| VoIP service providers convey data transmissions | | | | and ask them where they stand on this issue, or |
| of IP telephony signaling protocols called SIP | | | | if they have addressed the order given by the |
| (Session Initiation Protocol) which are | | | | US FCC bureau for all VoIP providers to enhance |
| fundamentally used for voice over IP (VoIP) calls. | | | | their 911 emergency system. |
| The provider is the main hub between networks | | | | Today's fast moving telecommunications are |
| which allow land line and VoIP users to connect. | | | | eagerly surveying IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) |
| Substantial savings from your traditional phone | | | | which provides interconnectivity between current |
| statement are one of the biggest factors many | | | | Internet technologies and the mobile world. |
| phone users have switched to this type of | | | | Many telecommunications companies are looking |
| communication conveyance. | | | | at the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) which |
| Setting up an account with a service provider is | | | | merges Internet technologies with the mobile |
| really no different than what one is accustom to | | | | world, utilizing a pure VoIP infrastructure. IMS |
| compared to a land line or cellular phone service. | | | | internal structure allows current VoIP systems to |
| Pricing, plans, features and quality of service will | | | | interface with traditional telephone service and |
| vary from provider to provider. There are some | | | | mobile cell phones. An Internet broadband |
| providers that may be able to save you upwards | | | | connection will still be needed to provide service. |
| of 60 percent from your current phone bill by | | | | The upstream and downstream bandwidth |
| using their services. The absence of taxes and | | | | connection rate should be taken into consideration |
| fees contribute to these large savings. | | | | when reviewing a possible broadband supplier. |
| Service plans generally start around the twenty | | | | When a VoIP service provider performs quality |
| dollar mark and continue upwards depending upon | | | | customer service along with offering value packed |
| the customers needs and the plans a service | | | | phone service plans that are easy to use for the |
| provider has to offer. | | | | end user will undoubtedly see their profits soar. In |
| Features available by most providers may include: | | | | the telecommunications business, pricing and |
| using your existing phone number, call waiting, call | | | | customer service are paramount in deciding the |
| routing three way calling, teleconferencing, | | | | success of your business. |
| videoconferencing, instant messenger, prepaid | | | | The types of VoIP service plans will vary from |
| phone cards, mobile phone service, and dedicated | | | | each provider. Most providers today offer service |
| fax lines. Some providers may also offer an | | | | that allows the user to call anyone with a |
| money back guarantee or a free trial period to | | | | telephone number, whether it's local, long distance, |
| test their products and or service. | | | | cell, or an overseas phone number. |
| Long distance plans may also vary by provider. | | | | Service providers usually will offer their clients |
| Some may include free overseas plans with time | | | | three different ways to use a VoIP service. |
| restrictions. Be sure to ask which time zones | | | | Phone systems will consist of either the |
| apply to your plan. Other providers restrict which | | | | customers computer to make their calls, a special |
| countries can be called with no additional charges | | | | VoIP phone issued by the provider, or telephone |
| being applied, additional country plans may be | | | | adapter that interfaces with the customer's |
| obtained for a low rate with certain packages. | | | | present phone system. |
| VoIP service providers are required to provide | | | | If you decide to consider a VoIP solution to |
| 911 assistance of some type. The paramount | | | | replace or add to your traditional phone service, |
| problem with 911 VoIP service is that most | | | | research all factors that are important to you. |
| providers still have yet not completely solved this | | | | The telecommunication world is quickly improving |
| issue. The name and address of a 911 VoIP | | | | everyday to benefit us all with our demands and |
| emergency call is not immediately rendered by a | | | | needs. |
| dispatcher. | | | | In conclusion, be sure to ask all the providers that |
| New technology in this area is presently being | | | | you survey if the system you select can be |
| developed on a daily basis which will allow GPS and | | | | upgraded when new technologies and or |
| VoIP phone service to convey vital information | | | | advancements evolve. Most all the VoIP service |
| needed to quickly process an 911 emergency call. | | | | providers will require you to sign a one year |
| It is important to survey your service provider | | | | contract for their services provided. |