| VoIP is an acronym for "Voice over Internet Protocol" | | | | could be used if the customer has the proper cables |
| which is one of the newest cutting edge | | | | to attach the phone to the computer. |
| communication technologies today. VoIP allows users | | | | A major advantage of the VoIP phone call system is |
| to make telephone calls using their Internet service | | | | that a person can make calls from one computer to |
| rather than from the traditional land line service. This | | | | another for free anywhere in the world. However, the |
| service transfers data over a customer's broadband | | | | downfall is that if the computer user does not have |
| internet connection, allowing voice and data signals to | | | | broadband Internet service, the VoIP will not work. All |
| travel together. These phone calls can be made from | | | | VoIP services requires a subscription with an ISP. |
| one computer to another and to landlines as well. | | | | Another problem is that if a person uses VoIP as their |
| Additionally, a person can use a land line to call a | | | | only telephone service and their service provider |
| computer's VoIP phone number. | | | | requires that they use a computer to make calls and |
| Some popular services for voice over internet | | | | not a land line, they are required to keep their |
| communications includes Ring Center and VoIP. Both | | | | computer on all the time, because the VoIP service will |
| of these services allow for free phone calls between | | | | not work while the computer is tuned off. Additionally, |
| two computers and charge a small fee to purchase | | | | during power outages, many VoIP services will not |
| minutes or a yearly plan for computer to land line calls. | | | | work for the same reason. |
| This fee is typically much smaller than a telephone | | | | If the Internet connection is severed for any reason, |
| company would charge and the economics of the | | | | the service does not work. However, given the cost |
| VoIP service is what makes it so popular. | | | | savings and the ability to make most computer to |
| The user of a VoIP service requires the addition of a | | | | computer phone calls free as well as paying low |
| VoIP headset or speakers to the computer, which | | | | prices for other calls, the advantages clearly outweigh |
| usually includes a microphone. Additionally, a regular | | | | the disadvantages for businesses as well as residential |
| telephone or a specially programmed VoIP telephone | | | | customers. |