Voice over Internet Protocol, also known as VoIP, has been a major player in the Alabama communications industry since 2004. It's hard to imagine that less than a decade ago the thought of using anything other than a phone to make a call was novel. Today, VoIP phone services are getting to be commonplace on the consumer market, giving many individuals the ability to carry out conversations around the world.
How Does Alabama VoIP Phone Service Work?
VoIP is a group of technologies that deliver voice communications using the internet. In order to do this, the analog voice signal must be digitized, encoded and transmitted as Internet Protocol packets which is then received, decoded and converted to the correct signal according to the call's final destination.
VoIP calls in Alabama are placed using either a computer, VoIP phone or conventional telephone that is connected to an adapter. With AL VoIP phone service calls can be made to either a phone or another computer, giving you more flexibility in the way you communicate with family, friends and business associates.
How VoIP Compares to Other Phone Services in Alabama
There are many similarities and differences between Alabama VoIP and traditional phone services.
Similarities
Just like traditional phone service, VoIP customers in Alabama can make local, long distance and also international calls. Calls can be made to any phone number whether it's a landline or a mobile phone.
VoIP phone calls also provide good sound quality and calls are received just like you would receive a traditional phone call if you're using a VoIP phone or regular phone that's connected to an adapter. The people you're calling will not be able to differentiate a traditional call from a VoIP call.
Alabama VoIP providers offer customers the same great calling features as traditional phone companies and they've got a number of calling plans as well.
Differences
Unlike traditional phone services in Alabama, you'll need an internet connection to make VoIP phone calls. For this reason you may not be able to place calls if your power goes out. Before signing up for service ask the provider if they have backup power or another solution in cases where your power goes out.
VoIP calls are delivered over a packet switched network and don't require any phone lines, whereas traditional phone services a delivered over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and do require phone lines so that you can receive service. So traditional phone service is restricted to your home while VoIP service can be portal and utilized from any place where you have an internet connection.
However, this portability does have one drawback that isn't an issue with traditional phone service. Emergency 911 calls made with a traditional phone service goes to a Public Safety Answering Point where the location and phone number can automatically and easily be identified. If you're using a VoIP phone service this information might not be automatically transmitted to 911 operators and when they do the location will be where the Alabama VoIP phone service is registered, not where the caller is at that exact time.
How to Find Top Alabama VoIP Phone Service Providers
Today there are a lot of Alabama VoIP providers to choose from that offer both residential and business phone services. As mentioned above, each provider offers their own unique services, plans and prices. Because VoIP phone service doesn't require phone lines you are not limited to providers that are strictly in your area.
Make sure to find out about the equipment necessary for service, their policy for handling 911 calls and power outages, what calling areas are a part of their plans and whether or not you'll have any installation fees.
Vonage was among the first to provide VoIP phone services and to this day remains a favorite choice among consumers. Although their headquarters are in the U.S. they provide service worldwide for both businesses and residences.
Other top Alabama VoIP providers include: AT&T, Nextiva, RingCentral, Vocalocity and 8x8, Inc.
Get the best deals on VoIP phone service today. Check to see which providers have the best VoIP phone plans and prices in your area by calling the toll free number above or using the secure search form.
