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Frequently Asked Questions
What is VoIP/Internet Voice?
VoIP allows you to make telephone calls using a
computer network, over a data network like the Internet. VoIP converts the
voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that travels over
the internet then converts it back at the other end so you can speak to
anyone with a regular phone number. When placing a VoIP call using a phone
with an adapter, you'll hear a dial tone and dial just as you always have.
VoIP may also allow you to make a call directly from a computer using a
conventional telephone or a microphone.
How Can I Place a VoIP Call?
Depending on the service, one way to place a VoIP call
is to pick up your phone and dial the number, using an adaptor that
connects to your existing high-speed Internet connection. The call goes
through your local telephone company to a VoIP provider. The phone call
goes over the Internet to the called party's local telephone company for
the completion of the call. Another way is to utilize a microphone headset
plugged into your computer. The number is placed using the keyboard and is
routed through your cable modem.
What Kind of Equipment Do I Need?
A broadband (high speed Internet)
connection is required. This can be through a cable modem,
or high speed services such as DSL or a local area network. You can hook up
an inexpensive microphone to your computer and send your voice through a
cable modem or connect a phone directly to a telephone adaptor.
Is there a difference between making a
Local Call and a Long Distance Call?
Some
VoIP providers offer their services for free, normally only for calls to
other subscribers to the service. Your VoIP provider may permit you to
select an area code different from the area in which you live. This means
you may not incur long distance charges if you call a number in your area
code regardless of geography. It also means that people who call you may
incur long distance charges depending on their area code and service.
Some
VoIP providers charge for a long distance call to a number outside your
calling area, similar to existing, traditional wireline telephone service.
Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed
number of minutes.
If I have Internet Voice service, who can
I call?
Depending upon your service, you might be limited only to other subscribers
to the service, or you may be able to call any phone
number, anywhere in the world. The call can be made to a local number, a
mobile phone, to a long distance number, or an international number. You
may even utilize the service to speak with more than one person at a time.
The person you are calling does not need any special equipment, just a
phone.
What Are Some Advantages of Internet
Voice?
Because Internet Voice is digital, it may
offer features and services that are not available with a traditional
phone. If you have a broadband internet connection, you need not maintain
and pay the additional cost for a line just to make telephone calls.
With
many Internet Voice plans you can talk
for as long as you want with any person in the world (the requirement is
that the other person has an Internet connection). You can also talk with
many people at the same time without any additional cost.
What Are Some disadvantages of Internet
Voice?
If you're considering replacing your traditional
telephone service with Internet Voice, there are some possible differences:
- Some
Internet Voice services don't work during power outages and the
service provider may not offer backup power;
- It
may be difficult for some Internet Voice services to seamlessly
connect with the 911 dispatch center or identify the location of
Internet Voice 911 callers; or
- They
may or may not offer white page listings.
Can I use my Computer While I talk
on the Phone?
Yes
Can I Take My Phone Adapter with me When I
Travel?
You may be able to use your VoIP service wherever you
travel as long as you have a high speed Internet connection available. In
that case it would work the same as from your home or business.
Does my Computer Have to be Turned on?
Not if you are making calls with a phone and adaptor
or special VoIP phone, but your broadband Internet connection needs to be
active. You can also use your computer while talking on the phone.
How Do I Know If I have a VoIP phone Call?
It will ring like any other call.
Does the FCC Regulate VoIP?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has worked
to create an environment promoting competition and innovation to benefit
consumers. Historically, the FCC has not regulated the Internet or the
services provided over it. On February 12, 2004, the FCC found that an entirely Internet-based VoIP service
was an unregulated information service. On the same day, the FCC began a
broader proceeding to examine what its' role should be in this new
environment of increased consumer choice and what it can best do to meet
its role of safeguarding the public interest.
The FCC has organized an FCC Internet Policy Working
Group to identify, evaluate and address policy issues that will arise as
telecommunications services move to Internet-based platforms. For more
information on the Working Group, please visit www.fcc.gov/ipwg
Aspects of these considerations may change
with new developments in internet technology. You should always check
with the VoIP service provider you choose to confirm any advantages and
limitations to their service.
For more information about Internet
Voice/VoIP see our factsheet.
(pdf file)
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