What Makes VoIP So Much Cheaper Than Traditional Phone Calls?

VoIP is now firmly established in business, going from strength to strength every year. All manner of VoIP deals exist for the individual consumer through to small or medium sized businesses and also the largest corporations. One key aspect of the popular rise of this mode of communication has been price.

Fundamentally, calls are far cheaper with VoIP than when using traditional phones due to a different cost base. Costs are shared with the computer network.

Circuit-switched calls associated with typical phone systems have ports at each of the originating and receiving switches that are tied up that are tied up for the calls duration. With VoIP virtual circuits exist that enable available network bandwidth to be more efficiently used. Both voice and data are efficiently integrated, great bandwidth consolidation results.

The equipment that enables the internet to function is taken advantage of by VoIP. VoIP protocols and hardware are typically off-the-shelf, developed by various vendors and interchangeable.

Scalability is far easier with VoIP since traditional phone networks have circuit switches that mean they are geographically limited, each service area requiring a switch. VoIP can involve soft switches installed at a regional level enabling numerous markets to use it, only limited quantities of local equipment being required.

Companies use VoIP so that call charges between their own offices are gotten rid of. This is achieved by the implementation of their own data networks for allowing inter-office calls. VoIP is also used for reducing the costs of calls made outside of the company by carrying them to the nearest network point before transferring them to the PTSN. An alternative to the PTSN therefore exists, and this can be continuously developed and scaled to fit the company's requirements.

Two networks are harder to manage than one. Additionally, exchanges with VoIP are centered around software, not hardware. Software is far easier to configure, alter and maintain. Substantial savings can be made, for example, through fewer required staff and admin costs, changing, adding or moving circuits for telephony heavily improved.

Service providers can also benefit hugely from using VoIP. Where traditional phone services use telephone switches, high specification PC servers run computer applications for VoIP, this allows smaller costs for the company delivering the service.

Albeit there are still certain areas to improve upon with VoIP, e.g. the requirement for good quality equipment and complicated user instructions, this technology looks set to stay and improve yet more in years to come.

Article Source: http://www.articlewheel.com

Free VoIP services are what draw people to VoIP. For a wealth of information regarding VoIP have a browse over www.voipinternetphonecenter.com/Try-VoIP-For-Free-No-Commitment-No-Hardware.php and its many useful webpages.

VoIP Basics - What You Need to Know

VoIP is the newest Internet phone technology. If you haven't heard of it, let's take a look at what it is.

Alexander Graham Bell probably didn't realize the far-reaching effects his invention of the telephone in 1865 would have. Through the culmination of refinements and technological advances, more than one hundred years later VoIP was released. VoIP is an acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol. This is the ability to transmit voice over an IP-based network. The ever-growing popular broadband phone service began in 1995 in Israel by some men doing PC-to-PC communications. This was in its basic form from what VoIP is today. The phone system created by Bell, initially seen as a fad for entertainment purposes only, has developed into an enterprising business.

In 1995 Vocaltec released the first Internet phone software. This challenged the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) system. Data packets sent over the Internet was a system that could avoid long distance costs. The process broke data into small packets and transmitted them to a receiver through routers, with no circuit closings as with traditional PSTN. The receiver's software would reorder the data packets back in order. In its earliest form, this innovative service allowed free calls to be made between PC's. The requirement was that both the sender and receiver needed to have the same equipment. The software ran on a home PC, utilized sound cards, speakers, microphone and a modem and used H.323 protocol. Voice quality was poor compared to that on the traditional telephone but that would soon improve.

By 1998, VoIP had garnered less than 1% of the voice traffic. This initial application had many problems. PC to phone followed by phone-to-phone communications was soon established through the use of gateways. The phone transmission would include advertisements at both the beginning and the end of the call to subsidize the costs and allowed companies to offer free calling to their customers. When Ethernet services were introduced, the voice quality issue was greatly enhanced, although static and connection problems between the Internet and PSTN were still prevalent.

Up to this point a computer was needed to establish communications. By 1998, three IP manufacturers, including CISCO, Nortel and Lucent, developed equipment to route and switch IP traffic. Switching capabilities developed, allowed data packet switching into something, which could be read by PSTN. This allowed VoIP to be less dependent on computers. With hardware more reasonably priced, companies began implementing VoIP on their internal IP systems. It also started to be used by long distance carriers. By the year 2000, IP traffic had increased to 3%.
This new technology is continuing its steady growth with 2005 revenues meeting 3 million dollars. Voice quality issues have been addressed and VoIP is able to offer low cost, unlimited calling plans and other services. It is offered to business and residential users. It is an exciting area where changes and developments are abundant. The competitiveness in this area results in better services and cheaper costs. It is a win-win situation for the user. It is the culmination of the explosive new technology introduced in its most primitive stage, by Mr. Bell himself.

Article Source: http://www.articlewheel.com

More VoIP Basics Articles at www.eVoIP-Today.com. Learn how to operate a Successful Niche Website Network at eWebCreator.com. Matthew Hick has been designing profitable Adsense Websites for over 5 years.

Tips to Find the Best Calling Rates and Buy Calling Cards Online

These days, long distance charges are very competitive. Every month, we receive many flyers of long distance service and often watch such advertisements on TV. Even home phone and cell phone company can provide their 'cheap' long distance package also. But the latter is more expensive.

There are so many choices for long distance calling. Then, how to compare and find the best rate with good quality? Internet is a good way. Some websites sell many calling cards together and provide price comparison. Why not use their technology to make it simple? Just go to such a calling card online store, like http://www.eecalling.com. Then begin your price comparing tour.

First, select the country you will call from, and then select the country you will call to. I.e., you will like to call Canada from USA. Then select USA as the 'from' country and Canada as the 'to' country.

Second, click 'search' button. You will see the result page that show all available calling card by price increasing. The top one is the best rate calling card. I.e., the best rate calling from USA to Canada is 0.9 cent/minute. You can change it to call to a cell phone whose rate is different. For special destination city, the rate may be lower. They will indicate you on the top if it is available.

Third, you can compare now. Besides rates, you also need to consider the terms or other charges. Some cards have maintenance fee or connection fee. You had better know it clearly before purchase. Otherwise, you will find minute reducing. Regarding these terms and surcharges, I will introduce them details in the other articles. Please read it later. After comparing, you may have a decision which card is right for you.

Last, buy online. Click the 'buy or refill' button beside the card you want to buy. Then following the instruction to open an account and select the payment method. An instant PIN# will send to your email immediately after your purchasing. If you had purchased a calling card and want to buy the same card again, just refill it.

That is all. You can enjoy your long distance talking now.

Buy calling cards online at http://www.eecalling.com. Instant PIN# by email. Accept Paypal or credit card. Permanent PIN#, refillable, PIN free and other options.

About the Author

Sharon Chen is an user of calling cards. She tried many calling cards and called to many countries.

How to use VOIP for Free International Calls

Here are a number of services available that allow you to make internet telephone calls utilizing VOIP for free. These services fall into two broad categories. 1) PC software applications made available for free or low-cost that enable PC to PC phone calls over VOIP and 2) VOIP service providers that allow free PC to PC phone calls as a lead-in to their paid services (such as PC to landline or mobile numbers). Many of these applications also enable IM or chat services between users, and some are compatible with Microsoft, Yahoo and AOL instant messaging.

The first category consists entirely of free or low-cost PC softphone applications that are widely available for download. These range from freeware to shareware to applications available for purchase. Most of these applications rely on existing PC hardware (microphone and speakers or headset) to implement a PC softphone. The common denominator for all of these applications is that both participants in the internet telephone call must be running the same PC softphone software, or at least running software that supports the same protocol on both ends.

A good example of programs such as this is ExpressTalk, which utilizes the SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) standard, one that has gained fairly wide acceptance. Microsoft Windows Messenger uses the SIP protocol. A SIP provider is required for ExpressTalk, but you can register with many SIP providers at no cost. ExpressTalk includes a rich feature set, with support for features such as CallerID, data compression, use of up to 4 lines and multi-party calling. ExpressTalk provides a very user-friendly interface with one-click access to the integrated phone book and one-click dialing. Currently, there is at least one SIP provider, Voipbuster, that is offering free calls to landline and mobile numbers. There is however, a 120-day limit to free calls before a fee is charged.

Another source for free PC softphones allowing free PC to PC VOIP calls is the major software download sites. Most of the applications available from these sites require both users to be running the same software. Also, many of these programs are freeware with limited support.

Probably the most recognizable name in the second category (free PC softphones offered as a lead-in to paid services) is Skype. This provider started a number of years ago by providing a PC softphone that enabled users to make PC to PC internet telephone calls for free. Skype has since evolved into a full-scale provider, but still offers one of the best free PC softphones available. Skype now offers SkypeOut and SkypeIn for calls to and from landline and mobile users. Although this is a paid feature, Skype has made this service available for free until December 31st, 2006. Also, there is a wide assortment of USB and wireless handsets and ATA- type devices available for use with Skype. Another advantage to using Skype is that it is available for PC, Mac or Linux platforms.

Other examples of this type of provider are Firefly and Gizmo Project. These providers offer a free PC softphone app that can be downloaded and used to make PC to PC internet phone calls for free. They also allow calls to landline and mobile users for an additional fee, which varies among providers.

Google Talk, which is still in beta form, offers a unique hybrid of features such as voice, chat, IM, email and file transfer. Google Talk will likely gain widespread use, and interoperability is a major goal for the product. Google Talk is currently available for free, and is free to use.

As you can see, it is still possible to obtain free VOIP service. While most of the free services allow only PC to PC calls to made for free, careful research can identify providers with lengthy free trials for calls to landline and mobile users.

About the Author

Learn Chuck Parrish's secrets to using VOIP for free international calls at http://www.voip-phone-service-review.com.

Article Souce: Go Articles

Understanding Discount Long Distance

If you make a lot of long distance calls it is wise to look out for a carrier that offers a calling plan featuring discounts for the type of call you make most frequently...

Cheap long distance carriers generally feature high quality, discount calling plans with great rates and features. A prepaid service for discount long distance usually has no expiration period and no maintenance fees required. However, some plans will also require you to pay your bills online to have that monthly fee waived. Some dial plans help save money by automatically routing outbound calls to discount long-distance services. Though many people get the basic telephone package without a long distance plan, it is still smart to see if your provider offers a discounted long distance package. You can either pay the regular cents per minute for making long distance calls, or you can see if your telephone provider has a monthly discounted plan.

Though most of the telephone providers offer a great deal of benefits, there are some who are dishonest; it is not easy to determine who is being honest and who is being dishonest. Cheap long distance is not a secret; just ask your friends and family members about what they are using and what kind of savings are out there. Though almost all telephone companies offer long distance plans, it is a good idea to ask them if the price varies per distance or is it a fixed rate for all calls. While you make frequent long distance calls, you should be for certain to check with your provider to see if they offer any discounts. All long distance discounts begin with comparing the competing telephone services in your market for the best discount.

Choosing a long distance carrier and calling plan may be a boring task for even some of the most savvy of business minded individuals. Cheap long distance service for your phone has always been a top priority for families that are separated by long distances. Use your computer as a phone; this is possible for most PCs, however if you are not for sure if your PC has these capabilities you should call your PC provider. Use your computer and the internet in place of your phone to talk long distance to your friends for family; by doing so you will be able to avoid most of the charges attached when using your fixed line.

All long distance companies offer some sort of discount calling plans; you just want to pick the best one for your needs. In fact, you may be paying too much for a long distance phone plan because you purchased a plan that has features you don't use. Another example: if you do a lot of interstate calling and you find a plan that has low cost long distance for state-to-state calls, use it. A prepaid phone service can provide very cheap rates on long distance as well as international calling. Using certain calling card services, calls can also be originated from a large number of countries around the world. Whereas traditional long distance providers add extra charges for long distance services, providers today include the service in one or more of their packages. While you are traveling you should check with your mobile provider to see if they have any discounts on long distance plans; this is usually referred to as a nation wide plan. You might either choose to select the long distance plan your telephone company offer, however if you decline you will not have the option to call out of state on your home phone.

Read more about discount long distance calling...

By: Myriam De Clercq

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com