| If you are thinking of using VoIP for the first time, a | | | | - The quality of the service will depend on the quality |
| brief list of pros and cons can help you decide if VoIP | | | | of your internet connection, so that in some cases you |
| would be convenient for you. | | | | might need to upgrade your access to the internet. |
| Pros | | | | You must take into account both the downstream and |
| - The financial savings of using VoIP is, without a doubt, | | | | upstream capacity. It is not an easy evaluation for low |
| the greatest benefit. | | | | capacity connections (like 125 kbps or less) |
| - If the receiver is also connected to a VoIP service, | | | | - You might need specific hardware or software that |
| you can usually place the call for free. | | | | is not always free, or that is offered at no cost by |
| - There is a wide variety of services and providers | | | | some providers but comes together with a fixed term |
| available. | | | | agreement. |
| - Basic packages offered by many providers often | | | | - If you lose your internet connection, even temporarily |
| include features that would be charged extra in a | | | | so, the VoIP line will not work. |
| traditional telephone. The quality of the sound is usually | | | | - The time delay of telephone lines is more noticeable |
| much better, too. | | | | when using VoIP. If you plan to call landlines you want |
| - Whereas the emergency number used to be | | | | to make sure that you will not hear too much echo or |
| presented as an issue for VoIP lines, this is not longer | | | | delay in the reproduction of the sound. |
| the case: some providers offer 911 service itself, and | | | | - If you use a fax machine, you must make sure that it |
| others E911 (enhanced 911) | | | | will work well with your VoIP line. |
| - You can often make more than one call per line. | | | | Now that all the main factors were illustrated, here |
| Cons | | | | goes a final piece of advice: if you are planning to get |
| - A conventional telephone will continue working even | | | | a second telephone line, try a VoIP service and |
| during a black-out (except wireless phones) while your | | | | compare one against the other, while enjoying the best |
| connection to the internet will do so unless you have | | | | of both worlds. |
| power back-up. | | | | |