Businesses have been reaping the benefits of IP telephony for some time. As VoIP technology matures and the network pipe grows ever larger, LANs that existed primarily for data transmission are being converted to handle all types of media based on what is a now the de-facto standard IP (Internet Protocol). And the same is true for the modern residential household.Perhaps without realising it, more of us are already creating our our own converged networks at home. We’re expanding Internet access with high speed Broadband that delivers the bandwidth required to use voice communications over the Internet.

It may involve a little bit of effort, but the results are worth it? When you look at the services and costs offered by VoIP providers compared to traditional telephone companies, the reasons become obvious!First and foremost is the considerable financial advantage (often up to 60% cheaper) of talking using the Internet rather than conventional copper PSTN telephone lines. Or indeed any other hardwired mil-spec cables. Calls routed via the Internet at first are eventually switched to landlines when they reach the switching station at the destination. To the PSTN provider, this looks like a local call and is therefore charged at local rates (which in some cases means free of charge).Rates may jump when crossing over to a cell phone network, but even so they are likely to be the lowest you can get.

IP telephony packages from providers such as Kings Electronics for example are free to set up and allow users to talk to other Kings Electronics IP Telephone numbers at no cost.Traffic with non Kings Electronics users is charged, but only at 30p per day.International calls are charged at local rates (in this case around 2p per minute) and all other calls/facilities are completely free.In fact, if you receive an inbound call from a Kings Electronics 0871 number, they pay you at 3 pence per minute!

Naturally, you’ll need to spend something on VoIP equipment. And you don’t have to have an expert knowledge of electronic components.You can get voIP or SIP handsets nowadays from supermarkets that look just like a regular phone but plug into a router or LAN hub.Other supported options include Softphone applications that runs on your PC or an Analogue Telephone Adaptor (ATA) that will ‘convert’ your normal BT type phone into an IP phone.

To make all this work, you should have a broadband connection faster than 128 kpbs to allow clarity of calls without using compression codecs and provide enough spare bandwidth for ‘regular’ internet functions like emails, web browsing and file downloads.Usually always ‘on’, a broadband connection allows you to make and receive calls at any time of day.