Internet Phones: The Future of Telecommunication

I remember my first attempts, many moons ago, to "make a phone call" over the Internet using "Voice over Internet Protocol" technology. The quality of the call was poor and using VoIP was awkward and inconvenient. Fortunately, VoIP technology has been refined over the years. Now, talking over the Internet can be as simple as using a landline phone. More importantly, it's a lot less expensive. Other than the monthly fee you pay to your Internet Service Provider (and in some cases a VoIP service provider) calls from one computer to another—anywhere in the world—are free. There are even services that allow you to make calls from your computer to a landline or cell phone number. This type of call involves a small fee—usually much less expensive than a traditional long distance call.

VoIP technology involves special software that allows you to use an Internet-connected computer equipped with a microphone and speaker to talk to another person with a similarly equipped computer. The special software converts your voice into data packets, which it then transmits over the Internet. The software on the receiving computer converts the data back into audio and plays it over a speaker. With the appropriate VoIP software and microphones, any two computers with live, broadband Internet connections can be used.

VoIP service providers

There are a number of service providers that specialize in VoIP. All you have to do is conduct a Web search on "VoIP service providers" to discover them. Prices vary from $10 to $40 a month depending on the level of service, which ranges from 400 minutes per month to unlimited calls in the United States and Canada. The biggest player is Vonage. Three months ago, I decided to switch to Vonage (http://www.vonage.com) and give up my regular phone service. For the first time in my adult life, I am no longer obligated to the phone company. Even better, I save a bundle each month. Vonage gives you a choice of plans. Residential users can choose the $14.99 a month plan (500 minutes a month for calls anywhere in the U.S., Canada, or Puerto Rico) or the $24.99 a month plan (unlimited minutes). Vonage offers similar plans for businesses for $39.99 or $49.99 a month.

Vonage is the biggest VoIP service provider in the U.S.

The only requirement for service is that you must have a high-speed Internet connection. In many cases, you can even keep your current phone number. But if you wish, you can choose any area code and prefix you like, and this can come in handy. Suppose, for example, that you have relatives in Flagstaff, Arizona, and they like to call you a lot. You can make your area code the one for Flagstaff, and any call they make to you will be a local call for them. Or, if your business is located in up-state New York but you do most of your business in the City, you can make your area code that of New York City to save your clients money. (Note that Vonage may not have service in the area you want—check that out before signing up.

After signing up, you will receive your starter kit in the mail in a few days. It consists of a short user manual and a little black box. Plug the box into your Cable or DSL modem, power it up, plug your regular phone set into the box, and begin making calls. The transition is seamless and you use your phone just as you always have. I only rarely notice any difference in service or quality of voice transmission.

You can even use the same extensions you have always used throughout your house or office. If you want an additional line, you will have to pay for it. If you want a dedicated fax line, it's just $9.99 a month. You can get a toll free number for $4.99 a month. You can get a virtual line with a different number for $4.99 a month.

Included at no extra charge are such features as call waiting, conference calling, call forwarding, 911, caller ID, and voice mail. You can check your voice mail three ways: online, on the phone, and through e-mail.