VOIP Phones

Buying a VoIP Phone

An Introduction to VoIP Phones

VoIP, is also known as Voice over IP, Internet phone, IP telephony, or broadband phone. This is becoming an increasingly exciting technology, offer dramatic reductions in telephone call costs and fixed cost options. In basic terms, VoIP allows you to make and receive telephone and fax calls through the Internet using your broadband or cable connection, rather than using a traditional PSTN telephone or mobile phone network. Your callers will never know that it's any different since it sounds just like a normal phone call. VoIP phones, often referred to as IP phones, offer extended features not available on regular phones. You may find it a little frustrating as you pore through product information when selecting a VoIP service. VoIP providers and equipment manufacturers have a habit of listing unfamiliar terminology, features and options.

Principal VoIP Phone Types

Handheld USB VoIP Phones

These allow you to use one convenient and familiar handheld device connected to your computer's USB port to make VoIP calls. They include a microphone and a speaker and are designed to interface with the software of your chosen VoIP service provider. Functionalityh varies by model and manufacturer. Possible functions include LCD displays, dialing keypads and advanced noise filtering and interference suppression. USB phones generally require little or no installation - they will be detected and installed automatically by your computer when connected to it.

Desktop USB VoIP Phones

These larger USB VoIP phones allow the making of VoIP calls via a more traditionally styles desk based unit. Their greater size allows them to offer greater sophistication than their hand-held counterparts. The keypads are larger and more easily used and their LCD displays tend to be easier to read. Some also include speaker phone functionality for hands-free use conference calls. Again these USB phones are usually detected by your computer automatically ensuring minimal installation.

Cordless USB VoIP Phones

At the top end of the range, these devices are still more sophisticated but may require a certain amount of installation effort. They allow all the convenient mobile functionality of a standard wireless DECT phone with the financial benefits of VoIP technology. Many allow you to remember and store your VoIP contacts and recent call information. They also edmbody the most advanced call quality functions. Some even offer special functionality allowing you to use them both as a normal landline phone and a VoIP phone.

Other Options

An entire range of devices have been launched to support Skype, with which many computer users will already be familiar. Now owned by eBay, Skype has long been available to provide voice and video over IP in a computer-based format. New devices are emerging that allow you to utilise Skype's advanced features in a USB corded, cordless and now even a mobile phone (cellular) format for ultimate portability. As with conventional phones, there are a wealth of accessories available including hands free kits, headsets and microphones.

VoIP Service Providers

A detailed review of service providers is beyond the scope of this page. Needless to say they are multiple and growing / merging at considerable pace. The key providers in the UK include Skype, VoIP Cheap, Inphonex, Dialpad, Yahoo and Msn, Vonage and Paltalk. When looking at a VoIP service provider, check their coverage, the cost of calls to landlines (which may vary by coverage) and recurring monthly, quarterly or annual costs. Also try to get some idea of the size of their subscriber base as this will give some indication as to their stability. It is worth searching for reviews - some providers' software is simple to install and exhibits good compatibility with most VoIP devices. Other may be a little more difficult to use.