Know How to Spot the Best VoIP Service (that meets your needs)

VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. Yes, it’s a pretty fancy, technical name, but all it really means is that now, it is possible for you to talk to your neighbor next door or your aunt across the country. What makes it a big deal is that both calls will be charged basically the same rate! Say goodbye to expensive long distance phone calls because when it comes to VoIP, there is no such thing.

VoIP, or what some refer to as IP telephony, works by sending telephone calls over the Internet. The technology that makes this possible converts sound waves like your voice (which is an analog signal) into a digital signal that can be sent across the Internet. The digital signal travels through the network until it reaches the person you are talking to, where the digital signal gets reconverted to an audio signal that the person can hear.

With VoIP, it is possible for several people to hold conversations simultaneously over one line – something that could never happen with a conventional phone. That is because the audio signal is digitized and compressed very highly. The data is then sent in batches or packets over Internet.

The advantage of this kind of technology is basically big savings on phone calls because the resources used up make those calls are utilized more efficiently.

Think of it this way: much like the fact that you don’t pay a higher rate to send email to a friend next door as you would to one who lives in another country, so it is with VoIP.

But that is just one advantage. Another plus to VoIP is that since it transmits digital data, things like videos and computer files can be sent on the same line you use to make phone calls.

By using just one data network for all kinds of communications, it is then possible to cut down on the costs of communication. And unlike a conventional phone service, where you would need to subscribe to one in your area, you can choose a VoIP service provider located anywhere on the globe. That means, you have a wider range of providers to choose from.

Speaking of which, now comes the part that tells you just what you should look for in a VoIP service provider. There are so many out there and not all of them may suit your needs best. So here are a few things to get you started on what you should look for in choosing the best VoIP service provider for you.

Call charges
The market is teeming with VoIP service providers who are more than willing to give you attractive rates for call charges so that you will subscribe to them. This works to your advantage so look around for a subscription plan that serves your needs best. For example, if you place a lot of calls to a friend living across the country, you can ask the service provider if they give a discounted rate for that.

Phone number
Some providers let you keep your existing phone number when you place a VoIP call. There are also some who will assign you a new one. Whether keeping your own number is important to you (for recall and identification purposes) or not, it would be to your advantage to check this utility with VoIP service provider. While doing so, do not forget to confirm that your subscription will allow free calls emergency services like 911.

Extra features
In addition to video conferencing, a VoIP service also has features common to conventional phone services such as call waiting, call routing and three way calling. More often than not, these are included in the basic subscription for the service but then again, there are those who don’t. Have a clear idea of what features you want when you choose a service provider and then confirm if those come with the call plan you get. Also be aware of what features will be of extra cost to you.

Long distance calls
VoIP service providers give competitive rates when you place long distance calls. So if touching base with someone living in another time zone is important to you, check the rates for long distance calls and compare them against other providers.

Money back guarantee
Since the technology is only beginning to catch on, a lot of VoIP service providers offer either a free trial period or a money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with the service. On average, the free trial period lasts from about two weeks to four.

These are some points to get you started in picking the right VoIP service provider for you. What is important is that you nail down all the things you need and then find the provider who best addresses them at a cost you can manage. Once you do so, then making those phone calls become one step easier and more affordable.