Online Phone Service
Voice over Internet FAQ
What does VoIP stand for and what does it mean?
Online phone, also known as VoIP stands for “voice over Internet protocol”. It is a technology that lets you use your broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, satellite) to make voice phone calls.
What can VoIP do that a land line telephone can’t?
For starters, voice over Internet service can save you up to 90% on your monthly telephone bill. VoIP service includes all the standard features you’ve grown accustomed to on your phone – voice mail, caller ID, call waiting, three-way calling, and more – bundled in with your monthly fee, rather than charging you per-feature like the regular phone company and wireless carriers do. Voice over Internet protocol service also includes unlimited in-network calling and affordable plans offering unlimited local and long-distance calling, with no long distance charges. International online phone call rates are pennies on the dollar compared with international calls on a land line or cell phone. All this combines to make VoIP the clear winner in telecom affordability.
What does a VoIP online phone number look like? Can’t I just keep my existing phone number?
A VoIP phone number is the same as any other 10-digit phone number. In fact – yes – typically you can even keep your existing phone number when you make the switch from landline or cell phone to VoIP. Unlike with regular telephone service, however, with online phone service you can actually choose your own area code, even if you choose one in an area where you don’t have a physical point of presence. Many VoIP providers also let you have multiple lines all going to the same VoIP online phone, computer, or device. You can have a bunch of virtual numbers in different area codes, a toll-free number, and/or a complete in-house extension system for routing calls within your company.
I’m not a business. What would I do with a “virtual number”?
You could, for one, give your distant relatives a way to call you and have the call appear on their phone bill as a local call. You could encourage your child away at school to call you more often. You can have a dedicated fax line in addition to your phone line, finally being able to use both at once.
I can fax on VoIP?
Indeed you can. Some voice over Internet providers charge a small fee for faxing, but regardless, you can absolutely send and receive faxes with VoIP. In fact, you can even have your faxes delivered to your email inbox!
VoIP can route messages to my email inbox?
VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) is a broadband Internet based technology, so the voice and data information passing over a VoIP network is already on the Internet (albeit a private network secured from the public Internet). Therefore, you can have voice mail messages, chats, instant messages, faxes, and video online phone calls all delivered to you online if you so choose.
What if I’m not at my computer? What purpose will VoIP serve me then?
You do not ever need to be at a computer to make or receive online phone calls (though you can choose to if you so desire). You can make and receive VoIP calls on a regular phone (or an IP phone that looks, feels, and acts just like one) no differently than you’re used to making phone calls today. And if you’re not at your phone when a call comes through, you can choose to forward that call to your cell phone, regardless of whether or not that cell phone is WiFi-enabled (though if it is WiFi-enabled, then the cost of the online phone call is even cheaper).
Who might benefit from switching to VoIP?
This is a question with many answers. Here is a sampling of just a few:
Online phone, also known as VoIP stands for “voice over Internet protocol”. It is a technology that lets you use your broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, satellite) to make voice phone calls.
What can VoIP do that a land line telephone can’t?
For starters, voice over Internet service can save you up to 90% on your monthly telephone bill. VoIP service includes all the standard features you’ve grown accustomed to on your phone – voice mail, caller ID, call waiting, three-way calling, and more – bundled in with your monthly fee, rather than charging you per-feature like the regular phone company and wireless carriers do. Voice over Internet protocol service also includes unlimited in-network calling and affordable plans offering unlimited local and long-distance calling, with no long distance charges. International online phone call rates are pennies on the dollar compared with international calls on a land line or cell phone. All this combines to make VoIP the clear winner in telecom affordability.
What does a VoIP online phone number look like? Can’t I just keep my existing phone number?
A VoIP phone number is the same as any other 10-digit phone number. In fact – yes – typically you can even keep your existing phone number when you make the switch from landline or cell phone to VoIP. Unlike with regular telephone service, however, with online phone service you can actually choose your own area code, even if you choose one in an area where you don’t have a physical point of presence. Many VoIP providers also let you have multiple lines all going to the same VoIP online phone, computer, or device. You can have a bunch of virtual numbers in different area codes, a toll-free number, and/or a complete in-house extension system for routing calls within your company.
I’m not a business. What would I do with a “virtual number”?
You could, for one, give your distant relatives a way to call you and have the call appear on their phone bill as a local call. You could encourage your child away at school to call you more often. You can have a dedicated fax line in addition to your phone line, finally being able to use both at once.
I can fax on VoIP?
Indeed you can. Some voice over Internet providers charge a small fee for faxing, but regardless, you can absolutely send and receive faxes with VoIP. In fact, you can even have your faxes delivered to your email inbox!
VoIP can route messages to my email inbox?
VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) is a broadband Internet based technology, so the voice and data information passing over a VoIP network is already on the Internet (albeit a private network secured from the public Internet). Therefore, you can have voice mail messages, chats, instant messages, faxes, and video online phone calls all delivered to you online if you so choose.
What if I’m not at my computer? What purpose will VoIP serve me then?
You do not ever need to be at a computer to make or receive online phone calls (though you can choose to if you so desire). You can make and receive VoIP calls on a regular phone (or an IP phone that looks, feels, and acts just like one) no differently than you’re used to making phone calls today. And if you’re not at your phone when a call comes through, you can choose to forward that call to your cell phone, regardless of whether or not that cell phone is WiFi-enabled (though if it is WiFi-enabled, then the cost of the online phone call is even cheaper).
Who might benefit from switching to VoIP?
This is a question with many answers. Here is a sampling of just a few:
- People with a high-speed Internet connection who wish to lower their phone bills
- People who make frequent and costly long-distance phone calls (including international phone calls) and wish to make it more affordable
- Small-business owners who wish to decrease their overhead
- People who desire the convenience of being able to take their phone number with them wherever they travel or move
- People who enjoy using the many phone features technology has made available to us, but don’t wish to pay for each one separately
- People fed up with taxes and surcharges on their phone bill
- People living abroad who wish to have a U.S.-based phone number
Can I still place 911 emergency calls using VoIP?
You absolutely can! In fact, voice over Internet providers are required by law to include enhanced 911 service (better known as E911) with all VoIP plans. The only hitch is that the address sent to the emergency operator would not necessarily be your actual location at the time of the call, but rather the address you’ve put on file with your VoIP provider for the location from which you place most of your VoIP calls.
Can I bring my VoIP phone number with me when I travel?
You sure can! As long as you have access to a high-speed Internet connection, people can still reach you at the same online phone number they’re used to dialing, no matter where on earth you’re currently located.
Are there any downsides to using VoIP telephone service?
Yes, as a matter of fact. As VoIP calls are made over a broadband Internet connection, when the Internet goes down or power goes out so does your ability to make and receive online phone calls. There are a couple of ways around this, however. One is to use VoIP equipment with a battery backup. The other is to have a battery or generator backup for your home or office’s power supply.
Is there a way for me to try out VoIP service without committing to a non-refundable contract term?
Many online phone service providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on service, giving you a full month to try out their services risk-free.
Is VoIP secure?
Being that they connect calls using a broadband Internet connection, online phone calls are as secure as your high-speed Internet service.
What equipment do I need to use VoIP, and do I have to pay extra for it?
Beyond a high-speed Internet connection (such as DSL, cable, or a Local Area Network), all you need is a phone adapter (called an ATA) into which you plug any traditional, analog phone. Most VoIP service providers include an ATA free with service. Some even include free shipping. You can also buy a more powerful and secure ATA if you feel your needs are greater than the ATA that comes free with your voice over Internet service can provide.
View our list of the best VoIP providers