by Daniel J. Gansle

Created on: October 12, 2008

Voice over internet protocol, or VOIP, is becoming more popular by the day due to its lower cost, suite of features, and convenience. The service uses broadband data lines including cable, DSL, and fiber rather than traditional copper phone lines. Essentially, it's making calls over the internet using your computer.

Upsides to Voice Over Internet Protocol
First and foremost, VOIP's claim to fame is cheap, unlimited calling. While no VOIP service is totally free, you can make calls through the internet anywhere between 50-90 percent less than traditional phone service depending on the provider. And calling isn't limited to local numbers, either; you can dial national and even international numbers (depending on the provider) for free on an unlimited basis.

You will never receive a telephone bill. You will have to pay a monthly or annual fee, but that's all there is to it. No confusing phone bills, no surprises. It's a great way to preserve those pricey, expensive minutes on your cell phone. But perhaps the best way to describe how to assess the quality of any given VOIP service is to provide an actual user's experience with a popular VOIP provider.

VOIP Limitations
Here's what you need to know about VOIP. The new technology has three significant limitations: 1) temporary loss of service with a power outage; 2) you may not be able to port your current phone number to your new VOIP provider; and 3) choppy sound when your computer is performing a memory-intensive task such as uploading a video to YouTube.

But perhaps the best way to explain what it's like using an internet phone service is to highlight an actual user's experience with one popular VOIP provider: MagicJack.

Installing and Using MagicJack VOIP Phone Service
Recently I saw a television commercial advertising a new product called, "MagicJack." The advertisement explained how the small unit which plugs into your computer's USB port on one end and your home telephone on the other end saves you hundreds in phone charges per month.

With an initial cost of only $39.95, MagicJack will provide you with unlimited local and long distance calling plus many other features for only $19.95 per year (you heard right, per year). So intriguing was the advertising that I had to check it out for myself.

The MagicJack promptly arrived in my mailbox only a few days after I ordered it. The futuristic-looking little unit also came with a USB extension cord in the packaging, which is a nice optional feature should you require it.

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