Voice over Internet Protocol is becoming widespread and renowned in the telecommunication sector. This innovative technology in communication is a hot topic these days. It is discussed on various IT platforms e.g. blogs, websites, social networks, etc. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, it is also known as Internet Phone or Broadband Phone. VoIP makes use of broadband internet as a medium to exchange data between parties. Hence, a fast internet is the basic requirement for efficient use of this service.
Voice over Internet Protocol is very different from the traditional phone service with regard to its working principle. It provides a perfect substitute to all the facilities offered by conventional phone service. The catch here is that VoIP service does all a relatively very low price. Besides the most attractive cost factor, there are many other benefits offered by VoIP which are absent in traditional phone system. With an Internet Phone service, you can call local and long distance destinations at very nominally charges.
Cost effectiveness is the boldest feature of VoIP service. Nonetheless, among the most prominent features of Voice over Internet Protocol are the facilities to receive voicemails through e-mail, diverting of calls to cellular device or other numbers simultaneously, speed dialing, call forwarding, call waiting, call return, caller ID, call blocking, call filtering, do not disturb feature, redialing etc. Apart from these value-added services, a user is mostly open with the option to get preferred number and even the number previously being used with conventional phone can be switched to VoIP. The VoIP service is portable and flexible; with it you are not bound to a physical location unlike regular phones. You can use your number anywhere around the globe of the reason that it is identified through an IP address, so where ever you have access to internet and computer you can operate your phone.
Most of the vendors (either for promotions or as part of their permanent policy) offer free calls for certain areas. For instance, Skype provides free calls to US and Canada. With VoIP service there is mostly no concept of time bound charges and calls, rather you are charged monthly flat rate as per your plan, then make as much calls as you want. Different vendors may offer additional services without charging for them.
Well, after the positive aspects of VoIP service, let’s have a look at the potential drawbacks too. At the time of its introduction there were many flaws like echoing of conversation, call dropping and broken voice but they are presently managed by introducing improved equipments and software. But even now there are few threats related to VoIP. For example, different sorts of malware can harm the privacy of conversation. Apart from that, a third party can also manipulate the conversation; hence arousing serious security issues. Another problem is the availability of electric power. If there is no electric power you would not be able to use your service. The dependability upon internet service provider is also significant. If there is some problem regarding internet service/connection, your VoIP phone would not work. The decision now lies with the consumers whether they want to switch to VoIP for its benefits or they still want to wait for improved VoIP service.