If you find your home or office phone bills are extremely large, maybe it’s time to consider using VoIP.

What is VoIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol. Want to know what that means? Then read on.

VoIP enables you to use your broadband Internet connection to make phone calls. When you set up VoIP in your home or office, you can use your normal phone or computer to make calls for a much cheaper rate than standard telephone rates. Some calls may even be free depending on what packages your provider offers.

How do I start using VoIP?

• First, to use VoIP, you must have a broadband Internet connection. If you haven’t already been using broadband, then it may not be financially worth your while to start using VoIP as you will have to factor in the cost of setting this up too.
• Next decide on how you would like to use VoIP. Depending on your use will determine what kind of hardware you may require. If it is for your home and you want to continue using your normal phone to make calls, then you will need an Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA). A number of modems already have one of these built in. If you want to use your computer for calls then you will require a microphone and maybe headphones or a camera.
• Finally you need to pick a VoIP Service Provider. This could be the hardest part as there are so many out there to choose from. Spend some time shopping around as there are many companies offering different rates according to different needs. You will also require special software so when you choose a provider, ask whether this is included within their subscription rates or you will have to pay for it additionally.

Advantages of VoIP

• Much Cheaper Telephone Calls
• Free Calls may be available
• Can be used to set up Conference Calls
• Can use Camera when using VoIP on a computer

Disadvantages of VoIP

• Telephone calls can have bad reception eg time delay, bad echo
• If here is a blackout in your home or office, you cannot use VoIP
• If you broadband connection is down you cannot use VoIP
• VoIP can have problems dealing with emergency calls

Market Clarity has invited the VoIP service provider community to provide them with a short description of their value proposition for publication.

SecureServ is one of our clients that provides security for VoIP networks and IP telephony. Feel free to check out their website to find out more information about their products and services. http://www.secureserv.com.au