VOIP
Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) is revolutionizing telecommunications. The main benefit is the savings. As calls are made over the internet savings can be fantastic especially if they are long distance calls. Currently Zenith Tech Solutions can only provide support to Melbourne residents.Below are some VOIP solutions that may suit your needs (prices listed are in Australian dollars):
PC to PC
VOIP calls via the PC are done using software known as a "Soft phone" solution. The software on the computer is responsible for turning voice sound into digital and then back into voice again at the other end of the line. All you need is the headset which is very cheap and the software which is almost always free. It will turn your laptop computer into a mobile phone that can call anywhere at cheap rates. Best off all is that if the receiver uses the same software as you, the call is free.
PC to phone
By subscribing to a VOIP provider, you can use your computer to call to a normal telephone or mobile phone. The costs of such calls depend on where you are calling to and what device. Prices vary, but generally you can expect to pay the following:- Calls inside Australia are around 12 cents flat.
- Calls to outside Australia are around 3 cents per minute.
- Calls to mobile phones are around 30 cents per minute.
Phones to PC
If you get assigned a "Dial In Direct" number, people call you directly on your computer from a regular phone or mobile. Such phone2pc calling usually requires you to have a monthly/ yearly subscription for the phone number. A DIN, it costs around $5 per month.
Phone to phone
You can call phone2phone using VOIP. Your VOIP provider is then responsible for connecting you up to the Plain Old Telephone System (POTS). The costs here is the same as quoted above under the section "PC to phone".
Enable a virtual office
With mobile VOIP, free software, free/ cheap calling, Dial In Direct numbers and phone number portability, you can have a virtual office. No need to manage multiple phone numbers. If you have a good smartphone or connected PDA with a cellular wireless plan as well, you can go on the road with confidence.
Drawbacks
Call quality
With a poor internet connection, the sound quality can at times be poor. This will improve with time as the underlying internet infrastructure is upgraded.
Emergency calls
Due to the nature of "POTS", it is not possible to dial out to emergency numbers ie calling "000". Also, during a blackout, the internet will be down, which means so will VOIP. The solution, own a mobile as a backup calling solution.