Smart-Phone-Cards Blog

VOIP technology was in existence for the past few decades, but only recently, the technology has gained so much importance. The need to make long distance calls increased in all offices and VOIP made it possible at low prices. The added advantage of integration of VOIP to existing telephone networks has increased the usage of VOIP in homes and offices. Today there are no offices that lack VOIP services. Now, with the introduction of VOIP, many users are using it, but the traditional PSTN is also in existence. VOIP coexists with PSTN as of now, but in the future, experts say that VOIP will overrule PSTN because of the ubiquitous ability of VOIP service.

PSTN networks have their own advantages and disadvantages. The well established technology makes PSTN systems more reliable. A dedicated line is established between the caller and the called party in the case of public switched telephone networks. This dedicated line ensures more reliability and chances of call dropping is almost nil with PSTN networks. Further, the set up process is hassle fee and usage procedures are simple for consumers. However, efficient use of bandwidth is limited with PSTN network. Most of the bandwidth dedicated to PSTN remains idle most of the time. The monthly fees and high call charges restrain the users to use PSTN telephones. PSTN networks can handle only voice data and they are transmitted using fixed cables.

VOIP on the other hand solves most PSTN problems, but the ubiquitous technology has its own limitations. There are no monthly fees in the case of VOIP and you have to pay for the number of calls you make. Prepaid cards allow you to use the same device in different countries without any change. The data sent through the network is compressed, allowing optimal utilization of bandwidth. VOIP primarily uses internet to transfer voice. Further, voice is also sent as data packets. This simplicity has reduced the cost of every call. Many value added services can be given to the users at lower cost. VOIP allows you to make use of soft phone and virtual keypad without even using telephone system if you have a broadband internet connection. The only problem with VOIP is related to call quality. When you choose a good service provider, you can overcome this problem. With a good service provider, you can achieve call quality equal to that of PSTN networks.

In the offices and homes, the usage of internet has increased. Further, data traffic is much higher than voice traffic. The existing system can handle both data and voice traffic in an efficient way, but this cannot be called the optimal system. Studies show that data traffic will continue to increase in the near future. Moreover, the availability of internet facilities using wireless networks has motivated the researchers to improvise the present VOIP technology. With more and more improvements, VOIP technology can completely replace PSTN service, but it will take at least a few decades. For now, you can save money without compromising the services, using hybrid VOIP and PSTN systems.

Running a business is a tough task and most business owners try to reduce the business cost to increase their profit. Telephone services are essential for any business and international calling has become an integral part of the business irrespective of its size. Traditional telephone services costs more to make international calls which in turn increases your business cost. Further, many value added services like videoconferencing, call waiting, voice mail messages, are important if you are serious about your business. The essential and value added telephone services will be available for your business at low cost when you use the VOIP service.

Advantages of VOIP over traditional telephone services

The VOIP providers will give you a one-stop platform for all telephonic needs. Once the essential hardware and software are installed, you can start enjoying the benefits of VOIP. It is possible to call international numbers at low rates, making VOIP the essential choice for any business. Some providers give other value added services like call waiting, three-way conferencing and caller id to make business communication easier.

With the VOIP platform, you can extend the business line and give a separate communication line to your employees. They can use the VOIP services in their existing phone equipment and stay connected even if they relocate. To use the VOIP service, they must connect their phone device to the internet and start talking. This facility will save a lot of money because you have to spend huge money when you want this feature using traditional telephonic services.

The best part with VOIP platform is that you can integrate your existing equipments to the new VOIP device. An additional adapter has to be bought for necessary conversion. This reduces the set up cost to use VOIP services. Many VOIP providers will give you a software client which can be loaded in your computer. With this software, you can call international and local numbers without having to use the phone device.

Every business needs voice mail and fax services. Rather than paying extra fees for these services with traditional system, you can use VOIP and save money. The Traditional telephonic system wants installing extra lines to use these services. The VOIP providers can give you fax services without the need for any extra lines and so, the cost is low. The VOIP platform can be set up to call several numbers before directing the call to a voice mail number. This will ensure that you don’t miss even a single call from your customer.

The savings you make with VOIP depend on the size and complexity of your business. A small business with no branches will save little money, but you can see huge savings with a big business. Many small businesses are switching to using VOIP platform because it allows easy expansion. The savings depend on the VOIP provider you choose. It is important to know your business needs and choose the calling plan accordingly. Never compromise with the quality of the service for the cost. Whatever may be your business, if you want to save on your telephone bills, it is now time to switchover to VOIP services.

See Also: International Calling Cards, China Calling Cards