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Benefits of VoIP
By Alfredo DeLorenzo, Staff Writer voip.com
Published:May 15, 2006
VoIP does more than just lower your monthly phone bill. It also gives you all the enhanced features offered by your regular phone service company and more!
VoIP Has Benefits You're Used To
Most phone companies have services that let you identify who your caller is, block unwanted anonymous calls, make three-way calls, and forward missed calls to another number. The difference is that traditional phone companies make you pay a premium for features that come standard with many basic VoIP plans: Call Waiting, Caller ID, Outbound Caller ID Blocking, Speed Dial, Last Number Redial, Anonymous Call Rejection, Call Screening, Three Way Calling, Call Hold, Call Forwarding, Voicemail, and Priority Rings.
Only VoIP Gives You These Features
VoIP provides services your Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) never imagined. With VoIP, you can take your number with you anywhere in the world. Say you take a trip to Ireland and want to share your kissing of the Blarney Stone with everyone back home. Simply connect your phone adapter to any broadband connection and you can make and receive local calls wherever you are. Talk as long as you want, whenever you like. Your PC or laptop can also serve as a fully functional phone, with your provider's software.
VoIP gives you the option of choosing your own area code or setting up a Virtual Phone Number. Friends and family can save by calling a local virtual number that rings through to your primary line. Many providers now offer enhanced 911, so your physical location is automatically transmitted to emergency services. You also have the flexibility of using your existing touch-tone phones with VoIP. Just plug in a simple adapter. Best of all, many VoIP plans let you make in-network calls for free.
Is VoIP Right For You?
Whether you're an individual consumer or a multinational corporation, VoIP is a better value than POTS. VoIP is perfect if you already have a broadband connection, especially if you make frequent long distance or international calls. Travelers who need to stay connected anywhere in the world find VoIP's portability and ease of use unmatched. VoIP is great for business, too. This cost-efficient use of technology helps cut telecommunication costs, while allowing small business owners to take advantage of the same powerful features implemented by Fortune 500 companies. Business owners who live outside of the U.S., but need a local number for their business can choose the area code they need to stay competitive. Whatever your need, it's likely VoIP has the right solution for less than you're used to paying.
First Time Users
VoIP is going the extra mile to make first time users comfortable. Many providers recommend new members take advantage of limited free trial periods or unconditional money back guarantees. They've also simplified the installation process, so you don't have to be a techno whiz to successfully set up your new system. As long as you can plug a phone cord in, you can make VoIP work for you. Users who are uncomfortable with VoIP's dependence on power (your phone won't work if the power or broadband are out) can keep a barebones landline, or consider using their cell phone as a backup. Enhanced 911 is fast becoming a standard feature in VoIP packages across the country, making sure your local emergency services have your physical location when they need it.
VoIP is an exciting new technology, offering an incredible range of benefits. Flexible, cost-effective, and responsive to emerging needs, it's no wonder so many people make the switch every day.
