VoIP Providers List Worldwide VoIP Providers Directory

VoIP is the direction of audio exchange through internet or other IP-based network. Basically VoIP is where analog signal in a normal telephone line are converted into digital data and then transferred through the internet. VoIP is a great way to save money.

Many businesses are changing over to VoIP, mainly because of the price advantages. VoIP costs substantially less when compared to a PSNT (Public Switch Telephone Network) which is used in analog phones. A VoIP provider usually offers extra features such as call forwarding and call display at no addition cost to you. Most regular phone services offer such features but almost always charge you a small fee to use them.

There are a few downsides when switching from regular phone services to VoIP. The first one being that you probably won't be able to keep your old phone number. Some VoIP providers have the ability to give you local numbers, and even allow you to use your old number. If this is important to you it is suggested you shop around for a provider that has this capability.

Another downside is the fact that there is a minor glitch in the technology involved in VoIP. Some VoIP providers have the ability to register your address and number to 911 and other emergency numbers, but this is limited. So if you were to call 911 and were unable to tell the operator where you were located, help wouldn't know where to find you. However technology advances quickly, so more advanced systems are available, you just have to find them.

Another downside is if you were involved in a power outage, you wouldn't be able to call anyone through VoIP. You can purchase an UPS (uninterrupted power supply) or battery backup but they will only function for a short period of time. In case of an event like this, it is highly recommended to purchase a backup communication device in the form of a mobile phone.

By Tom Smith