noWYR Voice over Internet Protocol

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

Consumer 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. -FCC publication

With the right equipment, you can use your computer to call another computer via the Internet without charge. However, if you want to call any telephone on the planet, subscribing to a consumer VoIP provider might be the best way to go.

Most VoIP "phone" companies, especially residential plans, will provide you with an Internet adapter that allows you to use your existing telephone handsets. Your handset plugs into the adapter which plugs directly into your Internet modem. After the adapter is connected, your telephone acts the same way it did when it was plugged into your local telephone company. When you pick up, you get a dial tone and you dial as usual. Incoming calls ring the same. However, if you want all of the features that are available on some business systems, you will need VoIP handsets.

What you get with VoIP service:

Many residential plans give you unlimited long distance service within the United States and sometimes in many foreign companies.
Rates for unlimited (no time limit) service range from $19.95 - 34.99 per month for residential service. Measured service is less expensive. Quite a savings compared to "regular" phone service.
Most plans also offer voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, 3-way calling, caller ID block, anonymous call rejection, black lists, and speed dialing. Advanced business systems offer dozens of features based upon a managed Internet PBX (IPBX).
In many cases, you can keep your existing telephone number.
For a few extra bucks, you can get another phone number in another area. Get one near the kids or large customers to let them call you free.
Some adapters or IP phones can travel with you and plug into Internet connections at hotels and such. Your number stays the same.
Businesses can get all of the services of a PBX system without the high costs and hassels (not available from all VoIP service providers). There is usually a modest monthly charge for managed IPBX service.

Special Considerations:

You have to program your VoIP service to make sure your address is correct for 911 calls. 911 won't work if you take the adapter or handset with you on a trip (it still thinks you are at home so it will give out the wrong address).
If your power goes out, so will your phone service unless you have backup power for your adapter and modem.

Where Can I Get Service?

noWYR recommends and sells Pandora for businesses. We can order the service for you and condition your Internet connection to give VoIP the priority it requires. If you have a large office or specail needs, our VoIP specialists can help you configure a system to suit your requirements.

Can I set up my own VoIP network?

Yes. Many companies, such as Boeing, create their own internal VoIP networks, often using them to replace PBX switchboards. The best savings are realized by firms that have multiple locations and need to be on a company telephone system. You can drop your expensive full-time long-line service and replace it with a low-cost VoIP network using the Internet as your carrier.

You can hire an outside expert or go through the time and expense of training an in-house expert. If you don't want to deal with the hassel of maintaining your own telephone system, your best option might be a hosted service that provides all the features of an in-house system without the ownership problems, yet still saves you a bundle over a PSTN (old-fashioned phone) system.

Dual-mode phones:

One of the more exiting innovations that is just becoming available is a cellular phone that can also use your internal LAN or a hotspot with Voice over Internet Protocol.

As companies become more mobile, remaining available has become a real problem. Is he at his desk phone, cell phone, at home?

With dual-mode phones, an employee can be issued one phone number which will follow her wherever she goes. In the office, the phone will automatically link into the company's wireless LAN and act as a VoIP phone. When she steps out for lunch, to see a client, or to work at home, the phone will link into the cellular network. As an additional benefit, she will only have to check one voice-mail system.