VOIP: Communication Made Easy and Emergency Issues
VOIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a service that routes voice conversations over the internet and allows you to make calls directly on your computer. As long as you have high speed internet connections such as broad band or DSL, it is possible for you to make calls using your computer.
Aside from a computer, an adaptor or a specialized phone is also a way for you to be able to use VOIP. There are some VOIP services that only work on the computer or a VOIP phone while others allow the use of the traditional phone connected to a VOIP adaptor. If you are going to use your computer you will need some software and a microphone. There are special VOIP phone plugs that plug directly into the broadband connection and works pretty much like a telephone. When you use a telephone with a VOIP adaptor, you may dial like you have always done on your regular phone.
There are many VOIP service providers and they offer a lot of different helpful services. An advantage of using VOIP is that there are service providers that could offer means of communication even in areas where telephone lines are not available. It is also possible to take your phone adaptor with you when you travel. Most VOIP providers offer services that may be used for as long as there is a high speed internet connection available. Also, you could still use VOIP while you are doing something else on your computer. VOIP is truly a strong innovative service.
There are a couple of disadvantages when using VOIP, though. Some VOIP services do not work when there are blackouts and some service providers do not offer backup power. Also, some VOIP services do not directly connect to emergency numbers such as 911 nor offer directory assistance and listings.
In June of 2005 several VOIP users complained about problems connecting to emergency numbers. So FCC, or the Federal Communications Commission, imposed all service providers to make this service available. However, you should know that VOIP calls made to emergency numbers are handled differently. This is because the nature of IP, or internet protocol, makes it difficult to trace the geographical location of the user. Moreover, in case the caller was not able to give an address, emergency services may have a hard time reaching them or worse, they will not be able to locate them at all.
The FCC also requires interconnected VOIP service providers to comply with the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act of 1994 or the CALEA and to contribute to the Universal Service FUND.
For more information about the VOIP system you may visit http://www.fcc.gov/voip/.