Voice over Internet Protocol, also known as VoIP, has been a major player in the Colorado communications industry since 2004. It is difficult to imagine that under a decade ago the thought of using anything other than a phone to make a call was novel. Today, VoIP phone services have become commonplace on the consumer market, giving huge numbers of people the ability to carry out conversations worldwide.
How Does Colorado 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 appropriate signal according to the call's final destination.
VoIP calls in Colorado are placed using either a computer, VoIP phone or conventional telephone that is hooked up to an adapter. With CO VoIP phone service calls can be made to either a telephone 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 Colorado
There are many similarities and differences between Colorado VoIP and traditional phone services.
Similarities
Just like traditional phone service, VoIP customers in Colorado can make local, long distance and even international calls. Calls can be made to any telephone number whether it's a landline or a mobile phone.
VoIP phone calls also provide good sound quality and calls are received the same way 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 be unable to differentiate a traditional call from a VoIP call.
Colorado VoIP providers offer customers the same great calling features as traditional phone companies and they've got various calling plans as well.
Differences
Unlike traditional phone services in Colorado, you will need an internet connection to make VoIP phone calls. Due to this you may 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 do not require any phone lines, whereas traditional phone services a delivered over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and do require phone lines in order to receive service. So traditional phone service is restricted to your residence while VoIP service can be portal and utilized from any spot that has an internet connection.
However, this portability does have one drawback that isn't a problem with traditional phone service. Emergency 911 calls made employing 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 may not be automatically transmitted to 911 operators and when they do the location will likely be where the Colorado VoIP phone service is registered, not the location where the caller is at that exact time.
How to Find Top Colorado VoIP Phone Service Providers
Today there are a variety of Colorado VoIP providers from which to choose that offer both residential and business phone services. As stated before, 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 city.
Make sure to find out about the equipment required 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 one of the first to provide VoIP phone services and to this day remains a popular choice among consumers. Although their headquarters are in the U.S. they provide service worldwide for both businesses and residences.
Other top Colorado 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.
