| Voice over IP is the latest technology that has | | | | that are easily available in the market. There are |
| been introduced in order to make voice calls to | | | | also various softwares that can be downloaded |
| people anywhere in the world by making use of | | | | from the internet, installed in a computer and |
| broadband internet connections. The traditional | | | | used for accessing VoIP. The UK Voice over IP |
| analog telephone connections can also be used for | | | | providers, however, provide analog adaptors, |
| availing these services by bringing into use an | | | | modems, hardware and software to their |
| analog adaptor. Nowadays, the IP connectivity is | | | | customers for accessing the Voice over IP |
| extended over networks and is fully functional on | | | | service. |
| telephone numbers that are local, mobile or | | | | The providers of branded Voice over IP have |
| international. | | | | services that are quite distinct. Many a times, |
| These services function on the principle that the | | | | these are international providers and have their |
| analog voice is converted to digital format before | | | | own connections and networks. The local service |
| being transferred to other areas of the network. | | | | providers most often have to lease services |
| Now, VoIP telephony has been made possible | | | | from the international providers in order to offer |
| even in areas such as airports, parks and cafes | | | | their private services to their target customers. |
| by converting them to wireless hot spots. Thus, it | | | | So, it is inevitable on the part of the customers |
| becomes possible to enjoy the VoIP services in all | | | | to check before choosing their Voice over IP |
| these areas. | | | | provider and be sure about the advantages and |
| The VoIP service providers offer their services | | | | limitations of the services being offered. |
| for a nominal fee or sometimes even absolutely | | | | Such a service is best when the internet |
| free of cost. The user may be asked to choose | | | | connectivity is fast. This service has to pass |
| an area code when he subscribes to a service | | | | through a number of phases for the voice to the |
| provider. This would allow him to make | | | | delivered on the other end. The voice is first |
| international calls as well as local calls at ease. The | | | | converted to a digital format which then passes |
| difference, however, is that unlike the traditional | | | | through an internet server. This signal then |
| phone connections, the same tariff is charged for | | | | crosses one network and enters into another |
| a call made to an international client or a person | | | | network of another internet server. The signal is |
| staying in the same locality. Then there are also | | | | thus transmitted over the internet and then |
| other benefits such as a three way dial system, | | | | reconverted to the analog form so as to facilitate |
| initiating a conference with a group of people, call | | | | its deliverance on the other end. Thus, the voice |
| management, contact lists and voicemail. | | | | gets transferred without any loss in its quality as |
| The VoIP service is easy to access; individual | | | | during the process of its transfer it is sent in the |
| users would need to buy some special hardware | | | | form of a digital signal. |
| such as sound cards, speakers, and microphones | | | | |