Voice over Internet Protocol ( or VOIP) is an internet technology that uses the internet to carry conventional voice telephone calls. Usually, all that is needed is a computer that has internet access, Speakers and a microphone, or a similar device that you can connect to your computer. The VOIP ADSL phone is a small, neat, self contained device that does not require a computer, only a broadband ADSL internet connection.
This is not an entirely new concept, most international telecommunications companies only have local conventional telephone networks after which the calls are routed into VOIP and then over the internet or internal networks to the local network of the personal that you are calling.
VOIP phone conversations are essentially free if they go between two devices connected to the internet. Additional costs are only incurred when the telephone call is made from a VOIP connection to a conventional telephone network. The network rates of networks outside of the system still need to be paid.
There are many services that deliver the connections from the internet to other networks, and even with subscription fees, costs of national and international calls are substantially lower than direct dialing over conventional networks.
A fast and reliable internet connection like ADSL is a necessity for good quality voice over IP calls. The voice audio is carried in digital form over the internet and if you have a slow connection, the conversation can become severely delayed or become inaudible.
VOIP ADSL phones are effectively intelligent internet devices and come in several different shapes and sizes. Some look like a conventional telephone, others are similar to a cordless phone and some even look like a cellphone, but they all require only an ADSL connection.
The biggest cost savings in VOIP technology is in international telephone calls, especially between two VOIP units. The costs here are a small fraction of the conventional international calls, with zero overheads other than your internet connection. You can make calls to nearly every country on the planet, the natural exceptions being less developed countries and countries with other restrictions.
VOIP has long been a bone of contention among conventional telecommunication companies and the rival VOIP companies. The battle over VOIP has been won by the VOIP technology companies and the VOIP ADSL phone is here to stay.
