Voice over Internet Protocol, also known as VoIP, has been a major player in the Maine communications industry since 2004. It's hard to imagine that under a decade ago the notion 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 huge numbers of people the opportunity to carry out conversations all over the world.
How Does Maine VoIP Phone Service Work?
VoIP is a set 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 depending on the call's final destination.
VoIP calls in Maine are placed using either a computer, VoIP phone or conventional telephone that is connected to an adapter. With ME VoIP phone service calls can be made to either a phone or another computer, providing you with more flexibility in how you can communicate with family, friends and work associates.
How VoIP Compares to Other Phone Services in Maine
There are a number of similarities and differences between Maine VoIP and traditional phone services.
Similarities
Just like traditional phone service, VoIP customers in Maine can make local, long distance and also 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 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.
Maine 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 Maine, you'll need an internet connection to make VoIP phone calls. Because of this you may not be able to place calls if your power goes out. Before signing up for service ask the provider whether they]ve got backup power or another solution in the event that 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 limited 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 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 might not be automatically transmitted to 911 operators and when they do the location is going to be where the Maine VoIP phone service is registered, not where the caller is at that exact time.
How to Find Top Maine VoIP Phone Service Providers
Today there are a variety of Maine VoIP providers to select 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 ask 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 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 residences and businesses.
Other top Maine 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.
