The Pros and Cons Of VoIP

The Advantages of VoIP

• You receive incoming calls to your VOIP phone no matter where you are in the world. The caller always dials the same number (that you are assigned, when you sign in with the provider) and you receive the calls in whichever part of the world you are in.

• Low cost. If you have a broadband Internet connection (DSL or cable), you can make PC-to-PC phone calls anywhere in the world for free. You can make PC-to-phone calls as well which is free of charge .

• Portability. Carry it wherever you go! While traveling, as long as you carry headset and use your laptop plugged into the Internet, or plug a VOIP phone directly into the Internet connection , can talk to whomever you want for almost absolutely nothing. If you don't have a VOIP phone, use an analog terminal adaptor (ATA) to connect a regular phone to the Internet. An Internet phone is also small and light and hence portable.

• Features. Usually VoIP comes with a horde of advanced features like call forwarding, call waiting, voice mail, caller ID and three-way calling .And unlike regular phone service these come at no extra charge. You can also send data such as pictures and documents at the same time you are talking on the phone.

The Disadvantages of VoIP

• There is no service during a power outage. The regular phone is kept in service by the current supplied through the phone line, whereas in VoIP phone, there is no service when the power goes out. But,you can compromise with the use of battery backups or power generators to provide electricity.

• You cannot make Emergency 911 calls. Traditional phone equipment can trace your location. However, because a voice-over-IP call is basically a transfer of data between two IP addresses and not physical addresses it is not possible to determine where your VoIP phone call is originating from.

• Because VOIP relies on an Internet connection, bad or unreliable internet connections can result in poor voice quality, such as clipping, voice delay, or dropped calls your VOIP service will be affected by the quality and reliability of your broadband Internet service.

• In some cases even the limitations of your PC can affect the quality of your VoIP service.

Well, its up to you now to make a decision!

Copyright © 2008 Laila Rajaratnam. All Rights Reserved