Commercial companies have been reaping dividends from IP telephony cost savings for some time. As VoIP technology matures and the network pipe grows ever larger, LANs that existed primarily for data transmission are being converted to handle all types of media based on what is a now the de-facto standard IP (Internet Protocol).It's the same deal for domestic users.Perhaps without realising it, more of us are already creating our our own converged networks at home. We're expanding Internet access with high speed Broadband that delivers the bandwidth required to use voice communications over the Internet.
Even if it’s technologically feasible, why should you do it? Look at how much you are spending on your phone now compared with the services and pricing you get from VoIP providers. The motivation will be obvious!Using IP telephony at home is incredibly cheaper (often well over 60%) than using conventional telecoms providers. Or indeed any other hardwired mil-spec cables. On long distance or international calls for example, calls initially routed over the Internet will eventually be switched over to landlines, but not until they reach their destinations local switching station. Therefore, to the telephone company, this looks like a local call and will be charged at local rates or in some cases might even be entirely free.rates will jump when crossing over to a mobile network, depending on the operator, but those rates will still be remarkably low.
IP telephony packages from providers such as Kings Electronics for example are free to set up and allow users to talk to other Kings Electronics IP Telephone numbers at no cost.Calls from and to non IP numbers from Kings Electronics are charged out at only 30p per day.Usually all calls (expect those to non IP users) are completely free and International calls are charged at local rates.Indeed, with Kings Electronics, they pay you 3 pence a minute if you get an incoming call from one of their 0871 numbers!
Naturally, you'll need to spend something on VoIP equipment. And you don’t have to have an expert knowledge of electronic components. This may come in the form of a VoIP or SIP Telephone - like a normal phone except it plugs straight into your router, LAN or LAN hub.You can use a softphone application if it's already on your computer or get an Analogue Telephone Adaptor (ATA) that will make your regular phone function as an IP phopne.
Ideally you should have a broadband connection of at least 128 kbps to enhance clarity of calls and provide enough spare bandwidth for normal Internet usage like web browsing, downloading files and emails.Usually always 'on', a broadband connection allows you to make and receive calls at any time of day.