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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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