Do I Need a Computer to Use VoIP?

The simple answer to this is – No, you no longer need a computer to use VoIP. You may however, want to use one in order to take advantage of some of VoIP’s features. Read on for a discussion of currently available VoIP technology and what is required to use it.


In the early days of VoIP technology, a computer was required to place telephone calls over the Internet. VoIP technology relied on a device called a softphone to do this. This is a software application that turns your PC into an Internet phone. Another requirement was that both parties to the call had to be running the same softphone software. Broadband or high speed access was also not widely available. While this allowed low-cost long-distance calls to be made over the Internet, these restrictions kept most people from taking advantage of VoIP.


Quite recently, VoIP providers and hardware manufactures began offering a number of different options for accessing VoIP. This includes analog telephone adapters (or ATAs), which allow you to use your regular analog telephones to access your VoIP service. These devices also connect to your high speed Internet modem or router. ATAs eliminate the need for a computer altogether. They contain all of the hardware and software necessary to access your VoIP services. Another fairly recent device is the USB softphone. This is typically in the form of a telephone-style handset or headset that plugs into the USB port on your PC. These devices do require software to be running on the PC to complete the connection to your VoIP services.


Another new device that is available from some providers is an analog telephone system that has the ATA incorporated into it. This type of device typically consists of a base station and ATA combined, and 1 or more cordless handsets. So you can provide VoIP service to your entire home with one of these devices and the proper number of cordless handsets. This device also connects directly to your high speed Internet modem or router.


One other available equipment option is a high speed DSL or cable modem with the ATA incorporated into it. These are currently available from some providers, but be sure to check that the modem is compatible with your ISP – not all cable or DSL modems are the same. With this type of device, the modem is connected to your high speed connection and you plug your analog telephone(s) into the modem.


Finally, the softphone is still an available option from most VoIP providers. You will certainly want to take advantage of a softphone if you plan to use your VoIP service when you travel. And you may find that you prefer using this softphone when you are not traveling. Many people who are online or working at their computer a lot like the efficiency of having everything, including their phone service running on their PC.


As you can see, VoIP has recently become a viable alternative to regular analog telephone service. If you do not use a PC often, but still want to take advantage of the cost savings of VoIP, then you probably will be happiest using an ATA to connect your existing analog telephones to your VoIP service. Your telephones will operate exactly the same as they always have using this method. However, if you are working at your PC or online often, you may find that one of the other options, such as a USB softphone suits your needs best.


One thing is certain, with its advanced features, options and cost savings, VoIP is a technology that deserves serious consideration. Now would be a good time to use the features available at this site to help you evaluate and choose a VoIP service provider

What Kind of Equipment Do I Need for Using VoIP?

The Various Methods of Using VoIP are Listed Below:

• PC to PC
• Internet Phone
• Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA)
• IP Phone

Each Method is Explained in Detail Below:

The first (and cheapest) way to use VoIP is from PC to PC. With this method you can make free Internet phone calls. All that is required is a PC connected to a broadband internet connection, and a headset consisting of earphones and microphone connected to the soundcard of your computer.

You will also need to download and install VoIP software. The most popular software is called Skype. Gizmo, Free World Dialup, and Net2Phone are some of the other big names. With the software installed, invite all your friends to download the same software and when someone is up and running, give them a call!

VoIP software is free to download, and allows you to make completely free VoIP calls to other users of the same software, regardless of distance. Free VoIP calls can be made anywhere in the world using the PC to PC method.

Features such as call display, call forwarding, voicemail, and conference calls are included at no extra charge as long as both parties are using computers.

VoIP software, (also known as ‘soft phones’) such as Skype, can also be used to connect to land-line phones - that is, phones which are not connected directly to the Internet. This type of call is usually not free but the cost is much lower than what your telephone company would charge you. Also, some VoIP services allow you to make calls to cellular phones. People receiving land-line or cellular calls do not need any extra equipment or software. The only time that both parties would need a particular VoIP software/soft-phone is when they are making PC to PC calls.

A step up from headsets is Internet phones. These feel a lot more like 'real' telephones - they ring, they have regular number pads, and you use them like traditional telephones. They plug into the USB port or sound card of your computer. These phones are still considered soft phones because you need VoIP software installed on your computer to make and receive telephone calls.

The next (and most common) way to use VoIP is by using a traditional analogue phone. Instead of plugging your phone into the usual telephone adapter in the wall, it needs to be plugged into an Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA). The purpose of an ATA is to convert the analogue signal (your voice) into digital data, ready to be sent over the internet. An ATA is simple to use. It connects to a broadband modem - either a DSL modem connected to your traditional phone line or a cable modem which attaches to your cable TV connection. Any traditional analogue telephone can be plugged into an ATA. You do not even need a computer in the house to use this type of VoIP connection.

Another requirement for setting up VoIP in this way is that you will need to set up an account with a VoIP Service Provider, such as Vonage, or Packet8. VoIP Service Providers offer a variety of low cost services, and once you register with a provider, you will be able to make VoIP calls. ATA's are usually provided free of charge when you sign up with a VoIP service provider.

Using an ATA for Internet phone calls is transparent. You simply pick up the phone and dial a number just as you would with your regular phone service. Anybody calling your phone number will not be aware that you are using VoIP instead of PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).

As previously mentioned, this is the most common way VoIP is being used, as it allows you to continue using equipment you already have and saves you buying lots of newer equipment.

To summarise ATA, the only requirements for this method are a traditional analogue phone, a broadband connection, an ATA device to connect your phone to the broadband modem, and finally, an account with a VoIP Service Provider.

The final way to set up VoIP is by using an IP Phone. Don't confuse IP phones and Internet Phones. IP phones plug directly into the modem, but Internet phones plug into the sound card or USB port of your computer. An IP Phone will look similar to a traditional analogue telephone. The main difference is that it can be connected directly to a broadband modem. It will also contain the extra circuitry to convert the sound of your voice into digital data ready to be transmitted to the recipient via the internet.

IP phones also have the advantage of having all your phone numbers stored in the phone as well as a display screen which gives you information about incoming calls. As with the previous method, you will also need to set up an account with a VoIP Service Provider, such as Vonage or Packet8. These providers may also supply you with IP Phones when you sign up.

What is Skype ?

Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice and video calls and chats over the Internet. Calls to other users within the Skype service are free, while calls to both traditional landline telephones and mobile phones can be made for a fee using a debit-based user account system. Skype has also become popular for its additional features which include instant messaging, file transfer, and videoconferencing. The network is operated by Skype Limited, which has its headquarters in Luxembourg. Most of the development team and 44% of the overall employees of Skype are situated in the offices of Tallinn and Tartu, Estonia.
Unlike other VoIP services, Skype is a peer-to-peer system rather than a client–server system, and makes use of background processing on computers running Skype software; the original name proposed – Sky peer-to-peer – reflects this.
Some network administrators have banned Skype on corporate, government, home, and education networks, citing reasons such as inappropriate usage of resources, excessive bandwidth usage, and security concerns.
Website : http://skype.com/

Mobile VoIP

Mobile VoIP or simply mVoIP is an extension of mobility to a Voice over IP network. VoIP is the latest advancement in Mobile phone communication and VoIP technology designed for active cell phone users and people on the go who want to make cheap mobile phone calls and incorporate all the benefits of VoIP. Mobile VoIP calls are made possible by VoIP Service Providers who take signals on a 3G, WiMax or WiFi network and transmit that signal into voice data.  VoIP service providers require users to download their software onto a mobile device similar to what is available on the famous iPhone. Once the software is downloaded and integrated with the mobile phone a user can then expect to enjoy benefits.like SIP messaging which can provide email messaging and robust media support directly to their cell phone. Innovative companies are designing programs that make VoIP calls easy, sometimes free and full of convenient features.


Mobile VoIP relies on two main technologies:
UMA: The Unlicensed Mobile Access Generic Access Network, designed to allow VoIP to run over the GSM cellular backbone.
SIP: The standard used by most VoIP services, and now being implemented on mobile handsets.


There are several methodologies by which a mobile handset can be integrated into a VoIP network. One implementation turns the mobile device into a standard SIP client, which then uses a data network to send and receive SIP messaging, and to send and receive RTP for the voice path. This methodology of turning a mobile handset into a standard SIP client requires that the mobile handset support, at minimum, high speed IP communications. In this application, standard VoIP protocols (typically SIP) are used over any broadband IP-capable wireless network connection such as EVDO rev A (which is symmetrical high speed — both high speed up and down), HSDPA, WiFi or WiMAX.


Another implementation of mobile integration uses a softswitch like gateway to bridge SIP and RTP into the mobile network's SS7 infrastructure. In this implementation, the mobile handset continues to operate as it always has (as a GSM or CDMA based device), but now it can be controlled by a SIP application server which can now provide advanced SIP based services to it. Several vendors offer this kind of capability today.Mobile VoIP will require a compromise between economy and mobility.

What to Keep in Mind while Choosing a VoIP Service Provider

Over the past five years it has become increasingly difficult to keep an overview of all the worldwide operating VoIP services or Broadband phone providers. New VoIP / Broadband phone VoIP services are launching almost on a weekly basis and it has become almost impossible to compare PC to Phone and Broadband Phone service providers without weeks and weeks of time consuming research. Each VoIP provider proclaims to have the best service and the cheapest local, long distance or international VoIP phone rates, but the differences are still substantial, although in most cases the VoIP services are cheaper than most traditional telephone companies. Choosing the right Voice over IP service for your specific need and calling pattern, especially if you make regular international calls can save you a small fortune every month.
So, if you are puzzled about how to find the best VoIP service provider, then just go through the following tips:

• If you are impressed by certain VoIP providers then first thing to do is to check their credibility.
• Visit VoIP service provider’s site.
• If the company is brand new then avoid it.
• If there is no feedback  then it's not a good sign.
• Don’t just read a single review and decide, read as much review as possible about that VoIP Company.
• Read terms and condition of the VoIP company.
• Don’t only look for the cheapest plan, but also look for the best VoIP service provider.

Some Good VoIP Business Providers

In previous article, I told you about the VoIP Residential Providers available in the Internet. Now, again comparing VoIP Business services, pricing, convenience, as well as VoIP equipment scenarios and options I am gonna suggest you about Some Good VoIP Business Provider Companies:

1. nextiva
2. aptela
3. RingCentral
4. ITP
5. 8x8,Inc.

Reliable and affordable phone service is at the core of most modern businesses. In today's business world, that can be achieved by taking advantage of the existing VoIP phone business system plans. In the basic functionality, business VoIP services are very similar to Residential VoIP Services. The only difference would be business VoIP includes a PBX(Private Branch eXchange) and most providers offer advance business features such as music on hold, extension management, automated attendant, find me - follow me, desk to desk calling, conference calling and more. PBX interconnects internal phone lines within an organization via trunk lines and also connects them to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Some calling plans include an on premise or hosted PBX.Some Business VoIP services come with private internet connections to ensure the clarity and quality of the calls made.

Some Good VoIP Residential Providers

In previous years, I have googled about the VoIP Residential Providers available in the Internet. Comparing VoIP Residential services, pricing, convenience, as well as VoIP equipment scenarios and options I am gonna suggest you about Some Good VoIP Residential Provider Companies:

1. Phonepower
2. Phone.com
3. InTALK
4. via:talk
5. lingo

In order to use VoIP services with telephone hardware, a VoIP service provider is most often required. Customer satisfaction, low prices and great call quality make them one of the industry's leaders.Residential VoIP is a new type of home phone service. Residential VoIP uses the Internet to make phone calls and can save you hundreds of dollars a year.Home phone service with a VoIP company is much cheaper than the landline provided by a traditional phone company.

Find the Best VoIP Service Provider for your Business

Well, if you have gone through my previous Articles over VoIP; you must have got an overall idea about what VoIP is & what are the Advantages of using VoIP calls. I have also discussed about some of best & free service providers.
Now, in this article I am gonna say you the ways to find the Best VoIP Service Provider for your Business (mainly for the Small Business ). 
If you are puzzled about how to find the best business VoIP service provider, then just go through the following tips:

1. If you are impressed by certain VoIP providers then first thing to do is to check their credibility.
2. Visit business VoIP service provider’s site.
3. If the company is brand new then avoid it.
4. If there is no feedback  then it's not a good sign.
5. Don’t just read a single review and decide, read as much review as possible about that VoIP Company.
6. Read terms and condition of the VoIP company.
7. Don’t only look for the cheapest plan, but also look for the best VoIP service provider.

Why should I Use VoIP ?

Voice over Internet Protocol (Voice over IP, VoIP) is a family of technologies, methodologies, communication protocols, and transmission techniques for the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such as the Internet.

Many people ask me that why should they use VoIP calls when they have mobiles or land line options !! Well, here in this article I will try my best to elaborate the reasons. If you ask me, that who can be benefited from VoIP calls; my answer will be, "EVERY ONE"...

If you have a home with teenagers, if you're a Home Office or telecommute, if you're a small or medium business, if you're a business with multiple locations around the country (or world) or contracting business such as building with mobile workers, will be able to save money on calls.

Some Advantages of using VoIP calls at a glance:

1. VoIP phones are much more cheaper than traditional phones lines and some of them also go free.
2. VoIP phones are affordable than simple telephones.
3. All you need a Internet connection & a Head phone.
4. Many VoIP service providers are including premium telephone services like call waiting, call forwarding, caller ID, 3-way calling, and voice mails for free.
5. VoIP service providers only charge a flat rate for all calls.
6. Most VOIP service providers use ATA which simply plugs into a broadband connection and business travelers can carry an ATA and VoIP phone with them to locations like hotels and restaurants and still get access to their business phones and can use VOIP services just by plugging into available connection.
7. Another new alternative is a simple software called Softphone which can be easily installed on a laptop with microphones and headphones or speakers and wireless Internet cards.
8. The VoIP phone system can divert all your normal phone calls to the Internet so that once it has reached the closest server, call back can be translated.

iCall- Another skype alernative- Call US & Canada for FREE !!

iCall is pretty cool. It has something unique that many other alternatives doesn't offer. You can call anyone in US & Canada for free using iCall from anywhere in the world.


This is an Outstanding feature. Many other providers want you to be registered or dont provide services to traditional PSTN line countries such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan etc. but iCall is definately worth trying. If you like the features and service, you might wanna stick around still you have something else. You can Download icall from their Website.




Products and Services:


For Consumers

• iCall helps you save money by offering a number of end-user services:
• Free ad-supported calling for consumers via our PC-based desktop calling platform.
• Mobile VoIP service via our proprietary iPhone and iPod Touch software.
• Deeply discounted premium calling services.

For Call Centers and Wholesale VoIP Resellers

• iCall Carrier Services leverages the power of our iCall network to provide carrier-grade wholesale VoIP services
• US, Canadian, and international SIP and H.323 call termination services.
• SIP and H.323 origination services in the US, Canada, and many international countries.

For Enterprise and Government

• White label solutions for our desktop and mobile platforms.
• Mobile device and 3G network SIP calling services.
• Volume licensing and custom solutions.

Make Free VoIP Calls from EvaPhone

EvaPhone provides Internet telephone calls for free. EvaPhone's site offers free VoIP call solutions: free VoIP service lets you make PC-to-phone free international calls. All you need is a computer to start making free VoIP calls using Internet to phone. Start enjoying the benefits of Internet telephony right now!!

Evaphone CHAT is a way to communicate with other users in text, voice or video format free of charge and without any limitations. 
The only requirements to start a conversation are registration on their website and adding your friends in the friend list. You and your friends don't have to install any software, add any funds or spent any time on additional registration or settings.Just invite your friends to their site and communicate free! 
With Evaphone chat you can: 
Communicate with instant text messages;
Make audio and video calls;
See if your friends are online and their status. ("online", "away", "inaccessible").

A Brief Intro To VoIP

Voice over Internet Protocol (Voice over IP, VoIP) is a family of technologies, methodologies, communication protocols, and transmission techniques for the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such as the Internet. Other terms frequently encountered and often used synonymously with VoIP are IP telephony, Internet telephony, voice over broadband (VoBB), broadband telephony, and broadband phone.
Internet telephony refers to communications services—Voice, fax, SMS, and/or voice-messaging applications—that are transported via the Internet, rather than the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The steps involved in originating a VoIP telephone call are signaling and media channel setup, digitization of the analog voice signal, encoding, packetization, and transmission as Internet Protocol (IP) packets over a packet-switched network. On the receiving side, similar steps (usually in the reverse order) such as reception of the IP packets, decoding of the packets and digital-to-analog conversion reproduce the original voice stream. Even though IP Telephony and VoIP are terms that are used interchangeably, they are actually different; IP telephony has to do with digital telephony systems that use IP protocols for voice communication while VoIP is actually a subset of IP Telephony. VoIP is a technology used by IP telephony as a means of transporting phone calls.
VoIP systems employ session control protocols to control the set-up and tear-down of calls as well as audio codecs which encode speech allowing transmission over an IP network as digital audio via an audio stream. The codec used is varied between different implementations of VoIP (and often a range of codecs are used); some implementations rely on narrowband and compressed speech, while others support high fidelity stereo codecs.
There are three types of VoIP tools that are commonly used; IP Phones, Software VoIP and Mobile and Integrated VoIP. The IP Phones are the most institutionally established but still the least obvious of the VoIP tools. The use of software VoIP has increased during the global recession of 2008-2010, as many persons, looking for ways to cut costs have turned to these tools for free or inexpensive calling or video conferencing applications.[citation needed] Software VoIP can be further broken down into three classes or subcategories; Web Calling, Voice and Video Instant Messaging and Web Conferencing. Mobile and Integrated VoIP is just another example of the adaptability of VoIP. VoIP is available on many smartphones and internet devices so even the users of portable devices that are not phones can still make calls or send SMS text messages over 3G or WIFI.