VOIP is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analogue) phone line. Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP), is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analogue) phone line.

The practical upshot of this is that by using some of the free VOIP software that is available to make Internet phone calls, you are bypassing the phone company (and its charges) entirely.

In addition, the quality of VOIP is good.Your voice is digitalized and transported over the Internet as well as over the phone company\'s private network using Internet Protocol (IP) service. A broadband phone call happens in real time. More than likely you receive many VOIP phone calls in the course of a week without realizing it. This is because the phone line quality for VOIP is the same if not better than the traditional phone services.

Good value for money too. VOIP service is available to anyone in the world who has an Internet broadband connection

Number portability. This allows you to keep the same telephone number you had before subscribing to the Internet-based plan.

No Regulatory Fees. Currently, there are no regulatory fees or special taxes with Internet phone call service. This give you instant savings!

How about the down side?

Emergency reliability. As your VOIP works via cable of DSL,you are hardly tracked in emergency which may cost liveswhen your connection got cut up during 911 calls.

You will have to have a DSL router or a second computer set up to run a second phone line.

Despite of the down sides, VOIP is getting more attention because it could be applied to almost any voice communications requirement, ranging from a simple inter-office intercom to complex multi-point teleconferencing/shared screen environments.

As the demand is going up, so is the supply. You have to choose wisely.

The following factors have to be considered when you choose a VOIP provider.

Choose a VOIP that works with your system. Most VOIP only works with DSL or cable modem internet, and will not workwith satellite or wireless broadband. Your internet connection has also need to be \" VOIP -ready\"

Go for the best service plan that suits you. There are unlimited local callings or large numbers of free minutes.However, long distant call charges may still apply.

Look at the money back guarantee and equipment return policies. Make sure that any service provider that you\'re considering offer a money back guarantee. Otherwise go for someone elsewho does. All of the major providers offer a solid guarantee.

Go for VOIP only it saves you money. Look at your phone bill to see how much you\'re paying in services and what servicesyou really need such as call waiting, call forwarding, three way calling, caller ID, etc.

Even though you have managed to install VOIP, you have to have a Mobile Phone or a metered landline handy as a backup. Remember, if your internet connection goes down, so does your VOIP line. Always be prepared in case of an emergency.

By Nick Hunter