Commercial companies have been reaping dividends from IP telephony cost savings for some time.as VoIP technology becomes more commonplace and the networks faster and more established, LANs can handle virtually any kind of data. And the same is true for the modern residential household.Perhaps without realising it, more of us are already creating our our own converged networks at home. We’re expanding Internet access with high speed Broadband that delivers the bandwidth required to use voice communications over the Internet.
Even if its technologically feasible, why should you do it? Look at how much you are spending on your phone now compared with the services and pricing you get from VoIP providers. The motivation will be obvious!First and foremost is the considerable financial advantage (often up to 60% cheaper) of talking using the Internet rather than conventional copper PSTN telephone lines. Or indeed any other hardwired mil-spec cables. Long distance calls, although initially routed on the Internet, will be switched to landlines at the destination switching station. It becomes a ‘local call’, at least as far as the telephone company is concerned, and will be charged at appropriate local rates.Rates may jump when crossing over to a cell phone network, but even so they are likely to be the lowest you can get.
IP telephony packages from providers such as Kings Electronics for example are free to set up and allow users to talk to other Kings Electronics IP Telephone numbers at no cost.Calls to or from non Kings Electronics IP telephones are charged at only 30p per day.Usually all calls (expect those to non IP users) are completely free and International calls are charged at local rates.Indeed, with Kings Electronics, they pay you 3 pence a minute if you get an incoming call from one of their 0871 numbers!
Of course, you do need to spend something up front on VoIP telephony equipment. And you dont have to have an expert knowledge of electronic components. This may come in the form of a VoIP or SIP Telephone – like a normal phone except it plugs straight into your router, LAN or LAN hub.You can use a softphone application if it’s already on your computer or get an Analogue Telephone Adaptor (ATA) that will make your regular phone function as an IP phopne.
Ideally you should have a broadband connection of at least 128 kbps to enhance clarity of calls and provide enough spare bandwidth for normal Internet usage like web browsing, downloading files and emails.Usually always ‘on’, a broadband connection allows you to make and receive calls at any time of day.
