Why VoIP Is Changing the Way We Communicate

By now, you’ve likely heard of Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP. Initially introduced online in 1995, VoIP has transformed how we communicate with each other. This has been especially true over the last couple of years, as many people have used VoIP to work from home and telecommute. It’s also become an increasingly popular technology that many people are using to replace their phone landlines, both in the workplace and at home.

In this post, we’ll discuss how VoIP systems work, the different ways you can use them, their advantages, and what you need to use them and finally ditch your home’s landline.

What Is VoIP and How Does It Work?

VoIP is a technology that facilitates phone calls using an Internet connection rather than a local telephone company. It works by converting your voice into a digital signal that is sent over the Internet. This is what enables you to call someone from a computer, mobile phone, VoIP phone, or other data-driven devices.

Why Would Someone Have a VoIP Number or Service?

With VoIP, you can make phone calls to anyone in the world as long as all parties are connected to the Internet. It helps them avoid charges from phone companies, provides unlimited phone lines, and makes communication easier and cheaper. In many cases people are able to use the Internet connection they're already paying for to cut out telephone costs.

Is a VoIP Free?

VoIP is said to be cheap, but many people use it for free. If your has microphone, speakers, and a good Internet connection, you can use VoIP for free. It's free to sign up to many of the most popular device-based VoIP services, although you sometimes have to pay to access premium features such as video conferencing. Once you're signed up, you can usually make free VoIP calls to others using the same service anywhere in the world.

Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Google Duo and Hangouts, and Viber are the most popular examples of services that allow you to make free calls on your computer. If you’re looking for a VoIP system to completely replace your landline, however, a free service may not suit your household as well as some of the very affordable options out there.

How Much Is VoIP Monthly?

With a paid system, there are some more features you can use to replace your landline. Free services can only work if all parties use the same system. With a paid service, you can call anyone regardless of what system they’re using. You can also dial phone numbers, as well as get a home phone number yourself. If you don’t need more than your mobile phone and computer for you or your household to make phone calls, a free service is all you need.

However, if you’re looking for a home phone service to replace your landline, you can find VoIP systems that cost as little as $20 per line, depending on what plan or premium features you end up using. The reason VoIP is cheaper than a landline is because it uses an existing Internet connection rather than requiring a separate system or additional hardware.

Do Cell Phones Use VoIP?

Cell phone users can access mobile VoIP service on their phone by using mobile VoIP software. These are apps offered by VoIP providers customers may already be using at home or at work, like Vonage or 3CX, or standalone mobile VoIP apps like Skype, Vyke, or Truphone.

What are some examples of popular VoIP?

You’ll find no shortage of options when looking for a VoIP to use at home. But if you’re not sure what some examples of VoIP systems are or are looking for recommendations, here are some popular ones:

• Vonage

• Ooma

• Phone Power

• eVoice

Is VoIP Good For Home Use?

While you see VoIP more often in businesses, residential VoIP is still very appealing when compared to standard phone service. One reason for this is its much lower overall price tag. Another reason is because it offers more features than a standard landline. It’s possible to keep your current number, be faced with no extra charges or restrictions when it comes to long-distance calling, drop your monthly price to a low, fixed number, and take advantage of unique features including smart call routing virtual numbers.

What Do You Need To Use VoIP?

You'll need a reliable Internet connection in order to benefit from a VoIP system. The standard bandwidth needed to use VoIP is 100 Kbps per device, but depending on the type of data and features you'll use, you might need more bandwidth than that.

Whichever VoIP service you do end up choosing will serve you well as long as your Internet service is fast and reliable. If you're interested in using a VoIP system and want to support it with the speed and reliability of fiber Internet, check your address on our website and enter your information for the latest community updates. If we're not in your area yet, find out how you can bring Tachus Fiber Internet into your neighborhood.

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