As more and more people leave their landlines in the 1900s, they’re turning to VoIP services to fill the gaps in their phone service. A VoIP service allows you to make cheap, convenient calls both locally and internationally using the internet. It literally stands for Voice over Internet Protocol because that’s what it lets you do – send your voice over the internet – although you might see it referred to as an internet phone service provider as well.
In order to use a VoIP you must register with a service provider, which may sound like some elusive company, but could actually be one you’re quite familiar with, like Skype or Microsoft, or something you’ve heard of in passing, like Vonage or 8×8 Virtual Office. But before we get into how to choose a VoIP service provider, let’s explore the details of a VoIP service.
How does a VoIP service work?
Let’s get into the technical stuff a little bit… a VoIP converts the sound of your voice into data to send in a nice package over the internet. This compact data package can be sent anywhere on the internet, just like an email, but it needs a proper mailing address. Thanks to VoIP technology, this mailing address can be a landline or a cell phone number, allowing you to make a call from the internet to someone’s actual phone. It’s also possible to call another VoIP service provider’s number or connect to them through a VoIP app… but more on that to come!
How does a VoIP service work video
What Are the Advantages of a VoIP Service?
Over one billion people were using VoIP services at the end of 2017 and the number only continues to grow. But just why are VoIP services so popular? There’s a handful of advantages that are encouraging people to get onboard the VoIP train:
VoIP Services are Highly Affordable
Forget crazy fees per minute on international calls or cheap calling at peak hours only. Thanks to VoIP services you can call anytime, anywhere at a low, affordable rate. Calling can be as low as a couple pennies a minute, so you can talk for as long as you want at a fraction of the cell phone or landline price.
VoIP Services are Fantastically Flexible
VoIP services come in a range of prices. Most importantly, you need to start by selecting a provider and choosing an internet-based phone number. Keeping your line active every month can be as low as $7 or $8 a month, depending on the package. Some VoIP providers will offer a monthly package with optional add-ons and extra benefits, whereas most offer a no-contract option. Many baseline prices already include free and unlimited calling around the USA, Canada and many international locations.
VoIP Services are Extremely Portable
That’s right, anywhere you take your cell phone, your VoIP service is going, too. Whether you’re a business professional who needs to have convenient access to an international calling plan (including video conferencing) or a parent who’s trying to keep in touch with their kids who are aware for college, VoIP services can be the answer for you. Most are accessible from cell phones, tablets, laptops or desktops, making them the ultimate in portable convenience.
VoIP Services Have All the Extras
Just because you’re opting for an internet-based phone number, doesn’t mean you’ll be losing any of the benefits or features that come from calling over the phone. Many VoIP service providers offer enhanced voicemail, a 411 assistance number, three-way calling and many other features to personalize your service.
VoIP Services are User-Friendly
While all these features, benefits and advancements in technology might indicate that using this kind of provider is only for the more technologically adept, actually anyone can use a VoIP service. They’re great for both families and businesses and many of them provide 24/7 support, making them extremely accessible. Obtaining a VoIP service is fast and easy, simply choose the provider you’d like, sign up for your preferred plan, download and go… yes, that’s all you have to do!
Who Uses a VoIP Service?
As you can see, there are lots of great reasons to get a VoIP (who even uses landlines anymore?) and while some advantages will benefit a business, others will be more helpful from the home.
VoIP Services for Business
It’s becoming more and more popular for startups and STM businesses to opt for a VoIP phone service over a landline or cell phone. The flexibility of the programs allows for you to direct calls to different phones (or departments) in your business, conduct three-way calls or even video conferences, and have a professional phone line that can be listed on your website or in directories.
The affordability of this service also makes it a great option for new, growing or established businesses. Whether your company is working with partners and clients on a local or international level, you can get the best monthly rates (with unlimited minutes) through a VoIP.
VoIP Services for Family Life
What’s great about using a VoIP phone at home is that it can be set to do things a landline couldn’t. Need calls forwarded to your cell phone? Done. Want long-distance calling for one low-fee rate? Done. Want to easily access your entire call log online? Done! What’s more, many service providers offer you the chance to keep your old landline number, so the transition is as smooth as can be.
In order to use a VoIP service at home, it’s important to make sure you have high-speed broadband internet (either Fiber Optic or cable) and at least 3Mbps of upload speed. Without these qualities, your VoIP service might not send or receive calls as well, however, most of these come pretty standardly these days, so worry not!
Ready for Your VoIP Service?
If the time has come and you’re ready to find the perfect VoIP service for your business (or residence) then we’ve got you covered. Check out our guides and how-tos to learn everything from picking the best plan for your needs to how to set up any special features. Welcome to the new age of the voice calling.
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