What is Voice over IP / VOIP?
Voice over IP is the technology that lets you use your high speed internet connection, and the internet, to make telephone calls anywhere in the world for a flat / very low rate. The only hardware you need is a VOIP router / access point and an account with a VOIP Provider. You can often select a new telephone number to use even from an area code / location where you are not physically located. The quality is good and getting better, and for someone who makes a lot of long distance calls, this service can be quite a cost saver. However, there are a couple of downsides. One, if your internet connection is down then your phone system is down. Two, very few VOIP providers link into the local 911 system which means that you cannot call 911 from your phone on a VOIP network. In an emergency, this can be a critical shortcoming. Make sure your cell is handy……
