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.

Many people today prefer VoIP to Analog phones. Analog or traditional phones are losing the battle against VoIP when it comes to cost effectiveness, standards, quality, and ease of use. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and VoIP is the technology that transmits voice as packet files over the Internet. This is known as the Packet Switching Network. Standard Analog phones use the Circuit Switching Network and the entire landline Analog telephone system is referred to as the Public Switched Telephone Network.

The main difference between Packet Switching and Circuit Switching, is that Packet Switching uses (data) or Packets and sends them over the Internet while Circuit Switching is accomplished by using electrical circuits to make a telephone connection. Circuit Switching is like the old switchboard operators, wearing headsets frantically trying to connect the right caller with the receiver. Packet Switching is used to transfer data all across the Internet- it is used for E-mail.

Many people are choosing VoIP over Analog because of the many benefits that it offers.

The calling features that usually come with your Analog service for a fee are often included for free with your VoIP service. These include features such as Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, Call Block, Three-Way- Calling, Voice Mail, * 69 and more. Another benefit to VoIP services include the fact that many providers will let you keep your existing phone number, or allow you to select a new area code. Selecting a new area code has great appeal to many people. For instance, a customer can select an area code for the same town where most of his friends or family live. By choosing this area code, not only is he still getting a great deal with his VoIP services, but also now his family and friends will save money whenever they call. For them, it will be a local and not a long distance call.

VoIP is also preferred by many businesses as their method of telecommunications.

Businesses prefer the flexibility, freedom, and cost effectiveness offered by VoIP as compared to Analog service providers. Businesses today depend upon telecommunications. Whether it is Internet, E-mail, Customer Service through telephone, online web applications, and E-mail, or whatever your IT business needs may be, VoIP offers to handle all of your needs with one application. Additionally, this reduces cost and increases productivity. VoIP also has combined with software applications that are perfect for many business needs. Software such as accounting programs, Email, and PC based applications help to save money by combining services.

The reduction in long distance charges is another great advantage for switching to VoIP for business needs. By combining data, video, and audio needs, companies save on bandwidth usage, which ultimately leads to financial savings.

Businesses are also opting for VoIP in their Call Centers. VoIP is slowly becoming the standard choice for Call Centers. VoIP offers some major benefits for Call Centers such as flexibility, cost efficiency, and enhanced customer service applications. For instance, in the past, a Call Center needed to be a stabilized facility equipped with many phone lines used by people who would physically be located in the Call Center.

By using VoIP for your Call Center, not only is your main location easily relocated as your business expands, but you can hire employees virtually world wide. Larger companies take advantage of VoIP Call Centers by outsourcing work overseas where they can hire employees for less. The Integration of data, audio, and web-based features is another reason why businesses are opting for VoIP. Customer service calls are handled more efficiently with the integration of these three components. Not only are calls transferred more proficiently, but also greater care can be given to customers when Call Centers use integrated software platforms.

More Call Centers are taking advantage of the opportunity to hire employees world wide through VoIP services. Employees may work in different time zones, giving greater customer service benefits year round, and hiring home based employees is another way businesses are choosing to save money. VoIP provides solutions for businesses that Analog just simply does not address.

Most people prefer VoIP over Analog, and the future points to the fact that VoIP will only increase in popularity.

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VoIP phone adapters enable users to use their standard telephones with their VoIP services. VoIP is Voice over Internet Protocol. It is the technology of transmitting audio as data packets over the Internet to a receiving computer, VoIP enabled phone, or a standard telephone.

The standard telephone system is known as the PSTN or Public Switched Telephone Network. The very infrastructure of VoIP and PSTN are completely different networks. People have experienced VoIP technology by using a microphone and speakers connected to their computers, but thanks to phone adapters, users can put away the microphones and speak over VoIP with standard telephones.

A simple form of VoIP is used with many Instant Messaging programs. For free, a computer user can download an Instant Messaging program, connect their computer speakers and a microphone, and make a free long distance (or international) call to another pc user. Many Instant Messaging programs are incorporating VoIP services. You can use Yahoo Messenger, AOL, Skype, ICQ, MSN, and Google to make pc-to-pc free phone calls.

Another more advanced form of VoIP is to use a monthly service provider for the handling of all of your telephone needs. A VoIP provider will work much like your traditional telephone service yet you will not need to have your house wired or have phone jacks installed. With a phone adapter you will be able to transform your household phone into a phone that will work with your VoIP service. You can also connect a portable phone to the adapter and have a portable phone that operates on your VoIP service. Your service provider will provide you with the telephony adapter.

As VoIP products and services continue to evolve, we can expect more VoIP phones will hit the market. There are currently a few models on the market as well as VoWiFi phones- VoIP’s answer to cellular.

People prefer VoIP to standard PSTN networks. For many it is the cost savings that are making this the telephony method of choice. You can find unlimited local and long distance calling plans for as little as $20.00 a month. VoIP providers are creeping up everywhere. From major telephone companies like Verizon to Cellular giants such as Cingular everyone is eyeing VoIP.

VoIP offers tremendous benefits. For instance, many of the calling features that are available on a pay basis with standard telephone networks are typically included free of charge with VoIP service providers. These features include but are not limited to: Voice Mail, Caller Id, Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, and *69.

Residential customers are pleased with the freedom that the phone adapter offers them. Though many would still use VoIP if they were confined to a microphone and speakers, the ability to speak freely on your telephone or cordless handset has even greater appeal for those who are considering VoIP services.

Businesses are also taking advantage of the amazing saving opportunities that come with VoIP. Small businesses like the ability to integrate features such as voice, fax, and web-based applications that are provided with VoIP. VoIP has great audio quality and offers employers and employees flexibility. Many businesses have noticed a significant increase in productivity and employer/employee relations since switching to VoIP.

Phone adapters give mobile employees the ability to take their phone number with them, anywhere they have a High Speed Internet connection. This has revolutionized the concept of customer service, and brought an increase of services provided by those in sales and other occupations where travel is a frequent requirement. Now, if a worker is away from the desk, traveling, or about mobile business, there needs to be no hesitant for customers or clients to stay connected. There is no need to transfer calls through secretaries stationed at desks. Thanks to VoIP, employees can receive their important business calls unhindered.

Call centers have also adopted VoIP as their method of communications. VoIP integrates so many features that are vital to the success of a prosperous business that it is any wonder that not every company has made the switch to VoIP.

Though the future will unveil many other new products and features, phone adapters continue to bridge the distance between PSTN and VoIP. The ability to bring your phone number with you has positively revolutionized the way people communicate.

As with other forms of computer IT systems, VoIP is undergoing a constant evolution. The FCC is consistently trying to categorize VoIP and determine taxing for its users. Meanwhile, VoIP products and users are on the rise. Major computer corporations such as Yahoo, Google, Microsoft, MSN, and AOL are consistently adding VoIP capabilities to their lists of options. Now, most Instant Messaging tools utilize some form of VoIP. Free World Dial Up and Skype still lead the path into the VoIP future. What will the future hold for VoIP? Questions abound, but with major corporations making the switch, we can rest assured that VoIP is here to stay. With that in mind, here are the top five new VoIP products.

1. Skype for Windows

Skype’s new Windows 1.4 offers many new features for their customers. It includes free call forwarding from one Skype account to another Skype account as well as providing interchangeable Skype and Microsoft Outlook features. It is designed to allow for one click calling on Microsoft Outlook contacts, further combining the relationship between voice and data.

The new Skype also allows easy downloading of ringtones, sounds, and pictures. There are an estimated 56 million Skype users and over 100,000 new Skype registrations per day.

Ebay has made plans to purchase Skype for 2.6 billion dollars if Skype’s figures continually improve into the year 2008. Ebay would like to combine Skype’s VoIP technology with the E-Bay infrastructure. You can download Skype for Windows 1.4 here: http://www.skype.com/products/skype/windows/

2. The Viper Wi-Fi 3100v Phone- Viper Networks

Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity, which is the standard for Ethernet wireless services. Here is one of the top picks in VoIP Wi- Fi phones. The Viper Wi-Fi 3100v Phone uses prepaid minutes so there aren’t any monthly fees. The phone works over the Viper wireless system and costs roughly $200.00 for the purchase of the telephone. By utilizing the Viper Network, which offers service, phones, and adapters you, will thoroughly enjoy Viper VoIP freedom. You can visit Viper’s homepage here: http://solutions.vipernetworks.com/

3. Sun Rocket Internet Phone Service

P>Sun Rocket Internet Phone Service supplies VoIP technology for a great price. For under $25.00 per month you can replace your local and long distance telephone service provider and use Sun Rocket with a broadband Internet connection. You will receive two phone numbers, a dual handset, and an expandable phone system. It also includes E-911 support. Because of the dual integration with VoIP and the Internet, users are able to handle all of their calling features from their interactive Web based logs. Features include voice mail, call blocking, call forwarding, call waiting, caller ID, three way calling, and it comes with a Do Not Disturb feature that automatically routes calls to your Voice Mail. Sun Rocket’s home page includes a detailed listing of their services and product features. You can visit their home page here: http://www.sunrocket.com/.

4. Vizufon Cip-4500 Broadband VoIP Video Phone

For under $400.00 you can buy the Vizufon Cip-4500 Video Phone. It will allow you to see your caller. It comes with your own static SIP phone number, allows you to temporarily block outgoing video images, and even connects to the Internet. The personal address book is incorporated with video images so that you can identify your contacts. It is compatible with LAN, DSL, and Broadband connections. This phone is perfect for small businesses as well as residential households. You can purchase the Vizufon CIP-4500 at Itave: http://www.itave.com/

5. 8×8 Packet8 Broadband VoIP Service with DTA-310 Phone Adapter CD

The 8×8 Packet 8 VoIP Service Phone Adapter will get you started with your new VoIP service. For under $50.00 this adapter is affordable for both residential and business VoIP users. It is compatible with Broadband and DSL Internet connections. Packet 8 subscribers will be able to convert their home telephones into VoIP technology and for a low monthly fee, they will be able to subscribe to Packet 8′s unlimited calling service. Features include, unlimited calling within the US and Canada, Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, Three Way Calling, Call Block, Toll Free Calling and Emergency 911 plus many more. To view Packet 8 subscription rates you can visit their site online at: www.packet8.net/about/international.asp.