VoIP Broadband

VoIP (commonly referred to as Voice Over Internet Protocol) is a family of communications protocols and transmission techniques used for the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over the internet.

What is VoIP?

Quite simply, VoIP is another way of making phone calls. But instead of making them over a traditional phone line, VoIP transmits them over the internet. So, each time you make a phone call, your voice is converted into a stream of data. Then, rather than being sent over the phone network, this data stream travels over your broadband internet connection. The best example of VoIP is Skype!

In each VoIP call, data packets are labeled with a destination address (the person you’re calling) and move through the internet in the same way as web pages and file downloads. When they get to their destination, the packets are re-organised and converted back into sound waves. When this process occurs simultaneously in two directions, you have a phone call!

What are the benefits?

The biggest benefit of VoIP is the cost. Because VoIP service providers don’t use mobile phone networks, they are able to keep charges very low. PC-to-PC calls through providers like Skype are typically free and can be made all over the world, while PC-to-phone calls will incur a small single per-call charge. 

VoIP is also incredibly portable. You can make and receive phone calls whenever you want, as long as there is a  broadband connection, simply by signing into your VoIP account. For those who are constantly on the move, simply pack a headset or internet phone and you can talk to your family or business associates for almost nothing!

Other attractive VoIP features include:

• Call forwarding
• Call waiting
• Voicemail
• Caller ID and
• Three-way calling

Additionally, you can send data such as pictures and documents at the same time you are talking on the phone!

How to choose the best VoIP plan

VoIP providers generally advertise plans in a few key areas:

• Low minutes,
• Unlimited fixed/local calls
• International calls

When selecting a service provider, consider whether you require VoIP on a regular basis or not. If VoIP is merely an occasional use service, there are many pay-as-you-go or $0 monthly cost plans; if you are more of a moderate or heavy user, fixed cost monthly plans give lots of value and are feature rich, and may be a more appropriate choice. 

Typically, pay-as-you-go plans start from $0 (with a bill rate of starting from 5c per local call) while fixed cost plans start from as little as $15 and generally include unlimited local and national calls and a host of international benefits.

Summary

With its low costs when compared to traditional phone services, the convenience and portability of VoIP is becoming hugely popular to individuals, small offices and large enterprises alike. With services like Skype on the rise, the age of paid home phone use is seemingly coming to an end!