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VoIP: The New Age Telephone Service

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:25:03 +0100

In simple words, VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is a technology that allows one to make phone calls over a broadband internet connection. With the help of high speed internet connection and by installing certain VoIP software as well as hardware, people can talk unlimited at limited costs.

To make a call using VoIP technology you need:

Voip hardware :- VoIP hardware is basically an analogue telephone adaptor (ATA) which connects your phone to your broadband modem. This doesn’t require your computer to be on while making or receiving calls. The most popular application of VoIP works only with an ATA. An ATA converts analog signals to digital signals. Most VoIP service providers include the ATA in their VoIP products, but some require you to buy or rent an ATA.

The other hardware based option is an IP phone, which is similar to a standard telephone but includes an in built ATA adapter. The IP phone is connected directly to the router with a standard RJ-45 Ethernet connector. You can purchase calling cards from your VoIP service provider to start talking through this medium.

VoIP software :- Software-based VoIP works a little differently. VoIP software like Skype, Asterik works through your computer with a microphone, and your computer has to be switched on to receive calls. The most basic VoIP software allows two people with the same installed software to call each other over the Internet. Callers can set up a phone book and can make calls to other users.

VoIP services are comparatively cheaper than traditional calls. So, the next time you want to make long distance phone calls or international calls use VoIP.

For the Business Traveler an International SIM is Not Just About Rates

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:20:49 +0100

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International SIM calling cards are a great way to save money, but for the business traveler, there are some companies out there who provide great value added services that will make your travels more convenient and more enjoyable. I have looked at a lot of International SIM cards and some of the better services I have seen include:

- Language Interpretation Service- This is one of the greatest services I have seen from an International calls SIM card. If you are traveling to a country where you don't know the language, you have your own interpreter on call. This means you can order food, tell your cab driver where to go or make sure you are understood properly whilst making that important business deal.

- Message Bank- Pretty much all International phone card providers offer a message bank, or voicemail, service. It is a must that you have one as you may miss calls.

- Mobile Points Program- Some international SIM card providers have done deals that mean every time you make a call you get frequent flyer points. If these points tie in with the airline you use for travel, and you travel regularly, then this can be a great feature.

- GPRS Data- A a good feature but not essential. If you use a PDA or smart phone, offering data services means you can access your email if you need to. Some International SIM cards are already offering GPRS services, but they are still surprisingly expensive.

- Free Call number- An international SIM card may not be a mobile number from your home country, which means that anyone calling you whilst overseas will be making an international mobile call. Some of the better providers now offer a freecall service, meaning those calling you will not pay to call you, and you will only pay a small diversion fee to receive their calls.

Options of Cheap International Calling

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:34:27 +0100

The World has become a much smaller place in the last decade. The isolation is fast fading as advances in communication have made it possible to talk to people on the other side of the globe without a great deal of expense. The internet is the main driving force behind this trend. The ability to communicate with people by means of written messages or chat rooms on the internet has led to a desire to speak to people on the telephone also. There has always been a need for international calls for business purposes, but now personal reasons have become important as well.

The telephone industry has been forced to deal with the cost issue of international calls. The introduction and wide spread use of VoIP phone service has been the reason. VoIP stands for "voice over internet provider", and it converts the analog phone signal to a data signal for transmission. Several companies are now offering international calling for a low per minute rate. VolP phone service has some advantages over conventional phone service. Since you are using your computer as your phone receiver, you can receive calls anywhere you happen to be as long as you can connect to the internet. However, this is also one of the disadvantages because the phone service is dependent on the reliability of your internet provider, and subject to such things as power outages that impact the internet. Despite this, there are many who predict that VolP phone service will eventually replace the old fashion analog phone providers.

Another option is the prepaid phone card. There are many of these cards available and they are very competitive in their pricing and in their extra services. It is a good idea to shop around a bit when considering a prepaid phone card because of this wide price range. Many of the cards are easily rechargeable and some do not even require the use of a pin number. Prepaid phone cards are certainly a safer way to make international calls. You do not have to worry about running up excessive charges.

The established phone companies are feeling the competition, and have responded with International phone call plans that allow lower rates to most countries. It most cases a small monthly fee is paid to join the plan and qualify for the reduced charges. International calls are no longer the expensive luxury that they once were, and each passing day brings the expense down even further.

Natalie Aranda writes about technology. The telephone industry has been forced to deal with the cost issue of international calls. The introduction and wide spread use of VoIP phone service has been the reason. VoIP stands for "voice over internet provider", and it converts the analog phone signal to a data signal for transmission. Another option is the use of prepaid phone cards. There are many of these cards available and they are very competitive in their pricing and in their extra services. It is a good idea to shop around a bit when considering a prepaid phone card because of this wide price range.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Natalie_Aranda

VoIP - Reasons Why You Should Take It Up

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:47:36 +0100

Advancements in communication technology has made the entire world a small global sphere. Birth of telephone, fax, computer, Internet, etc. has made the entire communication process easier than ever before. VoIP being one of the latest tool has eased further the method of global communication. Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) with its abundance of features is today one of easiest ways to utilize in communicating with people all over the globe.

The most important reason why people in UK and all over the world as well are taking up VoIP is that it is one of the cheapest ways to make international calls. As, it is Voice Over Internet Protocol, it uses Internet to make calls. Thus, no matter where you are calling, you will have to pay only the Internet charges and local calling rates. This way, even if you are making calls to international locations, you will have to spend the same cost what you pay on local calls. Thus, it is highly cost effective way of making long-distance calls, as it saves a lot of your monthly telephone bills.

Mobility is the second most impelling reason to avail it. No matter where you are travelling, you can receive and make calls through VoIP even when you are away from your town. Besides, setting up the entire system enabling you to make calls is not tough. It takes hardly a couple of days to get the entire system set-up.

The Voice Over Internet Protocol enabled phone, which you are supposed to use in the process is attached with several of additional features. In the VoIP phone, many of inbuilt facilities like caller id, call waiting, call return, call blocking, etc. add further joy of communication. All you need is a phone card or calling card and you’ll be on your way to saving lots of money on international calls.

Moreover, there are number of Internet telephony service providers who give you facility of making international calls free of cost.

VoIP Phones by Philips - More Fun At Home

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:45:34 +0100

Looking for a VoIP phone for your home? Go for the Philips Messenger Phone. The phone promises you exciting features and loads of fun at home with international calls getting real cost effective.

The dual DECT VoIP 433 phone from Philips, is one of the most popular and highly preferred phone across UK and outside. The best feature that this phone offers is - Windows Live™ Messenger. Windows Live™ Messenger enables you to make free or cheap calls and also allows you to dial or receive normal telephone calls on your landline. It is as simple as your usual everyday phone, with the exception, that it is a VoIP phone with interesting features.

It is due to the Windows Messenger service, that the phone is gaining such a huge popularity. The innovative concept can actually empower you to make and receive calls through Windows Messenger – ABSOLUTELY FREE. And you thought you could only chat in Messenger! Making international calls have now become very cheap as the rates of VoIP calls are much lower than the normal international calls.

Features

Philips have always been synonymous to good quality and great features. This VoIP phone is no exception. Apart from free calls to anywhere in the world through Windows Live™ Messenger, there are more exciting features like internet calls, landline calls and what more, you can make both kinds of calls at the same time on both handsets.

Then there are features like Direct Windows Live™ Messenger key and Automatic viewing of contacts on line. Installation is also very easy with just a simple plug and play technique. Then you can also make calls to standard phone numbers at cheaper rates, that is subjected to the rates as decided by your service provider.

The phone is also very user friendly as you can access your entire contacts' list just by pressing the Messenger key.

Dennis Jaylon is a renowned business writer who has years of experience in writing technical reviews, product descriptions and product feature analysis of technical gadgets and gizmos. He has won appreciation especially for enlightening people about the latest communication gizmos...the VoIP

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Jaylon

International SIM Cards Make Great Business Sense

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:21:40 +0100

A Global Business environment sees many business people roaming from destination to destination whilst still needing to be in contact with colleagues and clients back home. If you take your home country mobile or cell phone with you, these international calls can get extremely expensive and, worst of all, you will pay exorbitant rates to receive calls. It is an outrage.

The purpose of this article is to help you cut your business costs by showing you why an International SIM card makes great business sense.

Your mobile phone costs are controlled- International SIM cards are prepaid, meaning you know exactly how much money you are spending before you spend it. As it is prepaid, you can set the limit on how much you will spend and, in many countries, even if you have no credit left, you can still receive calls because their will be no incoming roaming costs.
Your International SIM Card account means your calls are itemized and easy to track- If you are purchasing a SIM, you should purchase one with online account management. This allows you to easily track the calls you have made and received because you can itemize your calls for your company accounts.
You save a fortune- But, by far the major reason for an International SIM card making great business sense is that you will save a fortune- between 60-90% in most cases. And, in today's economy, anything that helps cut business costs is of vital importance. As well as extremely cheap outgoing call rates you will pay no incoming call charges, especially Europe.

We are currently in a very fragile economy, and businesses must look at cutting expenses wherever they can. If your business involves overseas travel, you must purchase an International SIM card as they make perfect business sense.

Hamish Jones is the founder of Best Business Deals, experts in Telecommunications and Public Relations.

If you are looking for an International Roaming SIM card, Hamish recommends the Travel SIM International SIM card, available here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hamish_Jones

Free International Calls Are Latest Threat to the Telcos

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:32:49 +0100

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Amazingly, a company called Futurephone is offering free international calls. In David Pogue's words:

There’s no contract, fees, taxes, signup, registration or calling cards; you don’t even give them your name or e-mail address. You just pick up the phone—home phone, office phone, cellphone—and make a free call to Argentina, Australia, China, England, France, Iceland, Israel, Mexico, Venezuela or any of 40 other countries.

The possible catch: you reach Futurephone’s international dial tone by calling a number in Iowa, which is a domestic call that you have to pay for.

Of course, for a lot of people, that’s still free. Use your cellphone on a night or weekend, for example. Or sign up for a flat-rate unlimited calling plan at home. Or see if your office has an unlimited long-distance plan.

So here’s how it works: Call 712-858-8883.

At the prompt, press 1 for English. Then punch in 011, the country code and the phone number. That’s it. The call rings through immediately.

Truth is, I don’t know what Futurephone’s game is here. They say they’re giving away the calls in order to “build up the company’s brand-name recognition. Our plan is to offer additional services in the future.” And they promise that this freebie will be in place for at least three years, through 2010.

I tested out this service, and it’s exactly what it promises to be: free overseas phone calls. I chatted casually with my friend Guillaume in France and Albert in Spain (whom longtime Pogue’s Posts readers will remember as my Barcelona tour guide this summer).

The one disappointment: I couldn’t seem to reach cellphone numbers. The company says that it’s still working out agreements with the cell carriers in some countries.

Otherwise, the sound quality was about the same as any overseas call. The only difference: it was all free.

More bad news for the US telcos (BLS, T) and Vonage. And eBay's acquisition of Skype now looks even more expensive...

Voip Services - What You Need To Know

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:18:58 +0000

VoIP, short for Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that enables telephone calls to be made over a broadband internet connection. VoIP services use the broad band internet connection to transmit the data packets as opposed to the wires in a conventional telephone. One of the most important features of VoIP services is its affordability. With the help of VoIP service, one can make long distance calls at low rates when compared to the traditional telephone calls. This is mainly due to the fact that transferring digital signals over internet is much cheaper than transferring analog signals over normal phone lines.

VoIP services are offered by numerous VoIP providers. The services offered by one VoIP provider differ from the other, while certain basic features remain the same. Some of the main features offered by most VoIP providers include local and international calls at very low rates. This helps a customer to save around 75% of his/her telephone bills. Majority of the VoIP providers offer VoIP services for both businesses as well as homes. A VoIP package can also include several other features and in you need all these additional features then the cost can go up but still it will be much lower than your normal telephone bills.

Most VoIP providers offer VoIP services tailor made for individual customers, small businesses, and even for large companies. Based on the type of customers, VoIP services could include providing infrastructure such as hardware devices, inbound and outbound termination, soft phones, and also bundling of all these services.

Some of the major VoIP services offered include providing fax and emergency services through 911. Some VoIP broadband phone providers offer unlimited international calls but this depends on the country to which you are calling. Another noted feature of VoIP services is the 911 service. VoIP services are generally offered on monthly rates.

Before you select any VoIP service provider, you need to make a good research of the schemes and rates offered by various VoIP providers. The benchmark for your study must be the facilities and services offered by the VoIP provider and not the cheapest VoIP provider.

International Phone Cards - Are They The Practical Option?

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:17:53 +0000

International prepaid phone cards enable users to make calls around the globe. Wherever you are, you stay connected to your loved ones and associates. No extra fee is applicable to activate the card, along with no maintenance charge and no contracts.

These phone cards allow you to make calls from any landline home phone, office phone, pay phone, cell phone, hotel rooms, etc. International prepaid phone cards are fully refundable. Callers can use it from their cell phones and save extra money. These cards also enable you to use it around the globe. You can also refill it from any other country over the phone or by internet.

These cards, which are also called debit cards, are used to make long distance telephone calls. Phone cards are prepaid by the purchaser, usually in cash, and offer the consumer the convenience of making long distance calls, domestically or internationally. Calls are usually made by calling a 1-800 number and entering a Personal Identification Number (PIN) printed on the back of the phone card. Customers normally purchase phone cards with specific dollar denominations.

Why International Phone Cards Offer Affordable Rates

The major reason why international call cards offer such affordable rates to call internationally is because of the unique technology used. Service providers selling phone cards use a combination of VoIP (Voice over IP) and regular lines to get a relatively good balance between call quality and low prices. In addition, since the cards are pre-paid, which means you pay in advance for the specified talk time, other costs reduced, like the ones for collections or debt retrieval.

Long-Distance Rates Are Set By The Carriers

Phone cards provide long distance minutes based on the specific rates set by the carrier. As calls are made, the usable minutes are automatically deducted from the card balance, which is either recorded on the card itself or on a main computer through which the calls are routed.

Some cards are also re-chargeable, which allow the user to add more calling time by dialing a toll-free number or accessing a web site and using a major credit card. Prepaid phone cards are sold in many locations like convenience stores, groceries, discount stores, department stores, and small markets and shops. They can also be purchased online.

These Cards Can Be Recharged And There Are No Expiration Dates

International call cards offer flexibility of use for callers. There is no expiration date for the prepaid card, and users can also recharge the card over the phone or internet. You can set up your self for automatic roll over, wherein if the balance gets low to a certain amount, then the card is recharged automatically. You do not have to worry about the balance amount and remember the refill date. The card will be refill automatically. All you need to do is set up for this type of plan.

Prepaid phone cards have been a fast-growing business for the past decade, and from the very early onset, it was marked with a lot of problems, until the industry stabilized itself. At present, one can find a lot of phone card suppliers, which offer relatively the same rates.

Callback Service - Access to Important Calls

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:16:34 +0000

Calling or call waiting trends in the traditional PSTN services have changed. To support communication today, corporate, enterprises, businesses and multinationals are using the advanced IP telephony and callback services to initiate longer distance or international calling at significant rates. No doubt, stepping into the IP telephony relieves the telecommuters to save a lot on every call. In addition, the service of VoIP allows users to access important calls from various fixed lines or mobile phones, even on the move. Therefore, without procuring much into the infrastructural set-up and hardware requirements, the user can avail the maximum benefit by opting for hosted callback platform.

The callback service comes into action when the originator of a call is immediately called back in a second call as a response. In order to use a callback service, a potential user or customer is allocated with a unique number that is dialed before the user triggers a return call. If the user is calling back in his own nation, then it will be known as Direct Dial-In or DID number whereas Direct Dial In or DDI number is used for international callback. Well, activating a call back by clicking on a web page saves on longer distance or international calls. While, using callback web service, the user can connect within few seconds with other people located across the world.

For availing the features of call back services on VoIP, a user has to consider following steps like:

1. To trigger a callback service, the user must have registered with an international service provider.
2. The user can call only from his registered mobile phone number offered by the provider.
3. To trigger a callback call from a non-registered mobile phone, the user will be asked for account credentials like PIN or CLI.
4. The system will give you an automatic callback and the IVR will ask to dial your destination number.
5.Lastly, dial the required number and enjoy calling.

The hosted callback platform gives it to the originating caller to have access to the call. Callback services are as simple as making a call through a standard telephone.

Ways to Make More International Calls Without Splurging on Phone Cards

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:15:36 +0000

Absence makes the heart grow fonder -- Cliche? Yes. True? It depends.

Missing a person could be one hell of an ordeal. The stress it may bring is almost tantamount to mental torture. Distance is often the most fearsome test for relationships to withstand. What if a person has been away for too long? The tendency is that the person desserted or even both parties cope through looking for other activities with the attempt to make preoccupation forget the loneliness or homesickness a person feels.

But you know what? The rigors and melancholy that these trying times could bring may be alleviated. How? It's as easy as getting the phone, dialing the phone number of that person and talking to that person. Calling your loved one more often and a lot longer is a surefire way to surmount that "abandoned" feeling.

Now the real problem is what if you need to be tight on your budget? Phonecards used for international calls often come with a hefty price tag. How do you deal with that when there's some tuition, utilities and other bills waiting for you to act on.

Don't fret. There are some ways for you to save on international calls. Just read on.

One way for you to not pinch much from your wallet while making that awaited international call is to know what kind of phone will receive your call. Overseas calls to mobile devices such as pagers and cellphones can cost you much more than when you call to a land line phone. This is because of the system called "calling party pays" employed by several overseas carriers. Ask your honey if she can just look for a landline instead of calling her through her latest Nokia.

How about getting some help from your good old smooth operator? NOT. Unless your call is for an emergency, don't let the operator sweet talk you. You'll see that what you can pay for only a few cents per minute could cost you some precious dollars after asking an operator to assist you with your call.

Go PPC. No, it's not about your pubo-coccygeal muscles or those Internet marketing hype known as pay-per-click! It's about using prepaid phone cards. Enjoy the convenience of not having to think of your bills after making that international call through the use of prepaid phone cards. Just make sure that you don't fall for the mistake of buying expired cards or those that have high connection and maintenance fee.

Opt for pre-paid plans. If you're not a prepaid card person despising all the fuss on knowing first all the hidden charges, prepaid plans could be of great help for you to save your hard-earned bucks. Websites that especially cater to those who'd really like to save on their international calls abound.

Choose what will not burn much of your time and what you're most comfortable with. With these tips on how to save on your international calls, you don't have to look for other activities to just resist the temptation of making that international call. Just call!

Calling Cards - A Better Way to Communicate

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:14:59 +0000

Communication has always been the point of interest for everyone, every single passing minute is demanding more alacrity, more efficiency and more cost-effectiveness in the way we express our views; and the technology is surely doling out the way we want to make it happening. Technology has served various useful instruments to us like phones, Internet etc. Nevertheless, the most revolutionary contrivance that the technology has provided us is Calling Cards. They give us the ability to call our loved ones, colleagues and Boss at very low-call-rates and that too in very fast and efficient manner.

Remember, there was a time when talking to your friends and family members overseas were very expensive and unaffordable, and these acts were not the wise acts to do. In addition, if in any case, you were supposed to make an International call then the service provider might have emptied your complete Bank account. However, the instigation of them has solved this problem for everyone. Now, making calls in your hometown while you are on the move to some far-away place is not expensive at all. These calling cards are usually following the prepaid card system, where one can access the telecommunication service immediately, just by paying some fixed amount to the service providers. Now, if you want to make an International Call, you do not need to worry about the bill amounts, just buy the International Calling Card of the amount you need and forget all the tortures of paying bills. There are companies that provide some great offers with these cards that are why the sales of Prepaid ones are on hike.

There are companies out there that offer various calling cards. There are different rates used by different companies, as well as these are bound different terms and conditions also. One can avail different ones for different purposes like making local Calls, making calls within the country, or making overseas calls. Users have taken the main advantage of calling cards by making the overseas or long distant calls. One can get the full advantage of them by choosing the appropriate cards specified for the destination they want to call. They are getting better and cheaper day-by-day and using them can make your calling experience great for sure.

Fed Up Of Getting Disturbance In Calls! Adopt VoIP

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:14:24 +0000

Do you get irritated when your phone calls get disconnected due to poor phone service? Are you fed up of getting disturbance in calls? Then it's the high time to adopt the new and innovative technology of VoIP. In telecommunication industry, VoIP is a current buzzword and considered as a new telephony generation. Its an acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol and well known as Internet telephony. The benefits attached to Voice over IP has marked it's presence in business, corporate houses and residential users. Now, users dealing with long distance or international calls are increasingly managing and routing their calls through IP telephony.

Voice over Internet telephony allows users to send images, video and data application through same line over IP telephony. Unlike the existing circuit-switching network of PSTN, it decreases the cost effectively. Moreover, communication over Internet telephony is superior as it can absorb the noise, which results in uninterrupted communication. The VoIP telephony makes the voice transmission easier and cheaper as it uses packet switching technique. VoIP offers many benefits compared to PSTN like:

1.Saves money on longer distance and international calls
2.Access to more than one call at any time
3.Besides voice, allows the user to send video and data through same network
4.Accepts noise tolerance on routing
5.Better voice quality
6.Provides uninterrupted communication
7.Greater flexibility
8.Faster network

To avail the best services of VoIP for communicating, the user must possess high speed broadband connection, Analog Terminal adaptor and a handset. While availing the service, ATA a hardware equipment is generally supplied by the provider. This equipment is attached with standard phone and PC to make the calling easier and cheaper. The process followed by IP telephony is very easy and simple as it digitalises analog signal when routed over the Internet and before reaching destination, ATA reconverts into analog signals. Hence, calling through VoIP reduces the cost and increases the call efficiency.

Nuts And Bolts Of How VoIP Phones Function

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:13:41 +0000

VoIP is a latest way of making phone calls. Said to be Internet phone service or Internet telephony, VoIP phones are today popularly in use when it comes to making calls, especially to any international location. Phones enabling you to avail VoIP solution have the similar physicality what your telephone has. Working on Voice Over Internet Protocol Technology, VoIP enabled phones let you make call anywhere in the world through using Internet.

The reason why VoIP solution has become popular all over the world is its low cost availability and better sound quality. Besides, the physicality of entire system is very easy to setup. The simple apparatus behind the use of VoIP phones is that it transmits all the audio information into data over the Internet to a computer or a land line phone. As the entire process is working through Internet, you are required to pay only the Internet charges along with nominal charges of local telephone calls. No matter which location in the world you are calling, through VoIP, you will pay only the local telephone calls.

This way, VoIP is the best solution for those who are frequent to make International calls. For corporate houses, businessmen, or persons having heir friends and relatives abroad, Internet telephony is most economical way available today. Several of instant messenger service providers like MSN, Yahoo, AOL use VoIP technology.

Microphone, speakers, high speed Internet connection, sound board, adapter, a VoIP phone are some of the elements you will need while setting up the VoIP solution. VoIP phones attached with facilities like call waiting, speaker, speed dial, hold, call transfer, programmable keys will assure you better functioning as well as better talking experience. Further advancements in the field has brought VoIP videophones, availing which allows you to video chat with person you are calling.

Make Free International Phone Calls

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:08:52 +0000

VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol is an emerging technology that with the right equipment and a provider, enables voice communications or the audio content of a phone conversation to be transmitted in digital form over the internet. The advantage of this is that a standard telephone line is not required for VoIP.

As VoIP is an ever evolving technology, it is important to familiarize oneself in latest developments prior to making a commitment to a particular phone, provider or setup.

But let’s look at some of the basics and how practically anyone can give this technology a ‘run’ without dipping deep into the pockets.

The Basics
VoIP has a range of options and abilities depending on the service and equipment utilized. These include:
• Only calling other people using the same service;
• Ability to call any phone number including long distance, international, mobiles and of course local;
• Calling directly from a computer using a microphone or VoIP telephone; and
• Calling from an ordinary phone which is plugged into an Analog Telephone Adaptor or ATA.

Equipment Required
Given that this is Voice over Internet, it stands to reason that an internet connection is necessary – albeit one of high speed (broadband).

Depending on the service being utilized it may be as simple as a microphone, or a VoIP telephone, or an adaptor that a normal phone can plug into with the adaptor plugging into an Ethernet connection.

So How Can I Make Calls for Free?
There is a range of free VOIP software on the internet. A well know one is Skype at www.skype.com where users can make calls to landlines and mobiles for a fee but call each other for free.

Ok so you see the limitation here. To get free calls the person you wish to contact also needs to be a user of the same service. Whilst this is true, there are ways of obtaining very low cost calls through a number of providers. This said, the free services like Skype are well worthwhile for someone who wishes to experiment at no cost.

Service Providers
Vonage is a major VoIP provider and AT&T are also offering services. There are many others some of which I have listed below with no particular bias:
• 1TouchTone
• AOL Internet Phone Service
• Axvoice
• BroadVoice
• Dialpad
• GalaxyVoice
• Net2Phone

For Australia several websites of VoIP providers are listed below:
• www.engin.com.au
• www.broadip.com.au
• www.faktortel.com.au

VoiPStunt – Free International Calls to a Range of Countries At the time of writing, VoiPStunt were providing free software which allows free calls between peers. However they are also providing free international calls to a list of international countries listed below:

Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela.

Now that’s not a bad list. The catch, a minor one, is that international calls for trial users are limited to one minute. To obtain up to 20 hours of free international calls you will need to top up your account however VoiPStunt state on their website they will not touch these credits so long as you are calling the free destinations.

Current terms and conditions should be examined prior to engaging any service.

Summary
VoIP is an emerging technology with much more to come in the future. Why not enjoy free international and peer phone calls in the meantime.