The Basics of VoIP

VoIP, also known as Voice over Internet Protocol, is a new technology that utilizes the routing of voice conversations over the Internet. Basically, individuals can now use their broadband Internet connections to place phone calls rather than using their traditional phone lines. Ideally, the sound quality is the same as that of a standard telephone line and therefore the people on the other end of...

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A Dummies Guide to Broadband Phone Service

Michael Brito

Did you know that the Internet can totally replace your existing phone line? With broadband phone service, you can make and receive telephone calls using a regular phone without the assistance of your local phone company. Instead, the phone plugs directly into a broadband internet connection, either cable or DSL.

You need two things to turn your internet connection into a personal phone line: a subscription to broadband phone service and any traditional phone (analog or digital). Most service providers charge between $20 and $30 a month.

Once connected and installed, broadband phone service works just like a regular phone: Pick up the phone and you will hear a dial tone - dial a phone number - wait for the person to answer - and start talking. In most cases the person on the other line won't even know that you are using broadband phone service; the quality is that good.

Some of the benefits of using broadband phone service include: unlimited calling to the U.S and Canada, free features like call waiting, caller id, call forwarding, voicemail and the ability to choose your area code. This means that you can live in New York and have a California phone number. Most broadband phone service providers also offer a trial period or a 30-day money back guarantee.

Some additional features of broadband phone service are virtual numbers (a number in a different area code, that when dialed rings directly to your main number). Virtual numbers eliminate long-distance phone charges for anyone calling within that numbers' area code. Most broadband phone service providers also offer toll-free numbers and 411 directory assistance for a low monthly fee.

Due to the recent FCC regulations, all broadband phone service providers must have E911. What this means for you is that you if you subscribe to broadband phone service and dial 911, the call will be routed to the local public safety dispatcher with your address information pre-populating on their screen. When searching for a broadband phone service provider, ensure that they offer E911.

Click here for more in-depth information about Broadband Phone Service. Michael Brito is a freelance writer/marketer for VoIP product and services.

About the author:
Michael Brito is a freelance writer/internet marketer.


Is Your VoIP Hosted PBX Provider Blind to Your Troubles?

A recent survey conducted by Emprix revealed that more than one third of all VoIP service providers, which includes Hosted PBX service, are unable to recognize they have a service quality problem until a customer complaint is received. In a world where mission critical business applications routinely flow through data networks, it is distressing that no monitoring capability exists for many service providers of our newest and best technology. In the enterprise market, the financial viability of a business can very well depend on a vendor's technical strength and on their capability to proactively...

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The latest information and news on VoIP:

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VoIP Unlimited SIP trunks approved for PBXnSIP (Channel Business)
PBXnSIP , a specialist in SIP based IPPBX software has granted official interoperability with VoIP Unlimitedā??s business grade SIP trunk services.
Raketu Releases RakOut Dialout VoIP WebPhone Service for Mac and Linux Users ...
NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwire) -- 08/21/08 -- Raketu, a leading global Internet communications , information, entertainment , and social networking company, today released its beta RakOut WebPhone . The new service allows Mac, Linux , and Windows users to make computer-to-phone Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls from any web browser, on any computer, without a download.
CallCopy Introduces New VoIP Call Recording Solution for Businesses (Marketwi...
CallCopy, Inc., a leading provider of call recording and quality monitoring software, today announced the availability of CallCopy Essential, the company's new VoIP call recording solution that will help small businesses to quickly and easily capture and archive inbound and outbound calls. CallCopy Essential was developed specifically for the small office to help companies improve customer ...
Grandstream Networks, Bandwidth.com and VoIP Supply Align to Provide Full Sol...
Grandstream Networks, Bandwidth.com and VoIP Supply aim to capture the SMB market with a full solution package.
Indian Regulator Approves VOIP (CommunicationsDirect)
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is moving to relax restrictions on telcos and ISPs offering VOIP services in a bid to encourage the adoption of broadband services and push down the cost of rural telephony. In a letter to the Department of Telecom, the regulator notes that "policy and regulatory...
Fluke Networks acquires Viola VoIP management assets (Network World)
Fluke Networks' acquisition will enable the vendor to broaden its VoIP analysis capabilities and provide customers with pre-assessment, active network-performance and call-manager monitoring and visibility features.
Sony Gaming On Cellular Market (Forbes)
New version of PlayStation Portable comes with microphone to make VoIP calls.
Indian Regulator Approves VOIP (Light Reading)
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is moving to relax restrictions on telcos and ISPs offering VOIP services in a bid to encourage the adoption of broadband services and push down the cost of rural telephony.
Raketu Releases RakOut Dialout VoIP WebPhone Service for Mac and Linux Users ...
Raketu, a leading global Internet communications, information, entertainment, and social networking company, today released its beta RakOut WebPhone. The new service allows Mac, Linux, and Windows users to make computer-to-phone Voice over Internet Protocol calls from any web browser, on any computer, without a download. This is in addition to the existing RakWeb, browser-based communications, ...
Nortel goes 3D with web.alive (VNU Net via Yahoo! UK & Ireland News)
Enterprise communications vendor Nortel has acquired 3D audio technology firm DiamondWare in a $10m move designed to enhance its VoIP, multimedia and voice conferencing capabilities.

The Dangers of Peer-to-Peer Systems

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) systems do not operate on secure lines, thus providing a conduit for hackers to enter a network or computer, access personal and confidential information, as well as deploy viruses or worms. Users of P2P systems are prime targets and or launching points for malicious hacker attacks simply because it requires downloading and sharing electronic files or programs, not to mention usage on publicly open and interpretable industry standard protocols and industry standard codec. A Staff Report submitted by the Government Reform Committee of the U. S. House of Representatives (May...

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