Making Calls Using VoIP
As we have mentioned, using VoIP is easy to do. When you are looking to make a call to someone next door or someone on the other side of the planet, the process is basically the same thing.
There are some differences that range widely from one carrier of VoIP types of service and the type of product that you have to make calls. Nevertheless, it is an easy to understand process.
Local And Long Distance
The most common question that is asked of individuals that are considering switching to VoIP is that of how it works for local calls as well as long distance calls.
This changes somewhat from one vendor to the next, but in most cases, VoIP doesn’t charge a per rate call on customers that use their VoIP service to contact other individuals that have VoIP. In most cases, the provider of the VoIp service will allow you to use this service to call others that have it.
Some providers of VoIP will allow you to make calls to individuals that live in another area code other than where you live.
In addition, you should realize that although you may be not charged for making long distance calls, those that call you that do not have VoIP will still incur the charges of a long distance call, based on what their long distance provider requires.
Some VoIP services are different. For example, some providers may charge you much like your current long distance plan charges, just at a large discount. This may be that you are charged a long distance call when you call individuals that live outside of your calling area. This would be set up quite like the standard, wire line telephone service currently is.
Additionally, VoIP providers are sometimes offering their calling services at a flat rate, again, like wire line telephone services. You may have a selected number of minutes to use per month, too.
Before you sign up with any type of VoIP service provider, you should find out what they have to offer as well as the costs for each option they offer so that you can compare.
Who Can You Call With VoIP?
Another aspect of using VoIP is who you can call. Each provider offers a different definition of this and for that reason you should look into this more thoroughly to allow you to compare the options that you have.
Here is a look at some of the options out there.
Limited: Some VoIP providers only allow you to call other people using VoIP that already have VoIP themselves. In this case, if you were to call someone that doesn’t have VoIP, you would have to use a standard long distance plan or you wouldn’t be able to connect to them. If you call someone that has VoIP, you would connect to them through that service.
Unlimited: Some VoIP providers will allow you to call anyone that has a phone number. This may not be limited to home phones, either. You may be able to call anyone that has a phone number even those that have mobile phone/cell phone numbers, long distance numbers and even international phone numbers.
With unlimited use, you’ll be able to call others that do not have VoIP. Here, they would not need to have any specialized equipment to talk to you. They could use their standard home phone.
Providers also range in the services that they provide with VoIP calling. For example, some may allow you to talk to several people with VoIP service at one time, while others do not offer this service.
The features and benefits of each provider of VoIP is something you’ll learn more about later. We’ll teach you how to choose the right provider of your service!
Here are a few other questions that are often asked about VoIP:
Does my computer need to be turned on to use it?
No! There is no need to worry about if your computer is on or off. It will work for both needs. If you need to make a call using your computer, then it will need to be one. If your VoIP runs through your computer, it needs to be on.
Can I use my computer and be on the phone at the same time?
Yes, in most cases, you can be on both the computer and your VoIP service.
Can I take VoIP with me when I travel?
Believe it or not, many of the best providers of VoIP service are offering these services. It depends greatly on your provider.
How do I know if there’s a phone call coming in?
If you have a traditional phone that uses an adapter for VoIP, your phone will ring just as it would if you were using a standard, analog phone. If you are using your computer, your computer will alert you when there is a call coming in using VoIP through the software that’s installed.
Does it sound good?
While many worry that it will sound choppy or it will be too quiet to hear, that’s not the case. VoIP works well for those that use it and you won’t be able to tell the difference.
What about wireless computers and hot spots?
If you travel with your laptop by your side, and you have VoIP service through that laptop, chances are good that you’ll be able to use your VoIP service at hot spots located in coffee houses, in diners and even in airports. Your provider must offer this service, though.