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VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is becoming more common as broadband connections become more affordable. This technology allows people and companies to communicate telephonically with one another without the aid of a traditional telephone service at a much reduced cost. Some VOIP services allow a call to use VOIP over most of the distance and then use a telephone operator for the last mile to integrate with an existing telephone service. But even though VoIP is making great inroads, there are still a few bugs in the system that are stopping people from adopting this technology outright.

The basic premise behind VoIP is the communication of voice over the Internet using a broadband connection rather than through the traditional public switched telephone network. In a standard VoIP call the voice input is converted from an analog signal into a digital one. This signal is compressed and translated into data packets that can be sent over a broadband Internet connection. These packets are then received and the process is reversed to allow the voice to come out on the receiver’s end.

For those with access to a broadband connection the greatest advantage of VoIP is the reduced cost and savings on making calls whether local, international or to cellular phones. Most VoIP service providers require a monthly fee instead of billing per minute like normal telephone companies. Even when there is call billing, it based on the amount of information transmitted rather than the time spent on the line leading to great savings.

VoIP can also be easily integrated into an existing intranet and can be integrated with other internet services such as email, file sharing and video calls. Since VoIP only requires access to a broadband connection, it is quite portable allowing users to make calls from any place where they have access to a broadband connection.

However, it is the necessity of a broadband connection that is one of the greatest limiting factors of VoIP for many South Africans. The speed at which the information needs to be transmitted means that a dial-up connection is not nearly fast enough to handle the information. This can lead to garbled messages or lost pieces of information. In fact this is a problem even with a broadband connection as packets can easily go missing on their way to their destination.

Another issue for many people regarding VoIP is its reliance on electricity. A standard land line continues working even during power outages as it draws power from the telephone line. Routers providing a connection to a broadband network, however, need electricity to function meaning that when the power goes out, VoIP calls cannot be made. Many VoIP service providers offer routers and hubs with backup batteries in case of a power outage to defend against this weakness.

VoIP is quickly taking over from traditional phone lines. As broadband becomes more commonplace and affordable, it is quickly being adopted by both business and home users. Service providers are working hard to iron out the last few bugs that are part of VoIP and it is likely that in the near future, it will be the only way to communicate.

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