VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is rapidly becoming a top choice for people wishing to avoid costly telephone service. Why? The system works by allowing you to make phone calls using a computer network, such as your Internet provider. The way it works is similar to email; most providers offer unlimited long-distance calling for a low monthly fee or for a low per-minute rate. Where long-distance fees can run high very quickly through traditional phone providers, Voice over IP can provide the same types of calls for a much lower rate. VoIP is the calling choice of the future, and providers are already scrambling to provide the best service for the best price. For the consumer, this is great news. As companies compete for business, rates and service options continue to improve. Why will you love VoIP? The following are three top reasons.
Huge Savings Imagine being able to keep your current phone number and make as many long distance calls as you wish (within a certain area) for one low price. No more fluctuating phone bills, outrageous long distance charges, or other surcharges that repeatedly shows up on your bill. Voice over IP offers just that. Just as email changed how people communicate, so too will VoIP.
Depending on the provider you choose, you may be able to combine your Internet service with your phone service into one lower monthly bill. As VoIP becomes more common, it will be available in more areas. However, even for those who are not yet able to change their local number to Voice over IP, there is still the option of switching your long distance. This requires a phone number outside of your area code, but the savings will be well worth it. Further, if you make many phone calls to a particular area code, choose a number from that area and your contacts will be able to call you as if it were a local call. Not a bad way to go while you're waiting for local service!
Options Voice over IP comes with many options, including both the ones you are used to as well as some new ones. Imagine checking your phone calls through your computer while you are traveling, or having an email sent to you every time you have a new voice mail message! The technologies that integrate your computer and your phone service are opening up a whole new playing field in communications. VoIP combined with your computer, mobile phone, and other gadgets will keep you more connected than ever. Of course, if you choose not to be connected, that is possible as well. Many Voice over IP providers include features you're used to, such as caller ID, call waiting, and call forwarding. You may also have the option to block callers, use an "away" message, or "do not disturb" options.
Additional features may include three-way calling (again avoiding costly charges), speed dialing, distinctive rings, and many other options. Moreover, if you don't want to give up some of the benefits to which you've become accustomed, many providers offer directory assistance (for a fee, although this could change) and the ability to access 911 emergency personnel, which is a concern for many people.
It's Not Going Anywhere VoIP is the future of calling. As the technology evolves, more and more integration options will come available. Depending on the use, you may be ready to switch over now and enjoy the cost savings. For home users, switching to Flyfone can be a very cost-saving option, particularly for those who make many long-distance calls. Home-based businesses may also benefit from switching. Larger business may do well to wait a bit, or start integrating the technology on a smaller scale.
When making the switch to VoIP, do a bit of research to choose the best option. Avoid getting locked-into a long-term contract, as new providers are competing with existing ones, and you'll want to take advantage of better rates and services if the come along. The basic information to look into includes:
* If local numbers are available in your area. * If you can call 911 emergency services. * What the flat rate is for long-distance calling. * What geographic areas are included in the unlimited long-distance plan. * The services available and extra costs, such as directory assistance. * The terms of the contract.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Flyfone voip an exciting new technology
Its not often that a new technology comes along that can change fundamentally the way we live our lives. VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol, is one such technology.
The telephone has become an indispensable part of our everyday lives and is therefore one of the most important technology inventions of modern times. VoIP is changing the way we use the telephone making it more flexible and cheaper to use for both individuals and business users alike.
Instead of transmitting calls over a traditional phone network, VoIP uses the Internet or a data network such as a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The recent widespread availability of high speed internet access has made this a real alternative for home users.
The cheapest way for individuals to use VoIP is from computer to computer. All that is needed is freely available software like Flyfone and you are ready to make calls to another user for only the cost of using the Internet. Call plans are available from VoIP providers that will allow you to call any phone anywhere in the world at a cost much lower than the normal standard phone charges.
For this you will need a special VoIP Phone (Flyfone usb phone) or an adapter to allow use of your standard phone. A real advantage of this is that you can plug your phone into the Internet anywhere in the world and it is the same as if you were at home.
For Business users there are big cost savings and advantages for Employees. For employees that are hot-desking or have to work out of different offices, they can make any phone their own by simply logging on to the system. This flexibility is also available away from the office as long as they can connect and log into the corporate network.
The phone can now also become a computing device with a screen, connected to the company network it can be used for video conferencing or simply looking up the company phone list. This allows the phone to be used in a way that is impossible with the traditional system.
Companies now only have to maintain one network for both data and telephony. However there can be a significant cost involved in setting up a company system but the return on investment can be short, usually less than a year.
The telephone has become an indispensable part of our everyday lives and is therefore one of the most important technology inventions of modern times. VoIP is changing the way we use the telephone making it more flexible and cheaper to use for both individuals and business users alike.
Instead of transmitting calls over a traditional phone network, VoIP uses the Internet or a data network such as a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The recent widespread availability of high speed internet access has made this a real alternative for home users.
The cheapest way for individuals to use VoIP is from computer to computer. All that is needed is freely available software like Flyfone and you are ready to make calls to another user for only the cost of using the Internet. Call plans are available from VoIP providers that will allow you to call any phone anywhere in the world at a cost much lower than the normal standard phone charges.
For this you will need a special VoIP Phone (Flyfone usb phone) or an adapter to allow use of your standard phone. A real advantage of this is that you can plug your phone into the Internet anywhere in the world and it is the same as if you were at home.
For Business users there are big cost savings and advantages for Employees. For employees that are hot-desking or have to work out of different offices, they can make any phone their own by simply logging on to the system. This flexibility is also available away from the office as long as they can connect and log into the corporate network.
The phone can now also become a computing device with a screen, connected to the company network it can be used for video conferencing or simply looking up the company phone list. This allows the phone to be used in a way that is impossible with the traditional system.
Companies now only have to maintain one network for both data and telephony. However there can be a significant cost involved in setting up a company system but the return on investment can be short, usually less than a year.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Free voice calls for all
In a few short years, consumers can expect to make telephone calls for free, with no per-minute charges, as part of a package of services through which carriers make money on advertising or transaction fees, eBay's chief executive said Wednesday.
Seeking to justify eBay's $4 billion purchase of Web-based communications phenomenon Skype Technologies, Meg Whitman countered criticism by a financial analyst during the company's quarterly conference call by agreeing with some of his points.
"The percentage of users that you can actually charge for (phone services) will actually go down, so I actually agree with that and we understood that when we looked at Skype," Whitman said in responding to the analyst's question.
"In the end, the price that anyone can provide for voice transmission on the 'Net will trend toward zero," eBay's top executive said.
The company is betting that by combining electronic markets, online payment systems and Web-based communications, eBay can emerge as a leader in all three businesses.
Skype, which allows free Web-based calls between members, ended September with more than 57 million registered users. eBay said it expects Skype to produce estimated revenues of $60 million in 2005, and more than $200 million in 2006.
Whitman said Skype's explosive success, would--over the next several years--drive the cost of phone calls to nothing.
The chairman and chief executive of the world's largest online auction site said the transition to completely free voice communications will not happen in the next year or two, but that could happen in the next three to six years.
"Our belief is that the winner in this space will be those that have the largest ecosystem," Whitman said. "What I mean by that is: the largest number of registered users, the largest number of voice minutes, the largest number of developers who develop the platform, the best product...that users are willing and want to pay for."
eBay said it had 168.1 million registered users for its online auctions as of the end of September. It had 68 million active users who signed on to bid or sell in its electronic marketplace over the past 12 months. It had 86.6 million current accounts on its PayPal payment service, it said.
Seeking to justify eBay's $4 billion purchase of Web-based communications phenomenon Skype Technologies, Meg Whitman countered criticism by a financial analyst during the company's quarterly conference call by agreeing with some of his points.
"The percentage of users that you can actually charge for (phone services) will actually go down, so I actually agree with that and we understood that when we looked at Skype," Whitman said in responding to the analyst's question.
"In the end, the price that anyone can provide for voice transmission on the 'Net will trend toward zero," eBay's top executive said.
The company is betting that by combining electronic markets, online payment systems and Web-based communications, eBay can emerge as a leader in all three businesses.
Skype, which allows free Web-based calls between members, ended September with more than 57 million registered users. eBay said it expects Skype to produce estimated revenues of $60 million in 2005, and more than $200 million in 2006.
Whitman said Skype's explosive success, would--over the next several years--drive the cost of phone calls to nothing.
The chairman and chief executive of the world's largest online auction site said the transition to completely free voice communications will not happen in the next year or two, but that could happen in the next three to six years.
"Our belief is that the winner in this space will be those that have the largest ecosystem," Whitman said. "What I mean by that is: the largest number of registered users, the largest number of voice minutes, the largest number of developers who develop the platform, the best product...that users are willing and want to pay for."
eBay said it had 168.1 million registered users for its online auctions as of the end of September. It had 68 million active users who signed on to bid or sell in its electronic marketplace over the past 12 months. It had 86.6 million current accounts on its PayPal payment service, it said.
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