Have you been wondering what all the hoopla is about VoIP these days'  What does it mean, and why should I care'  Well, there are some advantages to converting from the PSTN (Public    Switched Telephone Network) to VoIP Service that you may not be aware of.  VoIP technology is evolving and changing every day.  Major corporations are transferring their business telecommunication needs to VoIP, and households worldwide are also making the conversion. VoIP is a method of altering speech into digital data and transferring that data over the Internet.  If you possess a high-speed Internet connection in your home, you can easily convert to VoIP.  You may need to acquire some equipment, commonly known as a VoIP phone adapter.  The communications adapter will allow you to use all of your telephones in conjunction with the VoIP  technology.  You may also need to obtain a router.  Most VoIP service providers will furnish you with the hardware you require, or you have the choice of purchasing phones designed specifically for VoIP, or Videophones that will display images as you speak. VoIP is the communication model of future.  Many major computer companies have already begun to integrate VoIP with their Instant Messaging software.  Yahoo has recently purchased the VoIP Provider, Dial Pad.  Now, Instant Messaging programs like Yahoo, MSN, and AOL allow pc-to-pc phone calls.  The consumer world is making the switch to VoIP in record numbers, and here are some of the reasons why.

VoIP is Less Expensive

  Whether for your residence or business, VoIP is just flat less expensive than PSTN telecommunication applications.  You can reduce expense in your home by saving on long distance and local telephone calls.  Many VoIP providers offer plans that allow unlimited local and long distance calling. You will need to check with various VoIP Providers to determine how far their unlimited local and long distance calling areas extend. You also save expense by using VoIP    throughout your home. You won't need to invest in additional phone jacks and wires. After you disconnect the PSTN network from your home wiring, you can add your VoIP system into your existing home wiring.

VoIP will consolidate your Audio, Data, and Video Applications.

  VoIP systems can consolidate your telephone requirements with your computer applications such as E-mail, Fax, Web Conferencing, and Video Phone applications.  This saves money by combining all of these services into one central application.  You can use your phone while accessing all your other programs at the same time, allowing greater freedom.  It is a simpler way for the homeowner to utilize all of these different products.

VoIP Provides Travel Flexibility

  VoIP allows users tremendous travel flexibility.   For instance, many VoIP users take their phone adapter along when they travel, and can use their own telephone number as long as they have access to an Internet connection.  With some providers this includes traveling overseas, and other providers limit it to certain countries.  The VoIP service can be utilized while staying in hotels, or even while camping in some cases if there is an Internet connection close by.  Wherever you might be, if you have a high speed Internet connection, you will be able make and receive phone calls on your normal home telephone number just as if you were at home.  This is a much superior solution for those with active lifestyles compared to the high cost of cell phones with international abilities. It is the ideal solution for traveling retirees and those whose employment demands much traveling.

VoIP Users Can Choose "Virtual" Area Codes

  Many VoIP providers now allow users to select their own area codes.  This is a fantastic opportunity for those separated geographically from friends and relatives.  For instance, a native Texan is displaced by his job and now lives in Chicago, while his family and long time friends remain in Texas.  The person in Chicago with a VoIP Phone could choose a Texas area code the same as the area code of the family in Texas.  His family in Texas could then dial that number.  It`s like a local call to the family even though the phone rings in Chicago. Their calls will be local and no toll charges would apply.  Some VoIP Providers even extend the area codes to other countries! This would be exceptionally beneficial to someone whose friends and family are halfway across the world.

VoIP Offers Common Features for Free

  Features that typically cost extra with PSTN phone services are often bundled with VoIP unlimited calling plans.  These features include Caller ID, Voice Mail, Call Forwarding, Call Return, Call Waiting,  Call Block, and Do Not Disturb.  Because of the integration between VoIP and the Internet, many VoIP Providers will allow you to access to manage all of your VoIP phone features through the Internet.  VoIP users can control all of their phone features and add or remove services as required.

  Switching to VoIP Services makes more sense now than ever before.  The services have been available for a while and have established the reliability and quality we all need from our telephone service.  So, with the benefits of lower cost and flexibility, switching to VoIP just makes good sense!