What is VoIP?
VoIP – Are The Best Things In Life Free?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. Put simply it works by compressing sound into digital packets which are transmitted over the internet – cutting out traditional telephony systems and charges. VoIP isn’t a new idea. The first Internet voice transmission occurred in 1973 but it wasn’t until after 2000 that it began to be adopted on a wider scale. Since then it’s growth has been significant, mainly driven by the massive parallel growth of broadband which is better equipped to deal with high speed data transmission.
Skype
Both software and hardware applications can be used to harness VoIP. The best known software is the free Skype download which enables - with the use of compatible handsets, headsets or microphones - free communication with fellow Skype users. The likes of Skype make their money via paid-for dial in services to landlines and mobiles, although even then charges tend to be much lower than standard call packages.
VoIP technology really does excite as users - both private and business - can not only offer multi-point access but remove their reliance on a telephony provider. How? By fully utilising their broadband capabilities. You don’t pay a charge every time you email a data packet such as a Word document so why should you for a voice packet? If you think of it as owning your own line the attraction is clear. But is VoIP free? Yes and no. A broadband connection still needs paying for but clearly effective use of its capacity can help users better manage and minimise their telephone costs, especially for international telephone calls.
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