Tuesday 7 February 2012

Voip - Making Cheap Calls Possible

By Margaret Burgess


Making it possible to have a conversation using your PC at home or at work is VOIP, or Voice Over Internet Protocol. From your VOIP service provider, VOIP uses the broadband connection on your computer and software in order to make a call. The call does not cost your anything if you make that call to someone who is using the same service provider, and that's good news.

Each VOIP service offers slightly different features, so look closely at what you want to use the service for before you select a service provider. For example, your service needs to have a mobile application if you want to use VOIP to call a mobile phone. Skype is a popular and well known VOIP service that offers a smartphone application as well as applications for the iPhone and Blackberry. If the caller you are connecting with wants to benefit from the free call facility, then the what he needs to do is download the application.

To call non-VOIP users at much lower rates than normal landline calls, VOIP services can also be used. Because of this, VOIP has become popular not only with business who trade globally but with individuals who have family abroad as well. Some VOIP service providers limit call times, and will disconnect you after the limit has been reached. When you reconnect, you will be charged again.

Most service providers have video call facilities as well, which means that VOIP is not only used for voice calls. Video calls to other Skype users are free on Skype. If you want to use the video call facility, then you will need a webcam. Also available on VOIP are conference calls and again, these have little or no cost at all. For business use, this is extremely useful but when family members are scattered across the globe, then these are also great for chats.

Some services have problems with calls being dropped which is why the quality of the VOIP service is important. The service has to be good otherwise the video will appear choppy or lag. To help you get an idea of which service provider is the best for your requirements, try to research on the various service providers online.

VOIP can work through the internal microphone on your PC or laptop but if you want your conversations to be kept private, then it is advisable to get a headset with a mike and earphones. Besides being free to download, most VOIP software also has a variety of service arrangements available to pay for services that due incur changes.

VOIP offers alternative landline calls that are extremely affordable. It is ideal for businesses that have international branches, suppliers or customers as well as for individuals with friends and family out of state. If both parties have the same VOIP provider, calls are free.




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