| Since being introduced in 1996, internet phone has | | | | reasonably priced 800 number service, and video |
| grown from being something unheard of and | | | | conferencing. To make VoIP phone service more |
| unused by many, to being something that is now | | | | attractive, VoIP features can be adjusted to suit |
| being used by over 24 million customers (12% of | | | | your needs whenever you wish simply by going |
| households) in America alone. In fact, studies by | | | | to your provider's website, logging in and then |
| the Forrester Research Group show that internet | | | | adding, changing or removing features as needed |
| phone is being used by nearly 6 billion users | | | | without having to spend time on hold waiting to |
| worldwide. | | | | speak to a customer service representative. The |
| Internet phone, also called VoIP which stands for | | | | later features, are especially attractive to business |
| Voice-over Internet Protocol, works by tapping | | | | owners as internet phone not only saves them |
| into your existing broadband internet connection | | | | money, but time as well. |
| rather than needing the services of the traditional | | | | One should note that there are a few cases in |
| phone company. As a result, you are able to | | | | which VoIP may be less practical. These cases |
| lower your home calling costs, in some cases by | | | | are in homes where there are young children or |
| as much as 80%. This is because, with internet | | | | elderly family member as who may need to call |
| phone, there is no long distance fee, and many of | | | | 9-1-1; some providers are not set up to integrate |
| the features that a traditional phone company will | | | | with this emergency number. Also, it should be |
| charge you for are included as part of the | | | | noted that as it requires electricity, a VoIP |
| monthly rate at no extra cost. | | | | system will not work during a power outage. In |
| These additional calling features include call waiting, | | | | these situations it is recommended that you have |
| call forwarding, caller ID, voice mail, voice mail | | | | a cell phone available as a back up calling choice. |
| messages sent as e-mail attachments, instant | | | | Internet phone service is definitely a great way to |
| messaging, and automatic redial. Not only are | | | | save time and money. There are many providers |
| these features available with VoIP, but you can | | | | available. So a little time spent finding the right |
| also have multiple area codes for the same | | | | VoIP provider for your needs now, is going to |
| connection, receive low cost international rates, | | | | save you a lot later on. |