VOIP

From BuildingHomes.ca

VOIP = Voice Over Internet Protocol.

With the increased speed and flexibility of a high-speed internet connection, the option of using VOIP for your telephone service has now become very popular.

You must have a high-speed internet connection, such as cable or DSL, and a telephone. That's it!

When you sign up, the VOIP service provider will give you an ATA (Analogue Telephone Adapter) which will plug into your cable/DSL modem. Then you can plug your telephone into the ATA and use it as if it were connected to a regular Bell land line.

[edit] Pros of VOIP

• Long distance is included. No extra charges for calls anywhere in Canada and the US (read service providers information for exact details)
• You can usually get a telephone number with any Canadian/US area code that you want. Advantage being that if you live in Newbrunswick, but you have family in Ottawa you want to call you, you can get a phone number with a 613 area code and they can dial it as if it were a local number. No extra long distance charges for either one of you.
• Many extra services included by default, such as name/number display, voicemail, call forwarding, etc.

[edit] Cons of VOIP

• No internet connection? No telephone. Land lines are generally rock solid when it comes to service.. but internet connections can tend to be flakey at times.
• No electricity? No telephone. Your internet connection requires power, so does the ATA. If the power goes out, neither of these will function. However, land lines will function when the power goes out.