It seems that VoIP just crept up overnight and became an instant success. Yet VoIP has been around for a lot longer than many people realize and yet the industry has been allowed to build up without necessary regulations in place
The reason that VoIP has gone without vast amounts of regulation is that VoIP is a completely different technology then the telephone system that we have come to know for the past 100 years. Standard telephone is known as PSTN or the Public Switched Telephone Network. It requires the use of Circuit Switching networks connected through wires.

Many Federal regulations have been initiated and set in place regarding the use of the PSTN telephone system. However, due to the fact that VoIP is technology based on Packet Switching and is transferred over the Internet, Federal regulations had not been initiated concerning this technology and in fact, the government is in a sense playing catch up to regulate VoIP services and providers.

The need for regulation became apparent when several VoIP users had issues when trying to use the 911 services. Because VoIP does not use landline wires, VoIP is not incorporated with the Public Safety Emergency 911 system. When users call 911 from a landline phone the dispatcher will see a display of the callers location and address. However, when a caller with a VoIP service calls 911 no information is displayed. This is a serious concern. Especially since in critical situations, a 911 call may be made, and then the caller, for whatever reason cannot give any further details, the 911 operators will then typically trace the call and send help.

However, with a VoIP service provider, they will not be able to trace the call and send any help to the person who placed the call.
This issue was addressed previously in regards to cellular phones. The FCC had instigated the Enhanced 911 program and by working with cellular networks has been able to initiate technology that will locate on a cellular antennae’s signal when a 911 call is placed.

Currently many VoIP service providers do not offer 911 service, others do offer Enhanced 911 but the system is no where near perfect. It is recommended that VoIP users contact their service providers and find out what steps they need to take to activate and register their information with 911. However, even if a subscriber has their information registered with 911, and places a phone call to 911 away from their residence, the dispatcher will have no way to trace the phone call.

It is suggested that VoIP subscribers continue to maintain a landline connection for the sole purpose of using 911. Another suggestion is to carry a mobile phone again for further tracking if an emergency call is needed. If you do need to call 911 from a VoIP phone, you should begin by giving your local information, regarding your location immediately.
The FCC had issued a regulation that all VoIP service providers who did not have their subscribers sign a statement that they were aware of the 911 limitations inherent with VoIP would be cancelled from their VoIP service.

However the FCC has issued a continuance to allow more users to sign the statement. Where this issue will ultimately end up is a matter of ‘wait and see’. I don’t think the government ever expected VoIP to gain in strength and popularity. Currently VoIP services are being offered by not only providers who specialize in VoIP but also mainstream telephone companies are now offering VoIP services and products. Verizon has just released Voice wing- their VoIP service. Even Cingular wireless has started a mobile wireless or VoWiFi service.

It may be a few years before we see all of the issues with VoIP worked out, but undoubtedly most of the resolutions will come about through the FCC, court rulings, and from the government taking a long hard look at the very infrastructure of VoIP and finding its legal place in the midst of a telecommunications system that has remained intact for nearly 100 years.

VoIP is Voice over Internet Protocol. Standard telephone lines are referred to as PSTN or the Public Switched Telephone Network. PSTN works on circuit switching. A good example of circuit switching is the old switchboard operator who would connect callers to receivers by the use of electrical circuits.

VoIP is Packet Switching. Packet Switching consists of data packets, or packets of information being carried across the Internet, from your computer to either another computer or PSTN telephone. VoIP operates in different forms. For instance, you can use VoIP when you use an Instant Messaging program with voice on your computer. These are very popular and now Yahoo, AOL, MSN, ICQ, and even Google have VoIP Instant Messaging programs.

The benefits of these programs are that they are free to download off of the Internet, and by using a microphone and your speakers; you can talk over the Internet with any of your buddies. As long as your friends and family members download the same program, you will be able to talk with them as long as you like, and absolutely free. You can talk to anyone, anywhere in the world with VoIP Instant Messengers.

Another method of VoIP technology is to use a VoIP service provider for your basic telephony needs. A very familiar company is Vonage. For a monthly fee, you will receive VoIP services, the same as you pay for your regular telephone services. You can choose to use your VoIP service over the Internet, or you can choose to connect your VoIP to your standard telephone.

By connecting a VoIP phone adapter to your modem and standard phone, you will be able to use your VoIP service and your telephone as you would with any other telephone service provider. Many people prefer to use a VoIP service provider because the cost of local and long distance calling with VoIP is very inexpensive. Many providers offer unlimited calling plans.

There are other features that are often bundled with your service plan. Features such as Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Transfer, and 3 Way Calling are often included for free in your selected VoIP plan. By choosing your VoIP service provide and installing a phone adapter, you will be on your way to making low cost VoIP calls in minutes.

You can also purchase a specialized VoIP phone. These phones come in both cordless and corded styles. The cordless VoIP phones work the same as standard cordless phones. Many of these phones also come with conferencing features and are suitable for small or home business needs.

Another form of VoIP telephones are the VoWiFi phones. These are wireless VoIP phones. This is the same technology as VoIP, only you are not limited to a plugged in connection. You can use your VoWiFi phone wherever there is a wireless High Speed Internet Connection. These phones are more expensive then mobile phones, and haven’t had all of the kinks worked out yet. However, they are still a cost effective choice for those who would like to save a little money.

VoIP has proved to be a viable source of telecommunications. Many companies are now offering VoIP services and those who aren’t have plans to do so. Companies such as Verizon and Sprint offer VoIP services. Other companies are working on creating VoIP phones and VoWiFi phones.

There are Hybrid phones on the market, which allow for both VoWiFi and Cellular calling. These phones have many people excited. They can work in a network range as a cellular phone, and then, they can work as a VoWiFi phone, avoiding all roaming charges.

The FCC has issued some regulations regarding VoIP and the ability to call 911. Because VoIP uses the Internet and not a landline phone, when a call is made to 911 from a VoIP connection, the operator who receives the call receives none of the caller’s pertinent information. This includes address or location of the call. Some service providers do not supply 911 at all; others have what is known as Enhanced 911 services.

To use these services you may need to activate your service, as well as register your information with 911. However, you will need to sign a statement when you apply for your VoIP services stating that you understand your 911 capabilities may be limited.

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is the technology that is used to incorporate the transmission of audio over the Internet in the form of packets. This is in contrast to the PSTN or the Public Switched Telephone Network- the telephone network we have all come to know and rely upon for the past century. The very nature of VoIP and PSTN are completely different and the future appears to show that more people will be switching from PSTN to VoIP.

VoIP began on the Internet and Pc-to-Pc messaging is still a great way to experience VoIP. There are many different instant-messaging programs that are available for free and will allow you to speak with another user, anywhere world wide, absolutely free and for an unlimited amount of time.

You will need a high speed Internet connection, up to date computer, mouse, speakers, and a microphone to fully experience VoIP Pc to Pc calls. Your receiver will also need these things and will need to install the same program that you have already installed.

Here is a list of major Instant Messaging Programs that allow free Pc-to-Pc VoIP calls.

Yahoo Messenger

Skype

ICQ

MSN

Wavigo

Babble

I Connect Here

Glo Phone

3 W Tel

Buddy Talk

Pc-Telephone

Rhino Bell

Terra Call

V Buzzer

Microsoft Net Meeting

When VoIP services first sprang up over the Internet, many of the programs allowed for free PC to Phone calls. Now, there are virtually none of these programs available for free. If you would like to talk with your friends and family, via free Pc-to-Pc calls, you should download one of the above messengers.

Many of these will allow for Pc-to-Phone calls, however it will cost you a small monthly fee. If you would like to stay with the free long-distance services, just have your friends and family members download the Internet program of your choice, and you will be able to continue to make free Pc-to-Pc calls.

If you become tired of Pc-to-Pc calling, you can easily upgrade to one of the VoIP service providers. Not all of the providers mentioned above do provide pc-to-phone services however. You will need to research and compare the programs to determine the one that best meets your needs.

Of the programs mentioned above, they all have different features and settings. For instance, some may allow you to receive Voice Mail-others may not.

Most computers come with Net Meeting pre installed. Net meeting will allow users to conduct Pc-to-Pc calls, absolutely free.

Pc-to-Pc calls are helping people become familiar with VoIP. Though some may continue to use their Pc-to-Pc messengers, others may want to make the next step to a VoIP service provider. VoIP service providers offer many benefits. Some of the Pc-to-Pc service providers offer features such as conferencing, video conferencing with digital camera and web camera, Voice Mail to Email services.

Many people are opting for VoIP services these days, due to the fact that there are many benefits with VoIP that are free as opposed to paying for the same services with PSTN telephone networks.

Pc-to-Pc calling is an excellent way to communicate with friends free of charge. The ability to call anywhere in the world and to speak as long as you like is a rarity and a wonderful privilege that has been reserved for this generation. As people continue to look ahead to see what new technology will be on the market, we can rest assured that free pc to phone services are most likely not going to come back. Until then, users can enjoy the unlimited services of Pc-to-Pc calls.

Thanks to VoIP, technology is continually advancing and great new products are continually being unveiled. Skype is about to release their new VoWiFi phone, and people are eagerly awaiting this new technology. Though VoIP service providers continue to charge, and it doesn’t look like Pc-to-Phone service is going to miraculously become free tomorrow, it seems most likely that Pc-to-Pc calls will remain free. Millions of people are signing up for, and using VoIP services. Products are being created and designed daily. Truly, VoIP is the Voice of the Future.