The Internet has made for some interesting advances in technology and allows for a wide variety of options when it comes to dealing with simple problems. One of those problems is basic telephone service; by using an internet connection one can still access the phone line. Voice Over Internet Protocols, or VOIP phone, takes advantage of that connection to ensure that the house still has some sort of phone service. The process is simple but can make things interesting for the house, especially during times of crisis. However, it well worth the problems.
How It Works
The VOIP phone service essentially works like any other internet service, but with a twist. Essentially, the homeowner must have internet service and the appropriate hardware. The phone connects to the hardware, and then uses that to connect to the phone system; this allows the land line to call out to any phone, just like a regular phone. This means that the user can call virtually any phone number on the planet with no problem, and can receive a call from the same as well, thus acting the same as a regular phone for all intents and purposes. This also means that local and long-distance calls cost the same, which is why the cost of the service is so much lower than a regular phone service.
The Limitations of VOIP
A VOIP phone service does have a number of limitations that need to be debated, however, The most obvious is that if the power or cable goes down, so does the service; this means that, unlike a regular phone service, you cannot call out if the power is out. Another minor issue is that there is a minor delay compared to the regular service, and one that becomes exaggerated when the local net is seeing heavy usage. Also, in some areas there may limitations on 911 calls; because the service is not as tied to a specific location as a land line, emergency services may not be able to where you are calling from. These problems should be debated when thinking about a VOIP service.
Overall, a VOIP phone is worth the problems that come with it. If nothing else, the service can be used from wherever the person is, making it a decent substitution for cellular service if you have access to the internet. As a cheaper alternative to regular phone service, it is worth looking into for anyone who wants phone service without paying a large bill for it.