Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Cheap Conference Calls for Beginners

Conference calls have become one of the easiest ways to communicate with your business clients or partners. Nowadays there are several companies offering conference call facilities to all those who need to perform an audio or video conferencing at a short notice. Though conference call services are considered as an efficient and money saving option when compared with business travel and hotel accommodations, small business will find conference calls as a costly option. This is where cheap conference call services lend a helping hand. Majority of the companies offering cheap conference calls for beginners do not need reservations. Let us look of how cheap conference calls work. Most of the conference calling is done in a fully automated fashion. The customer will be provided with a toll free call-in number which the customer can give to their clients of participants. What the customer need is to pay for the minutes he had used the facility. All the transactions will be provided in detail in an easy to read bill at the end of each month. There are certain cheap conference call providers who even waive the setup fees and also don’t ask for any minimum usage fee. With the advent of cheap conference calls, a customer can also take the advantage of buying minutes in bulk. Most cheap conference call providers also provide large volume discounts. That is, if the customer purchases more monthly minutes, then the service will be provided with a cheaper or discounted per minute rate. For cheap conference calling the customers need not have to purchase any additional equipment other than a telephone system. With cheap conference calling, a customer can arrange conferences for two to 200 people. Cheap conference calling does not mean that it lacks many options of the ordinary conference calling. Cheap conference calling come with call management over the web, always on conferencing, and free instant activation. Majority of the companies maintain their own conference call bridges and other telephone infrastructure. This helps them to provide cheap conference calls to their subscribers without having to increase the markup prices to cover overheads.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Mobile VoIP Calls From your PC to Your Mobile Phone

With the introduction of technologies such as Voice over IP, it is possible for people to forward calls to distant places of the world at very low call costs. In fact, some service providers also offer the service 'free of cost'. So, it is actually possible for people to make VoIP calls to different regions of the world at a price that has been drastically slashed in comparison to the traditional networks. So, users find it possible on their part to make use of the services provided by the technology so as to stay connected with others effortlessly. The websites that offer VoIP calls can be accessed on a mobile phone too. So, it is possible for people to make use of their mobiles, in order to access the services of VoIP. So, it is no longer restricted to laptops or computers. Mobile VoIP calls have brought to the people services that include forwarding calls, sending messages and sharing of files. Besides the users also get extra facilities such as Three-way calling, caller ID recognition, Call waiting, Call transfer, Repeat dial and Return call. So, users can easily make use of these facilities, in order to unconditionally stay connected with others. Users are benefited by forwarding cheap VoIP calls from their mobiles. This is because they can now access the service provided by VoIP technology even while they are on a move. One just needs to subscribe to a website that provides such services. Then it is actually possible to use the technology for business purposes. So, professionals, businessman and even academicians benefit from the service offered by the VoIP technology. It brings to people connectivity that opens up the scope to reach out to others at exceedingly low calling cost. Subscribers can learn about these sites and then make good use of their services, no matter, wherever they may be located.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Free VoIP Or Paid VoIP – Which One Is Better?

Paid VoIP plans start at around $20 a month which comes to about $250 a year. So why pay for it if you can get it for free? But before I delve into that let me notice that even with the free VoIP to landline or cell phone offers – there are usually small long distance charges with common exceptions often dealing with free promotional offers.

There are certain features that the paid VoIP provider might provide which a free one might not. One such feature is the 911 emergency call service functionality. This particular issue has to do with the difficulty of pinpointing a geographical location of a call that is being routed through the Internet. FCC has regulated in 2005 that all VoIP providers hooking up to PSTN network are required to comply with providing full 911 call compatibility or otherwise not to obtain new customers in areas where it is mandatory.

Sometimes there is also raised a question of a voice transmission quality difference between the two types of VoIP although in my personal experience that has not been an issue.

Next there is the local phone number availability. Some free VoIP providers offer it as an add-on paid feature. The same may apply to extras like caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding and voice mail. Others allow you even to have more then one local number and in remote geographical locations.

If you are a business VoIP user the ability to send faxes over VoIP might be important to you as well. Or if you are using VoIP for conference calling with large number of simultaneous participants then it is definitely something to find out – how far will your VoIP provider be able to accommodate you with that.

The final answer to which type of VoIP is better will depend on whether you need these extra features. Also many paid VoIP providers have signup specials offering either free VoIP phone sets and/or interface boxes for regular corded or cordless phones . So if you are planning on using regular phone sets for dialing up to VoIP network that might be then also something to consider.

And if you are not depending on free long distance VoIP to PSTN offers from the free VoIP providers then the amount of time you spend on the phone can also be a factor in deciding which type of VoIP is best suite to your needs.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

What Is Voip

Introduction
VOIP is an acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol, or in more common terms phone service over the Internet.
If you have a reasonable quality Internet connection you can get phone service delivered through your Internet connection instead of from your local phone company.
Some people use VOIP in addition to their traditional phone service, since VOIP service providers usually offer lower rates than traditional phone companies, but sometimes doesn't offer
911 service, phone directory listings, 411 service, or other common phone services. While many VoIP providers offer these services, consistent industry-wide means of offering these are
still developing.
How does VOIP work?
A way is required to turn analog phone signals into digital signals that can be sent over the Internet.
This function can either be included into the phone itself or in a separate box like an ATA .
Applications using VOIP
Traditional telephony applications, such as outbound call center applications and inbound IVR applications, normally can be run on VOIP.
VOIP connecting directly.
It is also possible to bypass a VOIP Service Provider and directly connect to another VOIP user. However, if the VOIP devices are behind NAT routers, there may be problems with this
approach.
Voip Service providers
There are many providers out there, skype is a style of voip without all the control you would get with a company like ContactTel
Why use VOIP?
There are two major reasons to use VOIP
* Lower Cost
* Increased functionality

Lower Cost

In general phone service via VOIP costs less than equivalent service from traditional sources. This is largely a function of traditional phone services either being monopolies or
government entities. There are also some cost savings due to using a single network to carry voice and data. This is especially true when users have existing under-utilized network capacity that they can use for VOIP without any additional costs.
In the most extreme case, users see VOIP phone calls (even international) as FREE. While there is a cost for their Internet service, using VOIP over this service may not involve any
extra charges, so the users view the calls as free. There are a number of services that have sprung up to facilitate this type of "free" VOIP call. Examples are: Free World Dialup ,ContactTel and
Skype.
Increased Functionality

VOIP makes easy some things that are difficult to impossible with traditional phone networks.
* Incoming phone calls are automatically routed to your VOIP phone where ever you plug it into the network. Take your VOIP phone with you on a trip, and anywhere you connect it to the Internet, you can receive your incoming calls.
* Call center agents using VOIP phones can easily work from anywhere with a good Internet connection.
By: Mike Richards

The voip services

Kind of voip services you can look at :

Are there different kinds of VoIP services?

Voice over IP is still an emerging technology and that means it is still changing in many ways. And, yes, there are many different ways to use VoIP. These include:

Computer-to-computer: Two parties in different locations speak to one another as each sits at a computer. This kind of VoIP connection has existed almost as long as the internet itself. Usually, both sides of the connection are using a headphones and a microphone (though you can use a computer's built-in microphone and external speakers, this usually causes an echo as what comes out of the speakers gets fed right back into the mic and severely disrupts a conversation). Think of this kind of use of VoIP as a modern day version of two cans and a string.

Computer-to-phone: This kind of connection is pouplar among those who make a lot of international calls. There are a number of services that offer overseas calling for just pennies a minute. The way it works is that you use your computer (again, with headphones and a mic is preferred) to log into a server, which then uses a VoIP connection to a regular landline phone exchange abroad, which then connects you to the number you want to reach.

SIP-to-SIP: This method allows telephone calls between two parties while totally bypassing the standard landline telephone system. Each end of a SIP-to-SIP call can use a specialized SIP phone (from companies such as Granstream, and others), a regular handset connected to an internet telephony adaptor, or a computer running softphone software. Companies such as SIPPhonbe offer SIP-to-SIP service.

Phone-to-phone: This method allows the use of VoIP service to contact any other telephone number, even one on the traditional landline service. Companies like Packet8, VoicePulse and Vonage offer this service.

Quick Tips To Select A Cheap Voip Calls Service Provider

The latest, must talked and widely used trend of communicating technology is VoIP technology. The VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol has shown the ray of hope to many who need to make long distance calls most frequently. Whether those long distance calls made are within the country or outside countries (or international calls), VoIP technologies cover its network all around the globe to enable people use such service. This specialised technology of communication is to be deployed by any high speed Internet connection or broadband Internet connection for the purpose of transmitting data packets unlike the traditional communication process wherein wires were required for transmission of data.

Whether it is ease of deployment or wireless data transmitting ability, the most significant feature of VoIP wireless communicating technology is its ability to reduce costs of long distance international calls. The VoIP technology was invented in order to enable those who have computers to communicate. However, currently the main objective of using VoIP calls is to control over excessive expenses being incurred on international calls. Hence, if your telephone bills are steadily rising upwards too like most of us, look for a good VoIP service provider and make cheap VoIP calls as many as you need and want.
Significant reduction in billing is because of inclusion on Internet instead of transferring of signals via the normal wires. Also, set up of towers for transferring this analogue signals requires extensive period of work and it is complicated too. On the other hand, installing VoIP set up is much quicker and easier. So, whether you need to call Pakistan or US or European countries, you may look for calling plans accordingly. With cheap VoIP calling plans to Pakistan, you are allowed to make cheap VoIP calls to Pakistan at the rate of local calls.

Innumerable VoIP service providers are coming up with several types of customer centric calling plans and therefore, these plans tend to vary. In spite of varied differences, these plans are similar in offering benefits. Usually, any of these VoIP service providers allow their subscribers to reduce up to 75 percent of their traditional telephone bills. Whether you are intending to opt for VoIP services for making residential purpose or business purpose, choose a suitable calling plan according to your usage, as most of the service providers devise individual plans for business users and residential users.

Here are some tips to help you make a quick decision regarding which VoIP service provider will serve you better. And the right VoIP service provider will be the one who will not let you compromise on the quality of calls and at the same time, drag down the costs of making calls too. Consider keeping these points in your mind while selecting the best VoIP service provider and avail cheap VoIP calls to Pakistan or any country worldwide. Carry out researches and comparison amongst several VoIP service providers by emphasising on activation fees, termination rates etc. It is important to find out what services those VoIP vendors include.

Some of the VoIP vendors include special offers to their packages like unlimited number of free calls within specific regions, while some vendors may include complimentary offers like introductory free calls offer for the first month and the like. You should also note, that if the VoIP vendors integrate services to their packages and whether the service can be included with existing phone line. At the same time, make sure that you should avoid the VoIP services that need to install new phones and are not compatible to your existing phone – this way you can save your expenses too.

By: Nisha

Using Voip To Make Free Calls Across The World

One of the most exciting features to be developed through internet technology is VoIP, otherwise known as Voice over Internet Protocol. Put simply, VoIP allows people to make telephone calls across the internet, rather than a standard telephone. The advantages of doing this centre mainly on cost, being a much cheaper way of making telephone calls. However, there are a number of other advantages often overlooked by many people. If you are considering buying a VoIP phone, handset or subscription, then there are a few things that will be important for you to bear in mind.

To make a telephone call to your next door neighbour costs very little, but to make a telephone call to someone on the other side of the planet can cost a very large sum of money. But despite the fact that internet technology often uses the same telephone cables, sending an email to your neighbour costs exactly the same as sending the same email to someone on the other side of the planet. In fact, you could send your entire photo album and library of books and videos to the other side of the planet and it won't cost you a penny.
It is largely because of the different ways in which internet technology handles data that this significant difference is possible, although it also has to do with telephony rules and legislation. So using internet technology to make telephone calls is very simple, and much cheaper. In order to use VoIP technology to make telephone calls you will need to buy a subscription. This buys you your own telephone number, and this can be reached by anyone who calls it. People don't need to have a VoIP phone in order to call your own VoIP number - it will work just like a normal phone.

But the real savings will be for you - because calls that you make will very often be free. The few calls which aren't free will be extremely cheap when compared to making those same calls using a normal telephone.

One advantage of using internet technology is that it is possible to send more than simply voice data down the line. In fact, you could send files and photos to the other person too, if they're also using a VoIP phone. You could even use the same technology and VoIP subscription to make video calls to other people with VoIP phones. Imagine being able to see the person who you are talking to at the same time as hearing them! Nothing quite prepares you for the amazing experience of being able to see and talk to someone on the other side of the planet, either for free or just a few pence.

There are some issues that you will need to bear in mind. A VoIP phone is not a substitute for a normal phone, because if you suffer a power cut, or your internet connection is down, you won't be able to dial emergency numbers. But for most people, they represent an extraordinary saving, and when combined with a good quality handset, or even a wireless headset, they also represent marvellous convenience.

By: Victor Epand

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Calling With The Free Internet Call Service

Calling has become very eventful with the free calling service. Users feel good about this innovative technology and can actually depend on the free calling service made available to people by VoIP network. Users can now make free calls to any distant places without bothering about the cost involved. It is definitely beneficial for any age group and people can reach out to others irrespective of where others are staying.

The user-friendliness of the free phone calls allows people to use it for business as well as meeting personal needs. Users feel delighted to access this calling service either from an affiliate or from the direct service providers. In both cases, it is possible for the users to make free PC phone calls to people living at distant places of the world. The technology is very sophisticated and users feel great to have subscribed to the calling for free services.
The advent of this technology allows people to make free phone calls either from a computer or a mobile phone. This is possible as the websites that offer communication services can be accessed on a mobile or a laptop. So, users find a lot of scope for mobility. The system is one of the best and people can communicate with others staying overseas 'free of cost'.

The resellers and wholesalers of this technology help to increase the reach of this service. Resellers have come up in remote places of the world. So, it is actually possible for people to connect with this technology, even if they happen to stay in remote places of the world. This user-friendly communication system is applauded by people in the entire world. It is possible for people to connect with it even if they happen to visit to distant places.

Information about the websites that offer such communication service is available on the Internet. People can easily find such websites and register themselves with the sites. Having done so, a person can avail connectivity that is seamless. Every facility offered by the system can be availed once a person is registered. The process of registration is also simple and it just takes few steps to complete it. A person can register from any place of the world. It just involves filling up of a single online application form. The person willing to get registered with a site may have to provide some personal details. It can be information about ones email address and mobile phone number. This is important for receiving uninterrupted service offered by the service providers. People then find it possible for them to make call for free from any place of the world.

Having finished with the registration process, a users can forward calls and upload flies to be shared with others. While making calls people can also see the person at the other end to whom the call is being forwarded. Then there are other options such as three way conference calling whereby people can invite a large number of callers to join in. This is the reason why this calling service is very beneficial for business establishments. Business houses such as call centres use this telephony service to easily reach out to their clients. Moreover, they get free calling option and this is very beneficial for their business. This calling method is also very beneficial for academicians and people's personal use.

By: Nisha

Tips To Compare Voip Rates

The first time I've used VoIP, it was a brave new world for me. This was a few years ago, and my first impression was COOL! - I could dump my land line (or the fee rather), and still keep a phone service!

Some time later, and to my surprise I learned an interesting fact - not only was my great find becoming mainstream - it was also becoming cheaper! It turns out I was overpaying for my international VoIP calls. While my VoIP Service Provider(VSP) at the time was real affordable for domestic service - their international rates were 4-5 times higher than the competition!
It was at that point that I set myself on a mission to find the cheapest rates I can, to any destination I make calls to. I have gone through multiple companies, some of them were better than others, some worse.. eventually I even opened my very own VoIP company - but one thing stays constant - it is incredibly difficult to find the best rate when you need it. Throughout the past few years, I have visited hundreds of sites to look at their rates and try to find who's the best for my needs. One problem always remained - 99% of so-called VoIP comparison sites out there are really just an advertising platform for the providers with the most cash to burn, and it only follows naturally that the biggest advertisers have the worst rates.

Having done all the legwork, and given my experience in tracking down low rates, I decided to take action! If I cannot find a non-biased VoIP comparisson site - why not just create one? So I created one! the name is Compare VoIP Provider Rates - and it is your complete answer to finding the lowest rates worldwide.

For quality purposes, only established companies with a proven track record make it into the site, and we absolutely prevent fly-by-night type operators. If a company is listed - they're legit and have been in business for a while. We also take other measures to protect the end user against lies, rate-games, or any bait-and-switch tactics. If spotted, such operators are banned to keep you safe. The intention is a search platform where you'll be able to find the best rates in the world - from reputable companies.

I wish you the best of luck finding the best rates, anywhere!!

By: Nitzan Kon

International Calls: Cheapest Calling Rates With Highest Quality

International calls have been justified by using the various calling services available on the web. It is possible for people to make cheap international phone calls by simply using the services provided by the system available on internet. It is getting popularised and people all over the world are resorting to it by abandoning their traditional phone lines.

The method of making cheap phone calls are thus simplified by this new system. Now, people can easily forward calls to distant places of the world without having to bother about the cost of long distance calls. Calls are forwarded overseas almost 'free of cost'. In certain cases, the websites demand some charges for the call forwarded. But then the bill is extremely low in comparison to the charges on traditional phone lines. It is thus possible for people to make distant calls, no matter, wherever they may be located in the world at very low call cost.
Thus, cheap international calls make it possible for people to make distant calls at low cost rate. It is also possible for users all over the world to subscribe to the services offered by the websites. The process of subscription is simple and can be done online. A form is filled in following which people get an access to the services offered by the communication websites.

Calling cards are also made available for accessing the services offered by the websites. The users can thus travel to different places of the world and stay connected all the while by means of the virtual calling cards. Thus users can make cheap international phone calls on their laptops even while they are on a move.

Latest information about this calling service is available on the internet. Users can make web conference and call back to others by simply dialling their number on the dial pad provided on these sites. Then the call gets 'terminated' to the end user. As the system is digital so it is actually possible for users to make international and local calls while simultaneously send messages and share files. This process of international calling is also fruitful as callers can see the person on the screen to whom the call is being forwarded.

There are wholesalers and resellers of this calling service. Each one of them specialise in altogether different international phone calls. It means that they offer different plans and that work out very well for any user. People feel great about the offers and they can easily avail the plans by registering themselves with the sites. The service providers have their own official sites that bring to people the latest telephony services. So, people can make international calls by availing services of these websites. The simplicity and user-friendliness of the sites really draw the attention of people throughout the world.
By: Nisha