Voice over Internet Protocol, also typically called VoIP, has been a major player in the California communications industry since 2004. It is difficult to imagine that less than a decade ago the notion of using anything other than a phone to make a call was innovative. Today, VoIP phone services are getting to be commonplace on the consumer market, giving huge numbers of people the opportunity to carry out conversations all over the world.
How Does California VoIP Phone Service Work?
VoIP is a group of technologies that deliver voice communications using the internet. 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 proper signal according to the call's final destination.
VoIP calls in California are placed using either a computer, VoIP phone or conventional telephone that is connected to an adapter. With CA VoIP phone service calls can be made to either a telephone or another computer, providing you with more flexibility in the way you communicate with family, friends and work associates.
How VoIP Compares to Other Phone Services in California
There are several similarities and differences between California VoIP and traditional phone services.
Similarities
Just like traditional phone service, VoIP customers in California can make local, long distance as well as international calls. Calls can be made to any telephone number whether it's a landline or a mobile phone.
VoIP phone calls also offer good sound quality and calls are received just like you would receive a traditional phone call if you are 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.
California VoIP providers offer customers the same great calling features as traditional phone companies and they've got a variety of calling plans as well.
Differences
Unlike traditional phone services in California, you will need an internet connection to make VoIP phone calls. Due to this you possibly will not have the ability to place calls if your power goes out. Before signing up for service ask the provider if they have backup power or another solution when 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 require phone lines in order to 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 easily and automatically be identified. If you're using a VoIP phone service this information may not be automatically transmitted to 911 operators and when they do the location is going to be where the California VoIP phone service is registered, not the location where the caller is at that exact time.
How to Find Top California VoIP Phone Service Providers
Today there are a lot of California 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 aren't 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 if 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 residences and businesses.
Other top California 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.
