As you begin to consider VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) as an alternative to conventional POTS (plain old phone service) for your home or office, you will need to choose a VoIP service provider. Just like regular phone service or mobile phone services, you need to have someone providing connectivity to the rest of the world.
This may seem confusing. You are already connected to the outside world through your broadband connection. You’ve already used your computer to talk to other people using an instant messaging service, so you know you can basically do it easily.
A VoIP service provider provides two critical components: a gateway between the broadband Internet world and the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and the telephone directory service.
The gateway that links the broadband network to the PSTN gives you access so you can dial and complete calls to any phone anywhere in the world. Remember, just because you are connected to the Internet does not mean connectivity to the telephone network. This is true even if you access the Internet through your telephone line service provider; they are two completely separate entities. This gateway bridges the connection between these two distinctly different worlds.
The directory service gives you a ‘phone number’ that allows other people to call you. This directory service associates your IP address with this phone number so that calls can be correctly routed to you when dialed from the outside world, whether it’s from another computer, a phone, or a mobile phone.
When looking for a service provider, you must first determine what your needs are for a phone provider. What is your intention? Do you want to keep your POTS (plain old telephone service) line and continue to make local calls and use a PC-based VoIP service for all your long distance and international calls? This may be the best solution for those who need to maintain their POTS line for reasons like security system monitoring, etc. If you do this, you’ll still have to pay for your landline plus any costs associated with VoIP.
How about a full home or office phone replacement service? There are many service providers who can provide you with a solution that can eliminate the need for POTS service entirely. Depending on your technical ability, you may purchase hardware from one provider and VoIP service from another. Or you can opt for a single box provider that will give you everything you need: hardware, software, installation, support, and ongoing phone service for a single monthly payment.
As of this writing, around 25 highly qualified VoIP providers have been found who would provide me with different levels of service, systems and support. You really do have to sit down and determine your needs before you start shopping as the list of these vendors continues to grow and the options for the services they provide are as varied as apples to hubcaps.