Internet Telephone Service

What is Broadband Phone Service?

Broadband Phone Service
May 5, 2005

Broadband phone service, or Internet phone service, is just that, a phone service that uses the Internet instead of the usual phone line. Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP, makes this new wave phone work by converting voice signals from the telephone into a digital signal that can be read and sent over the Internet and then converted back into a voice signal that is heard on the other end of the phone. It sounds just like a phone call from a landline.

To take advantage of broadband phone service all that is needed is high speed Internet service such as cable, DSL or T1 service. From there, there are two options. You can hook up a microphone and talk from your computer or you can use a regular phone by connecting the phone to a phone adapter, which connects to the Internet. In most cases, a router is needed to run multiple Ethernet lines to the computer and phone. You can use the phone if your computer is turned off when you connect with a phone adapter.

Broadband phone services can offer the same great features as a landline phone service such as three-way calling, call waiting, voicemail, and more. Phone packages differ per carrier but many offer free local and long distance calling to whomever in the United States.

There are some disadvantages that come with broadband phone service. Phone service can go down if your Internet provider goes down, power outages and viruses can affect the service. There can be difficulties connecting with 911 and difficulties identifying the location of the caller.

Click here to find out more about broadband telephone service plans.