Voice over IP

You may already be using VoIP without knowing it: many phone companies are using it for parts of international calls to make the most of available bandwidth. The reality is, Voice over IP or VoIP (pronounced like ‘void’) will eventually change the way we think about phone calls. It’s basically a way of turning analog audio signals, like the ones you hear when you speak over the phone, into digital data that can be transmitted over the internet.

ATA

The most common way is through the use of a device called an ATA (analog telephone adaptor). The ATA allows you to connect a standard phone to your computer or your internet connection for use with VoIP

IP Phones

IP phones go straight to your router and contain all the hardware and software necessary to handle the IP call. In the future Wi-Fi IP phones will be available, allowing subscribers to make VoIP calls from any Wi-Fi hot spot.

Computer-to-computer

the simplest way to use VoIP. You don't even have to pay for long distance calls. There are several companies offering free or very low cost software that you can use for this type of VoIP.

When you use VoIP, your voice messages are broken down into smaller packages of data that are sent at across the internet. They are then re-assembled by their destination. This process called ‘packet switching’ and requires a high speed internet connection to ensure that all the packages of information arrive at the right time. For this, you’ll need a DSL, cable or satellite broadband connection.

Theoretically yes – especially if you make a lot of long distance calls. Unlike with traditional telephony, with VoIP you don’t need to pay for the connection or network, since your calls ride on the back of the internet. It could also save you on the cost of individual calls since you’ll often only pay for a local rate call as your call reaches its destination, and many providers even offer free calls. However, since it only works when your computer is plugged in, it’s only really suitable as a secondary line. It’s also difficult to make 999 calls on VoIP because it doesn’t allow you to be localised in the way you can be with a traditional phone. What’s more, voice quality is variable, dependent on the strength of your broadband signal. Luckily, we can help you find the best deal on your landline, with our home phone calculator.