Since the modernization of the Internet it is hard to do without things like VoIP providers. Of course, you will need to have a high-speed Internet connection with an ATA (Analog Telephone Converter) and a telephone to use this service. Nevertheless, there are numerous benefits to using it instead of a landline phone.
Hosted VoIP
Usually, the VoIP provider provides your ATA hardware. You simply need to decide who the best VoIP provider for you will be and subscribe to one of their plans. Today this can be a bit more difficult to do than it was in the past since there are now various types of VoIP providers. These include the “pure play” VoIP service providers (i.e. peer-to-peer VoIP providers, cable companies) and traditional telephony companies. All of this is great for you though because it means that this technology is easily affordable. This is because the tremendous competition in the market ensures that prices are not exorbitant.
How VoIP Works
Regardless of the hosted VoIP you choose to work with, broadband networks will be used to deliver voice, data and multimedia services to you. This is done through a computer that leverages the solution. In doing so, you will no longer need an ATA. Instead you will only need some free, easy to download software. Once you have it installed you will be able to enjoy this service to make free calls anywhere in the world without compromising call quality. (Sometimes there is a nominal fee for calling PSTN numbers.)
Choosing The Best VoIP Provider
There are a lot of different options available to choose from today. Everyone from large telephone companies to cellular phone companies are now serving as VoIP providers. There are even some large cable companies who have gotten into this business, which is great since they are in a position to offer you a service bundle. With so many companies to choose from, it is important to assess your specific needs before you decide upon who will work best for you. This is especially true since there are some times when a peer-to-peer VoIP service provider will work best. However, as a business you may decide that the “pure play” VoIP provider with the best call quality and the lowest rates is what you need. Ultimately, it is a matter of looking at VoIP reviews and deciding what you need and who has the best offer.
Vonage
Vonage’s VoIP service doesn’t route calls through your computer. Instead, you will be assigned a telephone number within your area code and sent a small ATA that plugs into your network router. You then simply attach your phone to it in order to make and receive calls. It is even possible to plug the adapter into a wall jack so that you can connect more phones throughout your home. While this will work well for home use, it isn’t the best choice for corporations that want extensions and services that are closely identified with PBXs. This is because you will only get a single line without multiple extensions, call transfers and other administrative functions.
TalkSwitch 48-CVA
Your business’ existing phone lines and phone numbers, along with your Internet connection will be utilized by TalkSwitch, making it easier to set up and install this service since you will be able to keep your existing phone numbers and phone lines. However, you will still keep your existing phone bills because your long-distance calls will travel over your phone company’s lines.
One of the biggest benefits to companies is that TalkSwitch works as a PBX and thus it can connect remote offices in a way that acts like a single phone system. In doing so you will be able to make calls to your other offices simply by dialing without ever incurring long-distance charges. Other benefits include;
- 4 VoIP trunks
- 8 local extensions
- 8 remote extensions
- It is expandable to a 16-line, 32-extension phone system
- 26 voice mailboxes
- You can install and configure the system yourself by using the PC interface
- Works with standard analog cordless or corded phones
Packet8 Virtual Office
Packet8 utilizes a hosted PBX that can be attached to any broadband connection to bring you a “virtual office.” Therefore, you will need to establish at least 3 extensions. In order for this to work you will need 1 DTA and 1 phone for every extension. Each DTA and phone combination costs $100 plus an additional $40 activation fee for each line. Since each of these extensions attaches to what is the equivalent of a PBX, meaning that calls to extensions are processed just as they usually would be processed within a corporate office. You will also receive the following features:
- Soft-buttons for voicemail and don’t disturb
- An incredibly flexible system
- Extension assignments
- Routing
- An auto-attendant
- System-related functions that are managed through the PBX’s Web interface
- Great sound quality and no noticeable delay
- Voicemail with message forwarding and e-mail notification
- Call transfer
- Automatic call forwarding
- 3-way conferencing
- Music/messaging on hold
- Distinctive ringing for internal/external calls
- Caller ID
- Call-waiting caller ID
- Stutter tone notifications
- Call park/call pick-up
This service works particularly well for virtual offices.
ICallGlobe
This is one of the largest VoIP service providers that is available throughout the world today. They specialize in offering a lot of different types of Internet Telephony Solutions for businesses including high quality VoIP Call Termination at cost-effective prices. You can rest assured that with this company you will receive consistent service that is both secure and stable.
Skype
Skype has been one of the foremost free VoIP service providers in the world since 2003. Today it is announced in 28 languages and utilized by almost every country. The software can be downloaded online so that you can make phone calls over the Internet for free. You can also call other phones, including cell phones, throughout the world for a very low price.
Phone Power
Phone Power is the latest production telephone company that transforms your broadband Internet connection into a telephone line. They offer a flat-rate calling plan that will save you between 60% and 70% on your phone bill. You will also enjoy a lot of great, free features with this service, including caller ID, call waiting and voicemail.
ViaTalk
ViaTalk offers a very price effective and absolute VoIP service for those who reside within the United States. Whether you are a residential or company user you will be able to enjoy their state of the art fiber optic network. You will also receive high quality service and 24/7 technical service.
Summary
Garnering an understanding of VoIP phone service is the first thing you will need to do in order to decide whether or not this service is right for you. Hopefully these VoIP reviews have made it easier for you to see which company will work best for you if you have decided to go with VoIP. Regardless of whether you are a business or a residential home, choosing these things is of great importance and this is something that we definitely understand.