Sunday, June 22, 2008

Broadband : An Introduction to Broadband Phones

By Ray Lam

Broadband phones are becoming more mainstream. There are articles whether broadband phone service reached a tipping point or not. What is clear, though, is that phone service delivered over the public internet is the future of telecommunications.

A DSL broadband connection operates through your telephone line by using a special broadband modem. The cable version operates through your cable television connection. Whichever method you chose, a broadband internet phone connection is now relatively cheap and easy.

All of this happens in a fraction of a second but many issues can arise to degrade the broadband phone service quality. A slow connection, bad phone, over-utilized bandwidth and a bad service provider can all degrade the quality of the phone call.

While broadband phone service uses VoIP not all VoIP is using broadband phone service, at least in the traditional sense. Companies with multiple office can communicate using VoIP over direct connections or over the public Internet. Even though between the remote offices they are communicating over VoIP when a call is made outside the company they can still use regular phone service (PSTN or T-1 service). This allows them to take advantage of Voice Over IP without the detriments of broadband phone service.

No more headphones, microphones, messengers, software or even having your computer turned on to make cheap calls over the Internet! With a broadband phone service plan you can just pick up your telephone to make and receive telephone calls the same way you always have. You'll also be able to take advantage of features like caller ID, voice mail, speed dialing, auto call back, plus advanced features your traditional phone company didn't offer, like having voice mail sent to your e-mail or cell phone, or virtual phone numbers, even pick your area code so friends and family don't get a long distance charge for calling you.

Not techie? You don't have to be. Most broadband phone companies will send you a broadband phone adapter or DTA that you can install yourself in about five minutes or less. They even have online diagrams for those who want a visual interpretation, not to mention tech support. Just a few snaps of a couple wires, and sometimes a quick phone call and you're on your way to money saving bliss. Still not convinced? Then just give that computer geek you know a call to help you set it up. Once you see it done, it's so easy you'll never forget.

About the Author:

No comments: