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1. What the heck is a VoIP phone?
Good question but some people wouldnt even bother asking. Pride and vanity... such a sin. A VoIP phone (Voice Over Internet Protocol) is simply a fancy technical term for an Internet phone. In a nutshell - that's it.
2. How does a VoIP phone work?
Ah, such curiosity. Havent you heard of the saying that curiosity killed the cat? Okay, just kidding but please keep on reading. A VoIP phone works by converting your analog signals to data packets and vice versa.
3. What do you need to make a VoIP work?
First and foremost you need an internet connection. If you currently live in an area that still doesn't have internet access, although the odds of that is pretty slim then your out of luck and the VoIP phone is just not for you. In addition, the type of internet service provider or ISP can affect the probability of a VoIP phone working in your neighborhood. Usually, a VoIP phone goes hand in hand with broadband internet (DSL or cable). And although your VoIP phone may work with other types of ISPs like prepaid, dial up, satellite or wi-fi, the quality of voice reception isn't always what it should be if you don't have a broadband connection.
4. What are the advantages?
Actually, there's really just one but it's a major advantage. It's really simple, VoIP phone services cost less than traditional phone services whether it's a cell phone or traditional phone service from home. And the more long distance calls you make the more you'll save because the way a VoIP phone uses the Internet the location of the speaker and receiver are inconsequential.
5. What are the disadvantages?
Keeping Your Cell Phone Number; All About PortabilitySome consumers are hesitant to change their cell phone provider, even if they see a better deal, simply because too many people already know their existing cell phone number. Meanwhile, that cell phone contract service may be costing you an arm and a leg every month. You can better manage your cellular budget with prepaid, and you don t have to lose your old cell number. Depending on your carrier, there may be a small fee involved for the transfer of service.
The FCC has required most carriers to implement Local Number Portability (LNP), which is a service that lets you transfer a phone numbe ..
A VoIP phone does have some disadvantages but fortunately, theyre just minor. Poor voice reception quality similar to cellphones in poor reception areas, is the biggest disadvantage but as the technology evolves even that issue is becoming less and less of an issue.
A Voip phone is vulnerable to power shortages: If the company providing you with VoIP phone services gets hit by a power shortage, your call would naturally get cut off.
Higher probability of dropped calls: Similar to cellphones once again, theres a higher probability of a call being accidentally dropped or cut-off because your VoIP phone relies on signals.
Technical Political/Legal Issues: Some companies are complaining that they arent able to bill their clients with the correct amount or usage due, because its hard to accurately determine because VoIP phone services are provided by the Internet. Consequently, if youre planning to use VoIP phone services for your company, dont think that your long distance calls would remain cheap forever. Change is definitely in the air, my friend.
Phone Number Portability: This is rare because most VoIP phones support phone number portability but its really dependent on your local phone company. If their services are not VoIP compatible then chances are, you may have to use another phone number.
Security: Since VoIP phones work because of the Internet, then its more vulnerable to hackers and wiretapping. Not a high chance of this happening but something to think if you plan on using VoIP phone services in a company situation where classified transactions are done over the phone.
Locking in Broadband Phone Service: If your broadband company doesn't currently support VoIP phone services, you may have to wait for your contract to reach its termination date before you can switch companies. Cancelling your subscription before the end of the current contract period normally results in high early termination fees.
Tips for Cell Phone Batteries and UsageThere are just a few tips that will help you increase the life span of your cell phone and cell phone battery.
Below we are going to outline the most important tips:
1. Try not to drop your cell phone. When dropping your cell phone, especially on a hard surface, it can cause damage to your phone and cell phone battery. If you drop it and think you may have damaged it, be sure to take it to your nearest cell phone service center.
2. When necessary to take your batter out, be sure to not let it make contact with metal objects such as change and keys, this will make the battery not work ..
Network Design: If youre going to use VoIP phones for your company, make sure that youve got a smart network design. Hire a network administrator to oversee the maintenance of the network. VoIP phone service is still a new technology and prone to glitches. If you dont have a well designed network or one thats not properly maintained, a power shortage may result in everything shutting down.
About the author:
Kevin Erickson is a contributing writer to the following websites: http://www.eyeonvoip.comand http://www.eyeonalaska.comThis article may be reproduced only in its entirety.
Kevin EricksonVoIP Phone - The Pros And Cons
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