What is VOIP ?

Voice over IP (VoIP) is one of the telecommunication industry's fastest growing markets. By 2010, VoIP subscribers are expected to more than quadruple, jumping from 10.3 million to at least 44 million. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is an emerging technology that allows to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection. A demand of VOIP is growing at blazing speeds.

Below is quoting from Lingo.com, one of the VoIP services:

VoIP is short for "Voice over Internet Protocol" or “Voice over IP". VoIP makes it possible for people to use the Internet to carry phone calls by sending voice signals in small "data packets", unlike conventional phone calls which are transmitted over traditional public phone networks. All the caller needs is a broadband Internet connection, hooked to a regular phone, and the phone adapter box (we call it a "Lingo Box"). The phone adapter is delivered after the Lingo customer signs up for VoIP service; it essentially translates the standard phone voice signals into a "Lingo" that can be carried over the Internet - bypassing the traditional phone network.

People use VoIP in addition to their regular phone service, or in place of it, because VoIP service offers much lower rates, and a whole group of calling features at no extra charge. Lingo VoIP phone numbers are also portable. Subscribers can travel with the Lingo box, connect it to another broadband Internet connection virtually anywhere, and still make and receive calls on the same number.

VoIP is changing the way people think about making phone calls, just like the email revolution changed the way people communicate in writing. Aided by the broadband Internet explosion in the U.S. and worldwide, the top researchers estimate that, at the beginning of 2005, 1 million U.S. consumers used their broadband Internet connection to make and receive calls from around the world, in place of their regular phone company. Some project that there will be 16 million U.S. consumers using VoIP phone service by the end of 2006.

VoIP and the world economic crisis

Starting Jan. 1, 2009 AT&T increases phone rates by 23% for its California subscribers. It's the first major boost since 1994 and it will bring basic monthly subscription to $13.50 from $10.94. It will affect half of AT&T's subscribers in the state, including those who are on Lifeline and measured rate services. Phone customers who have full-featured call plans or those with bundled TV or broadband services will not be affected.

If it's the trend, then may be expected that VoIP services will become even more popular (if they will not rise their costs, of course). The same pertains to bundle plans, often included "VoIP over broadband" service.

 For more information about VoIP, click on the links below.

• How It Works 
• Installing Lingo & Frequently Asked Questions 
• Glossary of VoIP Terms 

Lingo
Phone Power
JoiPhone
Verizon VoiceWing

ViaTalk
(VT_Unlimited: $199/year, 2 phone lines, 1 year FREE, VT_500: $9,95 month)
Vonage

VOIP vs VONAGE:
Compare rates

• Enhanced 911
• UNLIMITED CALLING to the US Canada & PR
• THE LOWEST international rates
• Nationwide availability
• THE MOST included calling features (30!)
• FREE Softphone ($120 value)
• FREE advanced voicemail (Hear messages on your PC & cell - $60 value)

VOIP vs VONAGE:
Compare features

VOIP.com is the perfect way to get involved in the voip revolution. of this exciting, rapid-growth industry.

With VOIP.com you can save about 60% on your phone bill and get your first month free.
Get 200 Minutes per month for $9.95 only!
Get Unlimited Yearly Calling - only $16.95 per month from VOIP.com!
With VOIP.com you can get more features for less, starting at $9.95/month.