| VOIP refers to Voice over Internet Protocol and | | | | which allow calls to all people on all phones |
| is the act of allowing voice conversations to turn | | | | regardless of the network. |
| to digital items so that they can be transmitted | | | | If you are calling a person with a basic telephone |
| over a network such as the internet. There are | | | | (analog), that person does not need any special |
| many ways to look at the variety of issues | | | | equipment to receive your call or carry on a |
| around VOIP, most of which will not necessarily | | | | conversation with you regardless of the type of |
| offer any clarity to consumers or readers that | | | | phone you call on. |
| are not all that versed in technological issues or | | | | There are a number of issues involved that may |
| the internet. The truth is that VOIP can be very | | | | cause you to think twice about the service, |
| complicated and can represent a lot of | | | | however. For one, some services will not function |
| terminology that many people will not even begin | | | | at all during a power outage. The service provider |
| to understand. | | | | may not offer backup power for these situations. |
| Voice over IP services transmit your voice into a | | | | Second, VOIP servers may not offer white page |
| sound data packet and transmit that data packet | | | | or directory assistance programs. |
| across a network, like the internet, to your | | | | This can be curbed rather simply, however, as |
| intended receiver. A broadband or high speed | | | | the internet is literally at your fingertips. Third, not |
| internet connection is required to participate | | | | all VOIP servers link directly to 911 or other |
| because that is the protocol by which the | | | | emergency numbers. You may have to ask your |
| communication travels. | | | | provider specifically about this issue for an answer. |
| This can be a cable modem or a certain package | | | | In June of 2005, the Federal Communications |
| of wireless services, for instance. You also need a | | | | Commission of the United States of America |
| computer, a specialized phone, or an adaptor to | | | | enacted a regulation that insisted that all VOIP |
| participate. | | | | providers include 911 emergency services or that |
| Some services allow the user to utilize a normal | | | | they include a sticker or form of notification that |
| phone with an adaptor over the computer's | | | | signaled that the phone did not offer that service. |
| network. Other services, however, require a | | | | There was also an active regulation that made |
| specialized VOIP phone system that can take and | | | | VOIP phone systems subject to the same law |
| receive phone VOIP calls due to special software | | | | enforcement capabilities to wiretap. This was also |
| located within. | | | | enacted by the FCC and applies to all servers. |
| In terms of using a normal phone, there is usually | | | | Basically, VOIP allows the user to work from a |
| a software package that accompanies the | | | | personal phone or computer to connect through |
| adaptor or the program download that can | | | | the internet or an adapter through a network to |
| change your normal phone into something that | | | | another phone or personal computer. |
| can accept and send voice over IP phone | | | | This technology is changing the way calls are |
| transmissions. | | | | monitored, made, and billed around the world. The |
| Depending on the limitations of your service, you | | | | United States is fast becoming a leader in VOIP |
| may only be able to contact other people with a | | | | technology regulation and is enacting a variety of |
| VOIP service program on their network. There | | | | regulations on the process to ensure the public's |
| are some programs and providers, however, | | | | safety. |