Top 6 Important VoIP Questions
The field of telecommunications has made leaps and bounds in the past 50 years. Today, technology has surpassed the need for telephone wires and even phones, moving instead to the virtual platform known as Voice over Internet Protocol. This technology allows both businesses and private users to utilize their existing computer and Internet to make calls anywhere in the world. If you are looking to make the switch to VoIP for your communication needs, there are a few questions you will want to address with your service provider to ensure you get the best possible VoIP service.
What are the upfront costs? The upfront costs for VoIP service vary depending on the service you are signing up for and what types of features you require. For an individual who is only using VoIP for computer to computer calls, all that is needed is some free software that is down-loadable from the Internet. However, if you are a business looking to integrate multiple communications features and you want features such as voice mail, auto attendant and faxing capabilities, the cost to set this up will be more. In addition, a monthly service fee will be assessed.
What type of special equipment is required for VoIP service? The type of equipment that will be required will depend on the existing hardware you already have. In addition, some service providers will provide you with free equipment when you sign a contract with them. Tell the provider which type of Internet provider you have to find out what equipment, if any, you will need to purchase to get hooked up with VoIP.
Can I get a local number with my VoIP service? Whether or not you will be able to get a local phone number when you sign up with VoIP will depend on the numbers that the service provider has available. They may be able to transfer your existing phone number to the VoIP service. Most VoIP providers have an online search engine that allows you to check and see if a number in your local area is available.
What are standard features with VoIP? Features that come standard with VoIP include caller ID, call waiting, voice mail, call transfer, online accounting, 3-way calling, and call forwarding. Long distance calling is usually separate, but is usually much less expensive than a regular phone service plan. More features may be included depending on your VoIP service provider.
Will I receive phone calls if my computer is off? It will depend on your service provider if you will be able to make and receive calls when your computer is off. In most cases, as long as you have an Internet connection that is working properly you will be able to receive calls. Other services will require the computer to be turned on, but have voice mail features, that will take the call for you if the computer is turned off.
Can I use my existing Internet provider for VoIP? As long as you are using an Internet provider that supplies you with DSL or cable Internet you should be able to use it for you VoIP service. However, if you are using a slow connection such as dial up you may need to switch. A faster connection is necessary for a clear and quality VoIP connection.
What are the upfront costs? The upfront costs for VoIP service vary depending on the service you are signing up for and what types of features you require. For an individual who is only using VoIP for computer to computer calls, all that is needed is some free software that is down-loadable from the Internet. However, if you are a business looking to integrate multiple communications features and you want features such as voice mail, auto attendant and faxing capabilities, the cost to set this up will be more. In addition, a monthly service fee will be assessed.
What type of special equipment is required for VoIP service? The type of equipment that will be required will depend on the existing hardware you already have. In addition, some service providers will provide you with free equipment when you sign a contract with them. Tell the provider which type of Internet provider you have to find out what equipment, if any, you will need to purchase to get hooked up with VoIP.
Can I get a local number with my VoIP service? Whether or not you will be able to get a local phone number when you sign up with VoIP will depend on the numbers that the service provider has available. They may be able to transfer your existing phone number to the VoIP service. Most VoIP providers have an online search engine that allows you to check and see if a number in your local area is available.
What are standard features with VoIP? Features that come standard with VoIP include caller ID, call waiting, voice mail, call transfer, online accounting, 3-way calling, and call forwarding. Long distance calling is usually separate, but is usually much less expensive than a regular phone service plan. More features may be included depending on your VoIP service provider.
Will I receive phone calls if my computer is off? It will depend on your service provider if you will be able to make and receive calls when your computer is off. In most cases, as long as you have an Internet connection that is working properly you will be able to receive calls. Other services will require the computer to be turned on, but have voice mail features, that will take the call for you if the computer is turned off.
Can I use my existing Internet provider for VoIP? As long as you are using an Internet provider that supplies you with DSL or cable Internet you should be able to use it for you VoIP service. However, if you are using a slow connection such as dial up you may need to switch. A faster connection is necessary for a clear and quality VoIP connection.