Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology enables you to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection, in place of a regular (or analog) phone line. Some VoIP services may only allow you to call other people using the same service, yet there are others, which allow you to call on any telephone number – be it local, long distance, mobile, or international numbers. Furthermore, as some VoIP services only function over the computer or a special VoIP phone, there are others, which allow you to use a traditional phone connected to a VoIP adapter.
VoIP technology has been around for several years, rapidly growing bigger and better as we are moving ahead. However, it has only recently begun to expand and progress further, taking place of regular analogue phone systems. VoIP service is rather a more flexible and economical alternative, apart from the added benefits it offers.
It is believed that VoIP will soon replace our ordinary analogue phones. Owing to the benefits that VoIP already owns, it will indeed take over a large proportion of the communication market for all sectors and both individuals and businesses in the upcoming era.
Statistics reveal that traditional landline phone service will be replaced with internet phone service within the next year or two. As stated by US Telecommunications Industry, the number of VoIP users in the United States grew two fold, from 1.5 to nearly 3 million, between 2004 and 2005. Voip Monitor projected that approximately 6 million users subscribed to using VOIP in September 2006, which grew to approximately 24 million users by the end of 2008. Internet phone service is here to stay, and it’s only a matter of time before you consider switching to VoIP.
Throughout 2009, the number of traditional phone line customers will continue to fall, following a nearly 10% decline in 2008. On the other hand, VoIP will continue to post strong gains. By switching to voip service, Businesses have significantly cut down their expenses, especially in making long-distance calls regularly. With calls being made across a broadband internet connection, it saves companies from many taxes and charges from telephone companies.
Business employees can also benefit from a great feature of VoIP in that it provides the possibility to access an office phone network away from the office premises. So for example, an employee could work from home but still keep track of all office calls and have access to the office phone system features.
