Voice over Internet Protocol, also known as VoIP, has been a major player in the Virginia 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 novel. Today, VoIP phone services have become commonplace on the consumer market, giving millions of people the ability to carry out conversations all over the world.
How Does Virginia 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 Virginia are placed using either a computer, VoIP phone or conventional telephone that is hooked up to an adapter. With VA VoIP phone service calls can be made to either a phone or another computer, giving you more flexibility in the way you communicate with family, friends and colleagues.
How VoIP Compares to Other Phone Services in Virginia
There are a number of similarities and differences between Virginia VoIP and traditional phone services.
Similarities
Just like traditional phone service, VoIP customers in Virginia can make local, long distance and also international calls. Calls can be made to any phone 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 be unable to differentiate a traditional call from a VoIP call.
Virginia 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 Virginia, you'll need an internet connection to make VoIP phone calls. For this reason you might not be able to place calls if your power goes out. Before you sign 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 do not require any phone lines, whereas traditional phone services a delivered over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and require phone lines so that you can 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 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 will be where the Virginia VoIP phone service is registered, not where the caller is at that exact time.
How to Find Top Virginia VoIP Phone Service Providers
Today there are a number of Virginia VoIP providers to choose from that offer both residential and business phone services. As outlined 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 among 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 Virginia 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.
