Let’s run down a brief overview of the principal VOIP advantages

VoIP has lots of advantages over a regular phone service.

One of the main advantages of VoIP is the low cost. If you have a fast Internet connection (DSL or cable) you can make PC-to-PC phone calls anywhere in the world for free. If you wish to make a PC-to-phone connection, however, there's usually a charge for this but probably much cheaper than your regular phone service.

You pick up the receiver, which sends a signal to the ATA.

The phone number data is sent in the form of a request to your VoIP company's call processor. The call processor checks it to ensure that it's in a valid format.

You finish talking and hang up the receiver.

When you hang up, the circuit is closed between your phone and the ATA.

The ATA sends a signal to the soft switch connecting the call, terminating the session.

You can also sign up with a VoIP service provider which charges a monthly fee in return for unlimited calls within a certain geographic area. For example, some VoIP services in the United States allow you to call anywhere in North America at no extra charge. Overseas calls are charged at a relatively small rate.

Another advantage of VoIP is portability. You can make and receive phone calls wherever there is a broadband connection simply by signing in to your VoIP account. This makes VoIP as convenient as e-mail – if you are travelling, simply pack a headset or Internet phone and you can talk to your family or business associates for almost nothing.

When you are using a PSTN line, you are charged for the time you are connected to that carriers network. The longer you stay connected, the more that you pay. With VoIP you are using either a public or private network and thus do not have any time related call charges. In addition, VoIP can be used to connect more than two people for a call, allowing you to talk to many people at the same time.

An international phone. A VoIP phone does not have country boundaries. You can take it with you wherever you go. And the same rates apply regardless of where you are when you use it.

There are many other features that make VoIP attractive. Call forwarding, call waiting, voicemail, caller ID and three-way calling are some of the many services included with Internet telephone at no extra charge. You can also send data such as pictures and documents at the same time you are talking on the phone.

3-way calling, call forwarding, callback services and caller ID are usually standard features (free) with VoIP companies. Those are normally charged extra for, by the traditional telecommunication companies (telcos) .


Huge Savings

Imagine being able to keep your current phone number and make as many long distance calls as you wish (within a certain area) for one low price. No more fluctuating phone bills, outrageous long distance charges, or other surcharges that repeatedly shows up on your bill. Voice over IP offers just that. Just as email changed how people communicate, so too will VoIP.