VoIP (or Voice over Internet Protocol) is a great new way to make and receive telephone calls using your high-speed connection instead of your standard telephone line. VoIP converts your calls into data that zips through your high-speed connection just like email. It comes out the other end just like a regular call. Your callers will never know that it's any different since it sounds just like a regular telephone call.
VoIP enables the user to make telephone calls over a computer network, like the Net. IT changes the analog signal from your telephone into a digital signal that is transfered over the internet then converts it back to the analog signal at the other end so you can talk to anyone with a regular telephone number. When placing a call, you'll hear a dial tone and then dial the number just as you always have. You may also be able to make a call directly from a computer using a traditional telephone or a microphone.
What can VoIP do for you?
The big advantage with VoIP is that you can call anywhere, anytime for less money. Using your high-speed connection instead of your telephone line is less-expensive. You'll also get more features included, like Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, Caller ID with Name, Voicemail Plus, 3-Way Calling, and More! We have great international rates too, so you can call anywhere in the world for less.
How Can I Place a VoIP Call?
Depending on the service, one way to place a VoIP call is to pick up your telephone and dial the number as usual, using an adaptor that connects to your existing high-speed Internet connection. The call travels to your local telephone company and then to a VoIP provider. The phone call is transefered over the Net to the called party's local telephone company and the call is completed. Another, less popular, way is to utilize a microphone headset attached to your computer. The number is initiated using the keyboard and is then sent through your cable modem.
Does it work the same as my regular telephone service?
Once you're connected, pick up your telephone and use it just like you do today. The person you're calling doesn't need to have VoIP or an Internet connection on their side. They just need a phone. And your telephone rings when someone calls you as it always did. You use your same touch-tone telephone. You're just connecting it to Vonage instead of your old phone company. Also, using VoIP doesn't affect your computer usage. Continue to surf the web or send and receive email with no problem!
What's Broadband?
Broadband is high-speed Internet access such as through a Cable or DSL modem. It gives you a continuous connection to the Internet at speeds much faster than dial-up. You need a high-speed connection to use Vonage because we insist on consistent high quality audio for all your calls. As a general rule, if you're getting speeds of 90 Kbps or better, you probably have a broadband connection.
More on broadband internet
