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Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows you to make telephone calls using an Internet connection instead of a regular telephone line. Some VoIP services may allow you only to call other people using the same service, but others may allow you to call any telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers.
How VoIP Works:
VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. If you are calling a regular telephone number, the signal is then converted back at the other end. You can make a VoIP call from a computer, a special VoIP phone, or a traditional phone using an adapter. In addition, new wireless "hot spots" in public locations such as airports, parks, and cafes allow you to connect to the Internet, and may enable you to use VoIP service wirelessly. If you make a call using a telephone with an adapter, you’ll be able to dial just as you always have. If your VoIP service provider assigns you a regular telephone number, then you can receive calls from regular telephones that don’t need special equipment.
What Kind of Equipment Do I Need?
First you need an Internet connection, and, for many types of VoIP calls, you need a broadband Internet connection. For information on broadband Internet connections, visit www.fcc.gov/cgb/broadband.html.
Depending on the VoIP service you purchase, you may need a computer, a special VoIP telephone, or a regular telephone with an adapter. If you are calling a regular telephone number, the person you are calling does not need any special equipment, just a telephone.
How Do I Use My VoIP Service?
If you use a VoIP telephone or regular telephone with an adaptor, you place and receive calls much like you do with regular telephone service. If you use VoIP with your computer, a telephone icon usually appears on your computer screen. Clicking the icon allows you to dial numbers from a pad, or dial a call by clicking on a contact’s pre-programmed name and number. You will then hear a ring just like any other call. Computer-based VoIP services have a variety of ways for notifying you that you have an incoming call.
What Are Some Advantages of VoIP?
If you’re considering replacing your traditional telephone service with VoIP, be aware that:
- Some VoIP service providers may have limitations to their 911 service;
- Some VoIP services don’t work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power;
- VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance/white page listings.
These factors may change with new developments in VoIP technology. You should always check with potential VoIP service providers to confirm any limitations to their service, including 911 service.
For more information on VoIP and 911 service, visit our VoIP Web site at www.voip911.gov, or see the FCC's Consumer Advisory at www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/voip911.html.
With VoIP, Is There a Difference Between Making a Local Call and a Long Distance Call?
Some VoIP providers do not charge for calls to other subscribers to the service. Some VoIP providers charge for a long distance call to a number outside your calling area, similar to existing, traditional wireline telephone service. Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes.
Your VoIP provider may permit you to select an area code for your VoIP service that is different from the area code in which you live. Calls within your VoIP area code may not be billed as long distance calls. People calling your VoIP area code from another area code, however, may incur long distance charges.
Can I call 911 from my VoIP phone?
Due to reports that some VoIP subscribers were unable to access 911 emergency services, in June 2005 the FCC imposed Enhanced 911 (E911) obligations on providers of “interconnected” VoIP services, i.e., VoIP services that allow users generally to receive calls from, and terminate calls to, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), including wireless networks.
However, you should know that 911 calls from VoIP phones work differently than calls from a land line. For instance, consumers must register their location with the VoIP service provider and keep their location information current.
Additional information on this subject can be found at our website, www.voip911.gov.
Where to Go for Additional Information and Assistance
For further information about VoIP, please visit the FCC’s VoIP home page at http://www.fcc.gov/voip/. You may also call the FCC’s Consumer Center at: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) Voice; 1-888-Tell-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY, or e-mail: fccinfo@fcc.gov.
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