Living in the twenty-first century, you might have used VOIP (short for Voice Over Internet Protocol) to call someone at least once in your lifetime. It was first launched on the internet in 1995. A company called VocalTec created the first internet phone for the masses. And it has evolved drastically since then. It wouldn't be wrong to say that VOIP has changed the way people communicate these days.
But, the question is that …….
What exactly is VOIP?
VOIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. It refers to making phone calls through the internet instead of a regular landline or a mobile network. There might be many VOIP providers in your area, but their systems work the same way.
How does it work?
This system doesn't work the same way as the traditional telephone service. To put it simply, This system work starts by taking your analog voice signals, converting them into digital signals, and then finally moving them as data over your broadband line. This system is one of the most valuable ways of making calls these days.
How much does it cost?
The companies will cost you about 80$ to 120$ for setting up a new desktop phone at your place (excluding the labor charges). Once it's set up, it will cost you much cheaper than using traditional mobile lines. It means you may not have to pay for your phone calls based on your distance, how much time you spend chatting, or even which country you are calling.
Your VOIP system could be:-
- A Phone and a VOIP adapter. Using these adapters lets you make phone calls by your old landline number.
- A Computer or even a Smartphone. Today, dozens of software will let you make phone calls worldwide without costing anything. Skype on the computer and even WhatsApp for your phone use the same VOIP method to call the beloved ones.
Some broadband and home phone providers offer VOIP as part of their services to do something different from other providers. VOIP is available as part of almost any business broadband or phone package. It means you don't have to buy it other than your traditional broadband package.
Just like everything, VOIP has its own Pros and Cons. To simply put it that way, Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages that you get with using VOIP.
Advantages and Disadvantages:-
- It will let you make phone calls all over the world at any time for almost nothing.
- You can take it anywhere with yourself in the form of your smartphone.
- It provides the most secure and encrypted P-2-P phone calls services.
The only disadvantage it has is that you can't place a phone call in case of the unavailability of an internet connection. You have to have the internet to make calls via VOIP. The irregularity in your internet connection may impact the quality of your phone calls.
But still, the VOIP systems provide the most value out of it.
