| As your voice is turned into a digital data signal | | | | person with a basic telephone (analog), that |
| through a voice over IP service, it moves through | | | | person does not need any special equipment to |
| the network as that signal. The only thing you | | | | receive your call or carry on a conversation with |
| need is your computer to make this work as you | | | | you regardless of the type of phone you call on. |
| can download all of the software you need and | | | | There are a number of issues involved that may |
| then use your microphone and speakers to carry | | | | cause you to think twice about the service, |
| out the conversation. Using voice over IP services | | | | however. For one, some services will not function |
| from your home computer can be a fun and | | | | at all during a power outage. The service provider |
| exciting adventure through long distance | | | | may not offer backup power for these situations. |
| conversation around the world. | | | | Second, VOIP servers may not offer white page |
| As your voice is turned into a digital data signal | | | | or directory assistance programs. This can be |
| through a voice over IP service, it moves through | | | | curbed rather simply, however, as the internet is |
| the network as that signal. The only thing you | | | | literally at your fingertips. Third, not all VOIP |
| need is your computer to make this work as you | | | | servers link directly to 911 or other emergency |
| can download all of the software you need and | | | | numbers. You may have to ask your provider |
| then use your microphone and speakers to carry | | | | specifically about this issue for an answer. |
| out the conversation. Using voice over IP services | | | | In June of 2005, the Federal Communications |
| from your home computer can be a fun and | | | | Commission of the United States of America |
| exciting adventure through long distance | | | | enacted a regulation that insisted that all VOIP |
| conversation around the world. | | | | 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 | | | | signalled 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. In terms of using a normal phone, | | | | enacted by the FCC and applies to all servers. |
| there is usually a software package that | | | | VOIP allows the user to work from their personal |
| accompanies the adaptor or the program | | | | computer and phone to connect through the |
| download that can change your normal phone into | | | | internet or network to another phone or personal |
| something that can accept and send voice over | | | | computer. This process is changing the way calls |
| IP phone transmissions. | | | | are made and, frankly, the way calls are |
| Depending on the limitations of your service, you | | | | monitored as well. It especially impacts the billing |
| may only be able to contact other people with a | | | | for calls because in many cases, using VOIP is |
| VOIP service program on their network. There | | | | free. This aspect of calling is one great reason to |
| are some programs and providers, however, | | | | look into VOIP calling a little bit more for your |
| which allow calls to all people on all phones | | | | family and your own personal use. |
| regardless of the network. If you are calling a | | | | |