Voice over Internet Protocol, also commonly referred to as VoIP, has been a major player in the Washington communications industry since 2004. It is difficult 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 are getting to be commonplace on the consumer market, giving huge numbers of people the ability to carry out conversations worldwide.
How Does Washington 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 Washington are placed using either a computer, VoIP phone or conventional telephone that is hooked up to an adapter. With WA VoIP phone service calls can be made to either a phone or another computer, giving you more flexibility in how you can communicate with family, friends and colleagues.
How VoIP Compares to Other Phone Services in Washington
There are several similarities and differences between Washington VoIP and traditional phone services.
Similarities
Just like traditional phone service, VoIP customers in Washington 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 not be able to differentiate a traditional call from a VoIP call.
Washington 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 Washington, you'll need an internet connection to make VoIP phone calls. For this reason 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 don't require any phone lines, whereas traditional phone services a delivered over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and 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 an issue 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 will likely be where the Washington VoIP phone service is registered, not the location where the caller is at that exact time.
How to Find Top Washington VoIP Phone Service Providers
Today there are a variety of Washington 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 inquire about the equipment required for service, their policy for handling 911 calls and power outages, what calling areas are built into 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 businesses and residences.
Other top Washington 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.
