As the Internet becomes cheap and everywhere, both small scale and large scale businesses are dumping the usual landlines and jumping to the available free VoIP services. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is simply phone service over the Internet. It is a digital technology that records a caller’s voice, turns it into data (1s and 0s), and sends it over to a target address using data connections on the internet.

Free VoIP sounds like magic to some. An example of well-known companies that use VoIP services is Skype and Google Voice. It helps people to share instant messages and make voice and video calls for free. All you need is an internet connection (broad width speed) and the equipment (smart device or a computer) to make the VoIP calls.

How does VoIP work?

VoIP technology works in three ways.

IP phones: These are special phones that connect to computers using an Ethernet connector on one end and directly to your router to make VoIP calls. Wi-Fi phones are the cordless version. If making a lot of calls while sitting in front of a computer, you may be using an IP phone without knowing.

An analog telephone adapter: ATA allows users to connect a phone to computer or internet connection for use with VoIP. ATA can take those landline signals and convert them to VoIP.

Computer-to-Computer: Skype is an example of a computer-to-computer VoIP call. If you have a built-in microphone and speakers, you can download any computer-to-computer VoIP software. These calls are free no matter the distance.

How to get Free VoIP Services

You can download and create an account with Skype for desktop or Google Voice. Some VoIP providers might add some features and personalized plans if you’re going to be making a lot of calls.

Benefits of Free VoIP Services

It helps to cut cost.

It can be used wherever you are provided there is an internet connection

You can handle more than one call simultaneously without paying for additional phone lines for each incoming call.

Many VoIP providers offer mobile apps which allow you to make and receive calls from the road using your data connection

VoIP Shortcomings/Disadvantages

VoIP’s most significant drawback is that if your Internet service or your power goes out, VoIP service goes out too.

Many VoIP providers don’t offer emergency service and the ones that do tend to charge extra for it.

Your network quality can seriously affect call quality

VoIP is a very helpful technology that is widely accepted and used. It has shortcomings along with the numerous benefits it brings.