Main VOIP advantages and disadvantages

Internet telephony service has changed the way of using traditional phone service. People get better quality service at a cheaper rate. VOIP technology saves a lot of time and money for business owners. Any one with an internet connection can use the VOIP service and most features are absolutely free. People can make calls to mobiles, landlines or PC to PC calls. VOIP has revolutionalized telecommunication and it has got some advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few of them.

VOIP Advantages:

• It saves a lot of money as the VOIP calls are free over the internet connection.
• It is very simple and easy to use. A headset with mike is enough to dial numbers and speak. Everything is made easy with the click of a mouse button.
• It is possible to integrate it with the existing phone connection.
• Analog adapters can still be used and they must be connected to the computer.
• Long distance calls are absolutely free and people can make unlimited calls.
• Users can stay in touch unless the broadband connection is down.
• It is possible to transfer text, audio, video and other multimedia applications through the VOIP technology.
• It is feasible to buy a number valid to a particular geography and make unlimited calls to that number. Hence there are no worries about roaming charges.
• Travelers find it more useful as they could use the services if they can take the VOIP phone to all the places they travel. An internet connection is what needed to activate the services. Making calls are possible no matter where they are in the world.
• It supports instant messaging and single networking makes the total infrastructure to be inexpensive.
• There are no additional or dedicated cables or services for VOIP. They can be integrated with the existing Internet technologies.

VOIP Disadvantages:

• Need to have internet connection always. If there is no connectivity, VOIP cannot be used.
• During emergencies when power fails, it is not feasible to use VOIP phones. This tends to be a major disadvantage.
• It is quite difficult to identify the location of the VOIP phone user and to track them.
• Data can be lost due to heavy traffic in the internet cable.
• There are no standard protocols available for VOIP technology.
• Cannot be used in areas where power supply is not constant.

With the advancement in technology, VOIP phones give a competitive quality as got in the landline phones. The disadvantages about the VOIP services can be annoying but the effects are relatively limited. There can be tremendous growth in the technology and soon the untapped potential will be harnessed. The advantages of the VOIP phone will outweigh the disadvantages of it. It is important to choose an internet service provider who has got good reputation and a large customer base.