Should You Buy VoIP? The Pros and Cons

Should You Buy VoIP? The Pros and Cons

by Chris Smith

VoIP--or "Voice-Over Internet Protocol"--is a program that allows people to rout their phone calls over their Internet connection. This allows people to save a great deal of money on their phone bill--but it also has its drawbacks.

The Pros

Save money. People who use VoIP technology may save varying amounts, depending on the program they use--but they'll all save a lot.

Local calls from anywhere. Many VoIP programs give you local calling no matter where you are--even if you're overseas.

Portability. One of the best things about VoIP is that your phone is portable--you can use it anywhere you have access to an Internet connection.

The Cons

Sound quality isn't always the best. Even with enough bandwidth and high quality equipment, however, sound quality is usually not as good as you'd get with a phone.

Incompatibility. Some VoIP programs will only communicate with other users who have the same program.

Power outages can knock out your service. If your power goes, your phone service goes.

No Internet, no phone connection. If you lose your Internet connection, you lose your phone line.

Emergency calls aren't effective. If you use it to dial 911, you won't always be put through to your local dispatcher.

There are pros and cons to VoIP. It's cheaper than any other phone option out there, and it gives you some amazing benefits. But there are definitely limits to the technology. Because of these limits, VoIP is still not a dominant force in the telecommunications industry--but as the technology improves, it's sure to be a force to be reckoned with.