Using broadband to reduce telephone costs25 July 2005
In addition to the advantages of speed and reliability of broadband, the service can also be used as a cost effective way of adding additional phone lines to your home or small office business.
The system is known as Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, and it uses the Internet to send voice data from phone to phone via your computer, rather than using the traditional analogue telephone exchange.
VoIP has been a hot topic in the industry press recently and for good reason. According to research firm Frost and Sullivan VoIP lines are expected to grow from 1.5 million to more than 18.0 million during 2004-2010. The reason for this staggering popularity is that using the Internet to make phone calls can decrease costs and increase flexibility.
The system works by using your existing broadband connection. When you pick up the phone and dial any normal phone number your voice is converted to digital data. The data is then chopped into packets and sent over the Internet where it travels to a standard telephone exchange. Your call is then directed to the number you dialled just like a traditional phone call.
Some, often free, services using VoIP may only allow you to call other people using the same service. However, modern services for business allow you to call anyone who has a telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers.
If you are running a small business and need 2 to 3 extra lines then a broadband phone option could be the solution for you.
What VoIP can do for your business?
- VoIP allows your businesses to use broadband connections to reduce costs for multiple 'virtual' business lines.
- Allows your business or homeworkers to gain an extra line without the need for a costly installation of a tradition al phone line.
- You can save an average of 64 per cent on your second line rental.
- Use a standard telephone handset to make calls - rather than having to connect via a computer.
- You can make Internet calls from any broadband connection and you don't have to change your number.
- It allows mobility as you can use the technology either remotely or in the office
- All numbers whether they are international, mobile or premium rate, are accessible from the service.
To start using your Internet connection to make telephone calls you will first need a broadband connection. Most providers offering a VoIP service will then send a telephone adapter. All you have to do is connect the adapter to your broadband connection, run the software on your PC and start dialling.
