The proliferation of high speed Internet access coupled with the flexibility and lower cost of calls using VoIP phone has made this burgeoning technology very attractive to prospective customers. Internet telephony is now one of the rapidly-growing applications on the Net with around four million VoIP users in the UK alone, not including business subscriptions.
The initial step that should be taken when considering getting an account is to look into the available VoIP providers and the range of services they provide. Once the provider and service have been selected the next stage is setting up your account. This is a simple process but do keep in mind that you should check your service offers a local number. Some VoIP providers don’t cover every phone exchange in which case you are likely to be offered a number from the nearest exchange thats available.
Having a non-local number may not seem like something to consider when VoIP is used for outgoing calls, it will be an issue to your family and friends when they make long distance (or national rate) calls to converse with you even though they may live in the same town. There are some VoIP providers that only offer non-geographic numbers, using codes such as 0870, 0845 or 056. In the case of non-geographic numbers some limitations exist: Calls to 0870 and 0845 numbers are not allowed from most landline, mobile and VoIP providers’ all-inclusive call packages. In the case of 056 numbers, it is not possible to call them from outside the UK at present.
Consideration should be given to ensuring you have access to a landline as a backup. The reason for this is that if there is a power cut you are likely to lose your internet connection - because the router and ADSL modem need power - and your VoIP access too, because the VoIP hardware needs to be connected to the mains. There are some types of VoIP equipment that offer a emergency option that will connect emergency calls, and all calls if there should be a power failure, to a landline. You should check this feature with your provider if you feel that you need to have this option included in your service.
Some VoIP service providers offer services that allow you to pay for calls as you go while others offer a service that charges a single, all-inclusive fee. Plans offering unlimited local and national calls are also available for small businesses and for residential users. In the case of businesses additional features such as a free fax service are often included. There is a plan out there to suit you!
Just contact the VoIP company of your choice and they will set up an account for you. The average person should be up and running with VoIP in about half an hour. Join the VoIP revolution!