Voice over Internet Protocol, also typically called VoIP, has been a major player in the Hawaii communications industry since 2004. It's hard to imagine that under a decade ago the thought of using anything other than a phone to make a call was innovative. Today, VoIP phone services have become commonplace on the consumer market, giving millions of people the ability to carry out conversations worldwide.
How Does Hawaii 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 proper signal depending on the call's final destination.
VoIP calls in Hawaii are placed using either a computer, VoIP phone or conventional telephone that is connected to an adapter. With HI 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 work associates.
How VoIP Compares to Other Phone Services in Hawaii
There are a number of similarities and differences between Hawaii VoIP and traditional phone services.
Similarities
Just like traditional phone service, VoIP customers in Hawaii can make local, long distance as well as international calls. Calls can be made to any phone number whether it's a landline or a mobile phone.
VoIP phone calls provide good sound quality and calls are received the same way 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 be unable to distinguish a traditional call from a VoIP call.
Hawaii VoIP providers offer customers the same great calling features as traditional phone companies and they have a number of calling plans as well.
Differences
Unlike traditional phone services in Hawaii, you'll need an internet connection to make VoIP phone calls. Because of this you might 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 require phone lines so as to receive service. So traditional phone service is limited 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 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 might not be automatically transmitted to 911 operators and when they do the location will likely be where the Hawaii VoIP phone service is registered, not the location where the caller is at that exact time.
How to Find Top Hawaii VoIP Phone Service Providers
Today there are a lot of Hawaii 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 city.
Make sure to inquire about the equipment necessary for service, their policy for handling 911 calls and power outages, what calling areas are built into 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 residences and businesses.
Other top Hawaii 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.
