How VOIP Telephony Works
Basically IP Telephony allows you to receive and make phone calls using the internet. With the rise of internet speed capabilities, information can be sent and received with amazing quickness. As a result many technologies have advanced such as Voice over IP or IP Telephony. If you have a broadband internet connection you have the capability to use this new telephone software. There are a few different ways to tap into this money saving technology. One way to make and receive phone calls is by simply having a computer download and install telephony software. You would also need to use a headset or have speakers and a microphone attached to the computer you wish to use. Once you have the software and the headset you would dial and receive calls using the telephony software on the computer.
Many Ways to Access a Phone Line
Another way to access a VOIP phone line is through the use of Broadband telephone devices/services. One newer gadget is called a MagicJack which is a small device you plug into the usb port of the computer. The MagicJack has a standard telephone jack which allows you to plug a standard corded or cordless phone into the device. The MagicJack is very simple to install and use. In addition, most traditional telephone and cable companies now offer broadband IP Telephony services and provide you with any additional hardware you would need to use the services.
How Much Can It Cost?
If you are looking for the best money saving from a paid IP Telephony service, MagicJack would be one of your best bets. The MagicJack device itself will cost you $39.95 as a onetime fee. There is a yearly fee of $19.95 but that is just under $2 a month for using the service. It is hard to find a telephone service that can beat that price and provide unlimited local and long distance calling within the U.S. and Canada as well. Additionally, there are several free VoIP software programs that are available online with varying degrees of options and services.
Software Based IP Telephony
The use of VOIP software can be cost effective as well. Software based IP Telephony providers such as Skype offer free VoIP for Skype to Skype calls, as well as plans as low as $2.99 per month for calling regular phone lines. However Skype does not allow the freedom of using a standard corded or cordless phone. You would have to use a headset connected to your computer to make and receive phone calls.
Major Calling Providers Cost
As phones calls over the internet became more widespread, companies such as Vonage, AT&T, and Comcast began to offer IP Telephony services. Typically the cost to subscribe to this service with a major provider is $24.99, which is still better than the average charge for traditional local and long distance telephone service.
Summary
In conclusion, if you have high speed internet service or broadband internet service, IP Telephony is available to you. No matter which way you access internet telephone line, the use of VOIP Telephony will save you money.
Related posts:
