Voice over Internet Protocol, also known as VoIP, has been a major player in the New York 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 novel. Today, VoIP phone services have become commonplace on the consumer market, giving millions of people the ability to carry out conversations around the world.
How Does New York 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 with respect to the call's final destination.
VoIP calls in New York are placed using either a computer, VoIP phone or conventional telephone that is hooked up to an adapter. With NY 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 business associates.
How VoIP Compares to Other Phone Services in New York
There are many similarities and differences between New York VoIP and traditional phone services.
Similarities
Just like traditional phone service, VoIP customers in New York 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 offer 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 distinguish a traditional call from a VoIP call.
New York 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 New York, you will need an internet connection to make VoIP phone calls. Because of this you possibly will not have the ability 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 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 so as to receive service. So traditional phone service is restricted to your home while VoIP service can be portal and utilized from any spot that has an internet connection.
However, this portability has one drawback that isn't a problem with traditional phone service. Emergency 911 calls made using 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 will likely be where the New York VoIP phone service is registered, not where the caller is at that exact time.
How to Find Top New York VoIP Phone Service Providers
Today there are a number of New York 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 aren't limited to providers that are strictly in your city.
Make sure to find out about the equipment necessary for service, their policy for handling 911 calls and power outages, what calling areas are built into their plans and whether or not there will be any installation fees.
Vonage was one of the first to provide VoIP phone services and to this day remains a well known choice among consumers. Although their headquarters are in the U.S. they provide service worldwide for both residences and businesses.
Other top New York 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.
