| VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is rapidly | | | | disappointing. |
| becoming a top choice for people wishing to avoid | | | | Further, because it is a newer technology, providers will |
| costly telephone service. The system works by | | | | continue to make improvements. This will obviously |
| allowing you to make phone calls using a computer | | | | increase quality, but also drive prices competitively as |
| network, such as your Internet provider. Depending on | | | | providers seek to gain your business. Therefore, if you |
| where you live, you may be able to keep your phone | | | | are considering VoIP service, avoid being locked into a |
| number. The service typically offers some type of | | | | long-term contract. If something better comes along, |
| unlimited long distance calling within certain areas (such | | | | you'll want the option of changing. Some areas do not |
| as within the continental U.S. or throughout Western | | | | have Voice over IP for local calls, for example, so if |
| Europe), for a set fee. Many also offer | | | | you opt for VoIP for long-distance service, you'll want |
| minute-by-minute charges. People who are interested | | | | the option of switching over your entire service once a |
| in VoIP are drawn to the lower monthly fees. Also, | | | | local provider is available. |
| depending on the provider you choose, package deals | | | | The Service Isn't the Same (Yet) |
| are available that combine both Internet and phone | | | | Phone companies spent years coming up with ways |
| service. This can save both money and reduce the | | | | to service customers, such as directory assistance |
| number of monthly bills. So if Voice over IP is so great, | | | | and comprehensive phone book listings. With VoIP, you |
| what are the drawbacks? The following are three | | | | may not have any type of directory assistance |
| reasons why you might hate VoIP. | | | | available and you may not have a listing. Prior to |
| Power Outages and Other Emergencies | | | | signing up for a service, find out what types of support |
| One key aspect to VoIP is that, if you switch over | | | | systems are available. Many people take the phone |
| your whole phone service, you may not have any | | | | company's service options for granted, so if you rely |
| way of making 911 emergency phone calls. Some | | | | on directory assistance, you may want to think twice |
| providers are working around this problem, but before | | | | or wait. |
| signing up and changing your service, inquire if there is | | | | In addition, depending on the type of service you |
| a way to make emergency calls. This is particularly | | | | choose, you may be only able to call other subscribers. |
| important if you don't have a cell phone or if you | | | | If you make many calls, you don't want a service that |
| disconnect your landline completely. (Some people use | | | | limits who you can reach. The types of VoIP services |
| Voice over IP for long distance only and keep a local | | | | vary considerably, from computer-to-computer calling |
| number through the landline.) | | | | to options that seem nearly identical to your regular |
| Unless your provider offers some type of back-up | | | | phone service. Read the fine print to find out what is |
| system (some do come with a back-up battery for | | | | included and what isn't. |
| emergencies), if your power goes out, so does your | | | | Also, keep in mind that in order to use VoIP, you need |
| phone. One very convenient aspect to the landline is | | | | to have a high-speed Internet connection, such as DSL |
| that you can still make phone calls when the power is | | | | or cable. If you do not have this, and rarely use the |
| down. This can be a nice sense of security and allows | | | | Internet or email, then the cost of using Voice over IP |
| people to check in during long power outages. | | | | could be quite more than what you are currently |
| It's a New Technology | | | | paying. If, on the other hand, you already have a |
| Even though VoIP has been in the works for a few | | | | high-speed connection, you may be able to bundle your |
| years, it's still a new technology. One of the primary | | | | services, including VoIP. It all depends on your needs. |
| complaints by current users is that Voice over IP calls | | | | VoIP is the future of calling, so if you decide to wait, |
| often have a buzzing tone in the background or an | | | | you won't miss anything. In fact, the technology and |
| echo when speaking. While these problems are not | | | | service options will only improve, so if you think that |
| serious, they can be annoying. If you're used to a | | | | you're going to hate Voice over IP, perhaps you just |
| quality landline connection, the change to VoIP may be | | | | need to wait a bit longer. |