Internet Telephone FAQ

What is VoIP, and how does it work?
How much will I save?
What is Broadband Phone Service?
What is PC to Phone service?
What is PC to PC service?
What do I need to get started?
Do I need an Internet connection?
Do I need a high speed Internet connection?
Do I have to have my computer on all the time?
Can I get rid of my existing phone?
Can I call any phone number I want to?
What is the quality like?

What is VoIP, and how does it work?
VoIP is short for 'V'oice 'o'ver 'I'nternet 'P'rotocol, and most simply sends voice communications over the Internet. VOIP turns voice calls into small data packets, sends them over the Internet, then reassembles those packets and delivers the call. For a more in depth definition click here (opens a new window).

How much will I save?
Cost savings are going to be determined by your current telephone usage. If you make a lot of long distance calls, then you stand to save a lot of money.

The days of free phone calls are mostly gone but not impossible to find. If you're determined to have free long distance, you and everyone you call, will have to sign up for a free Internet only phone service. Not that, that's a bad thing, but it's going to be a bit of work.

What is Broadband Phone Service?
Broadband phone service most resembles the regular phone service that you're used to. It allows you to make and receive calls on any phone that you have lying around, once you hook it up to the hardware the company gives you.

This type of service is going to work most like a typical phone because it in fact uses a regular phone. You can make and recieve calls to and from any phone just like a regular Bell phone.

As the name implies, you need a high-speed Internet connection to use the service. Setup is usually quite easy and the quality of calls is probably going to be the best of the bunch.

Broadband phone service does not require you to have a computer to use, but you still need the high-speed Internet connection. And, assuming you have a computer, it doesn't need to be turned on to use the phone.

What is PC to phone service?
PC to Phone service allows you to use your computer to place a call to any phone number out there. Savings can be pretty significant for long distance calls. Typically long distance charges within the US run anywhere from 2-4 cents per minute.

Here, a software program - sometimes called a soft phone - is used to place a phone call. This doesn't mean you don't need hardware, but it means that you place a call from the software program on your computer.

Typically the Internet Phone Service Provider you decide to sign up with will give you the software to download. When you start the program you are able to dial the number. You still need some sort of speaker/microphone setup or a headset hooked into your sound card.

What is PC to PC service?
PC to PC serivce allows you to place calls from one computer to another computer as long as they are both connected to the Internet. This type of service is most likely to be free to use.

It works very much like the PC-to-Phone service. You're not going to be able to place calls to regular telephone numbers with this type of service, but who cares, it's free.

What do I need to get started?
The short answer is an Internet connection. Obviously a computer helps, and since you're reading this, then I'm assuming you have one. Then choose a service provider that best suits your needs.

There are some cases where a computer isn't actually necessary. One example is a broadband phone. They only require a high-speed Internet connection. But in order to access most of their advanced features you'll need a computer.

On the hardware side, it depends on which service provider you choose. Some companies allow you to use a regular phone hooked up to a converter box, which may or may not be included in your startup costs. Other providers require a headset (a computer headset not a telephone heaset) or a speaker/microphone combination.

Do I need an Internet connection?
Yes

Do I need a high speed Internet connection?
Technically no. It definitely helps though. Some companies require that you have a broadband connection (Cable, DSL), and some don't. If you decide to use Internet Phone service with your dial-up connection you probably won't be able to surf and speak at the same time, and the quality might not be as good.

Do I have to have my computer on all the time?
It depends on who you choose as your service provider. Some providers of the Hard Phone type of service allow you to use your phone like a normal phone which means that your computer does not have to be on.

All of the Soft Phone services require that you use you computer to place a call. Obviously this means your computer has to be on to do this.

Can I get rid of my existing phone?
In most cases no. Unfortunately there is still a use for the old Ma Bell phones. 911 for example isn't included with most services.

And in all cases it seems that it is not recommended. Even if the service provider gives you everything that the phone company gives you, during a power outage (remember the blackout of 03?) your Internet phone won't be available. You should always have a phone that requires no power handy, in case of emergencies.

Can I call any phone number I want to?
Well, that depends on what service you decide to choose. If you go with most Internet Telephone Service Providers you can usually call everyone, everywhere.

However, there are some services out there where you will only be able to call other people signed up for that service. Free Word Dialup is an example.

What is the quality like?
Quality is going to be dependent on a number of factors. Most likely the quality will be close to that of a regular phone and probably better than a cell phone.

Of course a high-speed connection will help the quality of the phone calls because you have more bandwidth to use.