. ITSP and VoIP telecoms can also be considered in the same category since they both use your broadband and can use your existing phone.
- VoIP Sofware like Skype which require you to use your computer for outgoing and incoming calls.
- VoIP Telecoms like Verizon, Comcast, etc., you can use your existing telephone.
- ITSP also called Internet telephony service provider (ITSP) like Vonage, BroadVoice, etc., use your broadband service and your existing phone.
All VoIP types use software that converts your voice to a digital signal then sends it over the Internet as packets of data the same way that email and IM (Instant Messaging) and the Web works. The software then converts the digital signal back to your voice on the other end.
VoIP Software requires you to use your computer to place and receive calls. Skype Software started by offering free computer-to-computer service for users of their software. To talk computer-to-computer (free) you need computers with Skype software and headsets.
Skype now offers computer-to-phone service for a fee. To talk computer-to-phone (fee) you need a computer with Skype software and a headset or a special phone.
If you're going to be using VoIP software make sure you get software that is compatible with both PC/Windows and Mac/OS X.
VoIP Telecoms & ITSP Internet Telephone Service Providers
When you subscribe to an ITSP such as Packet8, Vonage, or BroadVoice, you receive an analog telephone adapter (ATA), either through the mail or with the service bundle purchased at an electronics retailer. This ATA connects to your broadband router and your telephone, acting as a go-between and performing the signal translation that allows your analog telephone to communicate with the ITSP through your broadband connection service.
Telecom, cable, Internet companies, and independent operators have all jumped on the Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) bandwagon as a way to increase business on existing equipment offering VoIP long distance phone service much cheaper than traditional service. They want you to switch from your old landline phone to their VoIP service.
Companies like Verizon and Comcast offer a standard phone-to-phone type VoIP service so you won't need to invest in another (VoIP) phone. When you pick up your new Internet-connected phone, you’ll hear a standard dial tone. You dial phone numbers the same old way, and your phone will ring as usual when you receive a call.
Telecom companies use the public Internet to transmit your call to the main phone switching system. With Comcast your call is transmitted over their broadband netwok to the main phone switching system. Comcast claims their network would be more secure.
It's a pretty seamless switch from your current phone service especially if you use the big companies. Many people have already switched from landlines to using VoIP because of the lower price.
To use VoIP you'll need broadband access (DSL, Cable), an adapter provided by the VoIP service provider, and a computer and a headset or a VoIP phone plugged into your computer. (see diagram below)
VoIP Issues
Two issues with VoIP are quality and customer service. Since this technology is in it's infancy we can expect it will be some time before it will be as reliable and as high quality as our landline phones.
Remember that the Internet was not built to handle voice, so until the voice to digital signal and the transmission of data packets improves we can expect the public Internet VoIP to be not as good as landlines.
In fact a lot of phone-cards and customer support for many companies are using VoIP, which may explain the bad connection when you call them.
A business using a T-1 line (faster than DSL/Cable) and dedicated lines will reap the benefit of the lower-cost VoIP without sacrificing quality. Whereas a home DSL/Cable connection may degrade to the point where you won't be happy with the quality.
You can test your Internet connection to see how well it will perform when used for VoIP calls at testyourvoip.com
I remember the late 1990's I got a call from a friend who was using his computer as a phone. The conversation went like this, "Hi ... I'm c.... .... comput...." I replied, "What did you say?" he repeated "..'m calling fr... my ....." He was using a slow dial-up modem and voice software not as sophisticated as what's available today.
Some of the problem was inherient in Internet technology of the time, and this has yet to be eliminated. It's called latency. The voice (or data) packet is sent from your computer to theirs, but along the way it is stalled or dropped. You normally do not notice this when you use the Internet for data, but you will if you use it for voice. You may also notice this if you visit uTube or Apple's iTunes for video/movies.
One of the biggest issues today may be keeping your current phone number if you switch. The VoIP provider may not have all their ducks in a row to quickly transition your number from the phone company to them (order and provisioning).
Some people who have had VoIP through DSL/Cable service providers and were not satisfied with the quality/service had problems getting the provider to release them from their VoIP service so they could switch back to standard old-fashioned POTS.
911/E911
As you know, 911 is the official national emergency number in the United States and Canada. Dialing 911 connects you to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) operator trained to route your call to local emergency medical, fire, and law enforcement agencies.
One day a policeman showed up at my door. When I answered he asked if I had called 911. I said no. He asked to look around, which I let him do. Then it dawned on me, a few minutes before I cleaned my phone and must have accidentally dialed 911!!
E911 or Enhanced 911 has the added benefit that your telephone number and location are automatically transmitted to the operator during the call. These two features (telephone number and location) are what make E911 “enhanced.” You do not have to do anything differently to use E911; the number for dailing emergency services is still the same: 9-1-1.
Telecom VoIPs like Vonage may provide 911/E911 service in your area, if not then they provide a call center to respond to your emergency call. Comcast offers E911.
Remember that any POTS or VoIP phone/cable service may be distrupted which would make emergency calls (911/E911) unavailable.
VOIP911.gov is where you can find a FCC fact sheet and tips.
If you do want to try out VoIP then check with others you may know who have it. Choose a reputable provider that can provide customer support and is responsive to your questions. And make sure that the service is good in your neighborhood because like cell service, location is important.
Large companies are bundling VoIP and Internet or telephone or cell service. You might use your cell phone as your primary line and make long-distance calls over the Internet.
Whatever you do, have fun and good luck.
What Do I Need for VoIP?
- A Computer (Windows XP/Vista, Mac OS X)
- High-speed Internet Service (like cable or DSL) and Modem
- A VoIP Service (Vonage, Comcast, Verizon)
- A VoIP Adapter
- A touch-tone phone
Setting up VoIP service is simple. You don't need to be a computer expert. Your VoIP Service Provider will provide the VoIP Adapter and instructions. Some people will have one company provide all services: High-speed Internet and modem, VoIP Adapter and VoIP Service.
