Free VoIP Services: Not Necessarily Free
Mark Woodcock

Though not a new technology, VOIP, or Voice Over Internet
Protocol, has recently begun gaining ground on the traditional
long distance telephone industry. Simply put, VOIP is the
ability for a person to talk on the telephone over an Internet
connection. Using a variety of types of equipment to switch
analog sound bits into digital data packets, VOIP has made
placing long distance phone calls more efficient, more
convenient, and much less expensive. Because there is no phone
company or long distance provider involved, there are no
monthly fees, long distance toll charges, or other charges
associated with a traditional telephone bill. There are many
VOIP service providers out there, and more cropping up on a
regular basis. That means there is a demand for these providers
to offer even lower cost services than they already do. In an
effort to increase customers, some providers are now offering
what they call "free" VOIP services. It is important to be
aware that this type of service is not truly free.

A primary problem with so-called free VOIP services is the
limitations that are often placed on the service subscriber.
Many "free" providers limit the people you can call to only
just users of the service you are yourself subscribing to.
Sometimes you can call members of other "free" VOIP services.
Because the commercial VOIP service providers, such as Vonage,
connect to a traditional phone network, paying subscribers can
call anyone with a telephone, whether it is connected to the
Internet or not. As a subscriber to a "free" service, you can't
place calls into the public telephone network, and those on a
public network can't call you. This restriction negates the
potential convenience that VOIP offers.

There are some "free" VOIP service providers that now offer
customers the opportunity to call anyone, whether members of
the service or not. This, of course, comes at a price. Service
providers can offer this possibility to their customers at
arguably lower rates than conventional long-distance providers,
both domestically and Internationally, covering most of the
globe. Though this is still cheaper (and probably a lot more
convenient) than traditional long distance phone service, it is
not free, and should not be advertised as such.

Subscribing to any of the free VOIP services are not truly free
of cost. Chances are if you are interested in VOIP, you already
have a home computer equipped with a soundcard and speakers.
But if you want to subscribe to a VOIP service, you are
required to have a broadband Internet connection, as dial-up
just won't cut it anymore. Though prices for broadband Internet
have come down, it is still a little more costly than dial-up,
averaging $30-$40 per month. In addition, you will probably
have to invest in a microphone that is specially equipped with
an analog-to-digital converter and a USB connector. This will
allow you to talk through your home computer when you place
calls. Or, you can purchase an IP phone or headset that plugs
directly into your home computer. This allows you to talk into
a handset or headset, and have a dialing mechanism, much like a
traditional telephone. Many IP phones come with a number of
added features. Though these are one-time start-up purchases,
it is important to note that service providers claiming to
offer totally free VOIP services can't really fulfill their
claims.

VOIP isn't too good to be true. It has the potential to forever
alter the course of telephone communications. It is flexible
(you can travel with your phone and phone number around the
world), it is more than reasonably priced for the services you
receive (services often include Call Waiting and Caller ID as
part of standard service - features you pay extra monthly
charges for with a traditional phone company), and it is
convenient (you can check your voice mail from your email
account, the voice reception is often clearer, and you don't
get dropped calls like you do with a mobile phone). But, as
with many other products and services, you get what you pay
for. So, beware of "free" VOIP services. They are not always
free, and if they are, they are most likely very limited in
what they can offer their customers.


About The Author: Mark is a director of 3 Internet Companies,
is a published author and has written many articles on a
widespread number of topics. All his articles may be reproduced
provided that an active link is included to
http://www.voip-services-provider.com