SolveYourProblem
eLearning Series
VoIP (Voice
over Internet Protocol)
Benefits
of VoIP: What Are They?
by Jeff Cohen
VoIP
offers many services and benefits that are not available
to standard telephone users. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet
Protocol and is the technology used to transmit audio files
as data over the Internet. Either another computer then receives
the packets, a VoIP enabled phone, or a standard telephone.
People
love VoIP because it is cheaper than standard landline
telephones. There are currently no tax charges
involved with VoIP services, and many of the features that
are normally offered for a fee are often included, free
of charge with VoIP services. These features are a great
benefit to both residential and business users alike. Homeowners
appreciate the fact that they can have inexpensive phone
service with all of the bells and whistles.
Home
residents can often select added features such
as Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Forwarding,
and Call transfer, at no additional cost. When the unlimited
local and long distance calling plans are selected, home
users can even greater enjoy their VoIP service.
Residents
also love the added feature of being able to select their
own phone numbers and area codes. For many, it
is as simple as transferring their old telephone number
to their new VoIP service. Some however prefer to select
an entirely new phone number, based upon the area code.
If a residential user has a lot of family members and friends
in one specific location, they can choose to pick the same
area code. This will provide their friends and family with
additional savings on their phone bills.
The
only hindrance that VoIP has for residential users is the
current features with 911. Because VoIP is Internet
Protocol, a call made from a VoIP phone to a 911 dispatcher
will not result in your address or location being displayed
for the dispatcher to see. Some VoIP providers do not even
provide 911 calling. Others have instituted the Enhanced
911 service. You will need to check with your VoIP service
provider to determine the steps that you will need to initiate
911 calling. Sometimes you will have to register your address
and information. The FCC has initiated a ruling that all
VoIP service providers must have their customers sign a
statement that they understand that their 911 services
may be impaired. Until this is currently resolved, the
best solution is to maintain a landline phone for emergency
use, or keep a cell phone handy in case of an emergency.
Business
owners are embracing VoIP with open arms. They
are discovering that VoIP services can increase productivity,
reduce business costs, and help employees stay more in
touch with their employers, customers, and fellow workers.
Whether a business is wiring their entire building, looking
for a cost effective way to keep mobile employees connected,
or choosing applications for call centers VoIP is fast
becoming the preferred method for providing business telecommunication
needs.
Employers
are opting for wireless VoIP and using their already High
Speed Internet connections as a cost effective
alternative to rewiring an entire office structure. VoIP
offers businesses other advantages as well. Besides saving
money on wiring, VoIP has the capability of integrating
all of a businesses needs. Such as E-mail, Web Utilities,
Voice, and Data- with VoIP customer service can be enhanced
up to 50% by answering and meeting customer service needs
in real time.
Mobile
employees are also finding VoIP an incredible blessing. Not
only do they save money on their long distance calls, but
also staying plugged into the corporate office is much
simpler on VoIP as compared to Cellular Phones. One of
the other benefits included with VoIP, is that employees
can take their VoIP phone numbers with them. Wherever they
have a High Speed Internet connection, they can plug in
and accept phone calls. This is incredibly advantageous
for sales people as well as those who’s business causes
them to travel extensively, no more missing important client
calls, or receiving them on higher costing cellular phones
(no more roaming charges).
Call
centers are also embracing the flexibility of VoIP. Many
employers are choosing to outsource work to agents in other
countries, where they can be hired inexpensively. Thanks
to the power of VoIP, call centers can hire virtually worldwide.
VoIP is providing many benefits for residential users and
business users, it is clear that people love the freedom,
flexibility, and high quality of VoIP.
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