| Internet has become all prevalent in the modern | | | | computer on a peer-to-peer network is used to |
| day world and one cannot do without the same | | | | leverage this specific type of VoIP solution. The |
| even for a day. The uses to which this innovative | | | | need for an ATA is done away with; only a |
| technology can be put are also getting increasingly | | | | software is needed, which is free and easily |
| diversified. Internet telephony is one such | | | | downloadable. Users can enjoy the services of |
| specialised use of a high-speed Internet connection | | | | peer-to-peer VoIP providers to make free calls |
| - and an increasing number of people are realising | | | | anywhere in the world. In some instances, such as |
| the benefits of sending packets of voice over the | | | | calls to PSTN numbers, the calls are charged but |
| Internet as compared to landlines. The importance | | | | very nominally. However, users have to |
| of VoIP service providers can be understood in | | | | compromise on call quality as compared to other |
| this context. | | | | VoIP solutions. |
| A high speed Internet connection, an Analog | | | | Large telephone companies and cellular phone |
| Telephone Converter (ATA) and a phone are the | | | | companies are emerging as business VoIP |
| three pre-requisites for enjoying VoIP solutions. | | | | providers. Cable companies have been the latest |
| More often than not, the ATA hardware is | | | | entrants - having an advantage of privately |
| provided by VoIP providers themselves. A user | | | | owned networks over which calls could be routed. |
| wanting to avail one such solution can subscribe to | | | | The cable companies are in a position to bundle |
| specialised plans offered by many of the reputed | | | | voice with high speed data and digital cable |
| VoIP service providers. | | | | television - thereby enhancing their value |
| There are different types of VoIP providers | | | | considerably to the potential subscribers. However, |
| catering to the needs of both corporates as well | | | | the VoIP services and solutions from this |
| as individual users. There are the "pure play" VoIP | | | | category of VoIP service provider would generally |
| service providers, peer-to-peer VoIP providers | | | | cost more. |
| and cable companies. Then there are some | | | | Quite a lot of options are therefore available. |
| traditional telephony companies that have also | | | | Potential users would have to assess their specific |
| joined in the bandwagon. All this means a smooth | | | | needs before deciding on a particular category of |
| ride for the end customers - they are now able | | | | Internet telephony provider. In instances where |
| to enjoy facilitating technology at affordable costs. | | | | calling is the priority - a peer-to-peer VoIP service |
| The tremendous competition in the market | | | | provider would do, especially when one is calling on |
| ensures that prices that they have to pay for the | | | | the same network. Corporate users could choose |
| VoIP solutions and services are not exorbitant. | | | | the pure play Voice over IP provider that offer |
| All the different service providers of VoIP use | | | | the best call quality at the lowest rates. The |
| different broadband networks to deliver voice, | | | | ultimate decision about choosing a VoIP service |
| data and multimedia services to the end | | | | provider would stay with the individual user - |
| customers. The peer-to-peer VoIP providers | | | | whether a person or a corporation. |
| offer solutions that are the least expensive. A | | | | |