Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, is a technology that allows users to make calls through the Internet rather than a traditional network. For various reasons, VoIP has been gaining traction with businesses both small and large, though it has been less popular with residential users. However, residential VoIP offers a great service at a much lower price than traditional telephony, making it a perfect telephone solution for many people.
Residential VoIP telephony, like any other VoIP telephony, requires three things:
- A plan. To use VoIP telephony, you must first subscribe to a plan from a VoIP provider. Basic residential VoIP plans should cover most of what you would look for in a landline, though advanced plans do offer a fair number of added benefits for little cost. To go about obtaining a plan, you can simply contact a provider and set everything up with them.
- An Internet connection. Since VoIP phones pass calls through your Internet, they require an Internet connection to function. If you are reading this, you probably already have an Internet package of sorts, in which case you should verify with your provider if your current package can support the needs of a VoIP phone. If you don’t already have an Internet connection, you should focus on first obtaining a plan with an Internet provider.
- Calling device. You will need a device with which you can actually make calls. VoIP providers often offer their own proprietary softphone application for computers, smartphones and tablets. These applications allow you to make VoIP calls through whatever device they are installed on. You can also purchase IP phone devices, which are simply normal phone sets that connect to your Internet rather than a phone system.
With these three requirements met, you can begin using your residential VoIP phone. That said, you may be wondering what benefits VoIP telephony can offer you. The benefits include:
- Low fees. VoIP telephony costs far less than traditional telephony, cutting your phone bills by up to 50%.
- Unlimited calls. Basic residential plans usually offer free unlimited US-Canada calls, though you can upgrade your plan to include more zones. High-end plans usually offer unlimited international calls.
- Mobility and flexibility. VoIP telephony is more flexible than standard telephony in that it allows you to make calls from anywhere at all. Roaming fees are much lower or completely non-existent. Contracts are also far less constricting.
- Simplicity. VoIP telephony eliminates installation and maintenance of phone lines, since your VoIP phone system will simply use your Internet network instead.
- Features. A number of features are available on even the most basic of home telephony plans, such as caller ID, call waiting and call transfer.
With a vast array of advantages and very few disadvantages, the switch to residential VoIP is more tempting than ever. Do you have any questions about home VoIP plans? Let us know below, or visit us on our Facebook page.
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