Posted: 17th Mar, 2004 By: MarkJ
BT has issued us with a brief guide to Voice-over-IP (VoIP) technology, which explains what it is and links into their new broadband voice service:
VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL (VoIP) WHAT ON EARTH IS IT?
Theres been a lot of talk lately about Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) but not many people have really taken the time to actually tell us what it is. Weve put together a no-nonsense guide to take you through the whys and wherefores and really find out what - if anything - VoIP can do for you.
WHAT IS VoIP?: In simple terms its talking over the internet either using a normal telephone handset or PC.
HOW DOES IT WORK?: When you make a phone call using VoIP, it means that your voice is sent over the internet rather than via traditional phone circuits. The technology does this by turning the sounds you make into little digital packets and sending them to the other receiver. When they reach their destination, i.e. the person youre talking to, they turn back into sound. The person that you are talking to does not need to be on VoIP, broadband or the internet. VoIP can be used to call telephones in the normal way, both in the UK and abroad, in the same way as a normal telephone line.
DO I NEED TO REPLACE MY EXISITING PHONE?: No. There are different flavours of offerings from different ISPs so we cant speak for everyone, but using BT as an example, all you have to do is plug in a special adapter into the back of the phone which will connect you to broadband. You can then start making calls straight away. BT's service is compatible with most broadband set-ups. You'll just need a spare touch-tone telephone. You dont even need your PC turned on to use it, although if you want, you can still surf at the same time. Cable customers also can use the BT service too if they have a broadband connection, although some may need additional equipment depending on set-up. (For more information you can go to www.btbroadbandvoice.com).
WHAT ARE THE COSTS?: These vary from provider to provider, but all should work out cheaper than a fixed line or mobile. If you have broadband and need an extra voice line for the kids or work, Broadband Voice offers a cost-effective alternative to installing an extra line or buying another mobile. By using VoIP substantial savings can be made compared to using an extra fixed line or mobile, particularly when calling abroad.
IS VoIP HERE TO STAY?: Definitely. It is taking off in the Far East and the US and now its available here in the UK. Just like the introduction of the internet and mobiles, which we now could not do without, it will stay and be improved upon like most technology whilst offering us cost savings.
To find out more about VoIP or to sign up for it, please visit http://www.btbroadbandvoice.com