| How VoIP / Internet Phone Works | | | | Internet connection needs to be active. You can also |
| VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone | | | | use your computer while talking on the phone. |
| into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. If | | | | Is There a Difference Between Making a Local Call |
| you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is | | | | and a Long Distance Call? |
| then converted back at the other end. Internet | | | | Some VoIP internet telephony providers offer their |
| Voice can allow you to make a call directly from a | | | | service for free, normally only for calls to other |
| computer. If you make a call using a phone with an | | | | subscribers to the service. Some VoIP internet |
| adaptor, you’ll be able to dial just as you | | | | telephony providers charge for a long distance call to |
| always have, and the service provider may also | | | | a number outside your calling area, similar to existing, |
| provide a dial tone. If your service assigns you a | | | | traditional wireline telephone service. Other VoIP |
| regular phone number, then a person can call you | | | | providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate |
| from his or her regular phone without using special | | | | for a fixed number of minutes. |
| equipment. | | | | Your VoIP internet telephony provider may permit |
| Background | | | | you to select an area code different from the area in |
| Internet Telephony, also known as Voice over | | | | which you live. This means that if your VOIP provider |
| Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that allows | | | | charges for long distance, then charges could be |
| you to make telephone calls using a broadband | | | | based on whether you call within your area code |
| Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) | | | | rather than geographic area. It also means that |
| phone line. Some services using VoIP may only allow | | | | people who call you may incur long distance charges |
| you to call other people using the same service, but | | | | depending on their area code and service. |
| others may allow you to call anyone who has a | | | | Can I Take My internet Phone Adapter With me |
| telephone number - including local, long distance, | | | | When I Travel? |
| mobile, and international numbers. Also, while some | | | | You may be able to use your VoIP service wherever |
| services only work over your computer or a special | | | | you travel as long as you have a broadband Internet |
| VoIP phone, other services allow you to use a | | | | connection available. In that case it would work the |
| traditional phone through an adaptor. | | | | same as in your home. |
| What Kind of Equipment Do I Need? | | | | How Do I Know If I have a VoIP Phone Call? |
| A broadband Internet connection is required to make | | | | The phone will ring like any other call. |
| VoIP calls. Some services allow you to use a regular | | | | Does the FCC Regulate Internet Voice? |
| telephone, as long as you connect it to an adaptor. | | | | The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has |
| Some companies allow you to make calls from a | | | | worked to create an environment promoting |
| computer or a VoIP phone that doesn’t | | | | competition and innovation to benefit consumers. |
| require an additional adapter. If you are calling a | | | | Historically, the FCC has not regulated the Internet or |
| regular telephone number, the person you are calling | | | | the services provided over it. |
| does not need any special equipment, just a phone. | | | | Additional Considerations |
| If I have VoIP Service, Whom Can I Call? | | | | If you’re considering replacing your traditional |
| Depending upon your service, you might be limited | | | | telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible |
| only to other subscribers to the service, or you may | | | | considerations you should be aware of: |
| be able to call any phone number, anywhere in the | | | | Some VoIP services don’t work during power |
| world. The call can be made to a local number, a | | | | outages and the service provider may not offer |
| mobile phone, a long distance, or an international | | | | backup power |
| number. | | | | It may be difficult for some VoIP services to |
| What Are Some Advantages of VoIP? | | | | seamlessly connect with the 911 emergency dispatch |
| Because VoIP is digital, it may offer features and | | | | center or to identify the location of VoIP 911 callers |
| services that are not available with a traditional | | | | VoIP providers may or may not offer directory |
| phone. If you have a broadband Internet connection, | | | | assistance/white page listings. Aspects of these |
| you need not maintain and pay the additional cost for | | | | considerations may change with new development in |
| a line just to make telephone calls. | | | | Internet Voice technology. You should always check |
| Does My Computer Have to be Turned On? | | | | with the potential VoIP service provider to confirm |
| Not if you are making calls with a phone and adaptor | | | | any advantages and limitations to their service. |
| or special VoIP internet phone, but your broadband | | | | |