| To properly appreciate how far internet based phones | | | | phone carriers from penalizing VoIP users. VoIP was |
| service has come over the years, first, we have to | | | | initially attractive to home and business owners due to |
| look at what VoIP has changed in regard to the way | | | | the lower taxes and fees associated with IP service |
| we communicate, share data and work. | | | | (landline telephony bills are made up of usage charges |
| With VoIP, housebound or telecommuting employees | | | | as well as taxes and fees, the latter of which can |
| can gain access to the entire network, and caller ID | | | | comprise a large percentage of the total bill). |
| allows calls to be made and received as business calls | | | | One drawback to VoIP was the inability to function |
| without ever revealing they are not on location at the | | | | accurately for 9-1-1 emergency services - the nature |
| main office. | | | | of VoIP is to be movable, so the phone numbers |
| With VoIP, international business is suddenly much | | | | assigned were not tied to one location like a landline. |
| easier to undertake - with higher call quality and a huge | | | | The FCC addressed this issue, however, and now |
| decrease in costs compared to PSTN calls. | | | | most VoIP carriers provide E911 Enhanced 911 (E911) |
| With VoIP, unified communication is possible with | | | | that allows VoIP providers to connect emergency calls |
| phone, email, and data sharing possible across multiple | | | | directly instead of having to route through public |
| networks. Applications and features for VoIP service | | | | networks. Number portability was also instituted, giving |
| are constantly expanding, and are available at a much | | | | VoIP users the right to retain their number when |
| lower rate than non-VoIP alternatives. | | | | switching carriers. |
| With VoIP, nearly everything that can be accomplished | | | | VoIP is here to stay, but many worry that government |
| with analog networks is now available. VoIP is now | | | | regulation will increase to the point that the taxes and |
| compatible with fax machines, and can be | | | | fees associated with traditional telephony will be |
| implemented in tandem with home alarm monitored | | | | eventually applied - eliminating the cost savings which |
| security systems (previously problematic due to the | | | | currently make VoIP so attractive. Cellular phone |
| need for a landline to send alerts to the alarm | | | | providers in particular are fighting the unchecked |
| monitoring company). | | | | spread of VoIP, as it threatens to cut into their revenue |
| In addition, government oversight has expanded to | | | | streams. |
| regulate portions of the industry, preventing regular | | | | |