VoIP in the Home
can make telephone calls over your broadband connection forfree! Well in some cases you can, in other cases you might need
to pay a monthly subscription to a VoIP service provider. There
are a few different ways you can take advantage of VoIP at home.
PC to PC
The simplest and most cost effective way to get into VoIP is by
installing some free software on your PC and invest in a
telephone headset( you can also use a microphone and your PC
speakers). Once you have this set up you can talk to other
people using the same software from your PC to their PC.
Sounds good? Well yes and no, you both have to be sat in front
of your PC"s to communicate, which is not particularly
convenient. Though if you are making a lot of international
calls this can be a great way to speak to relatives overseas
completely free of charge.
PC to Phone
You can take phone calls over broadband a step further by
setting up a "PC to Phone" VoIP system. This is similar to the
"PC to PC" method outlined above. You need to have a headset and
download specialist software too, though with this method you
can contact any phone you like.
However, via this method the calls are not free and you will
need to prepay for your calls. The supplier of your software
will require you to add money to your phone account much like
the pre-pay system for mobile phones. When you choose your
service provider you will need to carefully check the rates they
offer. Some have great deals for landline calls, but are
expensive if you wish to call a mobile phone - so do your
research.
Phone to Phone
This is the most exciting incarnation of VoIP for the home, you
can either buy a VoIP ready phone or an adaptor that connects
your phone to your broadband line, and from there contact any
phone over your broadband connection.
You will need to sign up with a VoIP service provider to
accomplish this. Usually you will be charged a monthly fee, and
typically get all your UK landline phone calls free. There are
additional deals for international calls and contacting mobile
phones.
Whatever option you chose to connect to at home, you are sure to
take advantage of the future of home telecommunications - VoIP!
© Mike Bromley 2005