IP-Enabled Services
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that allows you to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line. Some VoIP services may only allow you to call other people using the same service, but others may allow you to call anyone who has a telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. Also, while some VoIP services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, other services allow you to use a traditional phone connected to a VoIP adapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How VoIP / Internet Voice Works
VoIP services convert your voice into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. If you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is converted to a regular telephone signal before it reaches the destination. VoIP can allow you to make a call directly from a computer, a special VoIP phone, or a traditional phone connected to a special adapter. In addition, wireless "hot spots" in locations such as airports, parks, and cafes allow you to connect to the Internet and may enable you to use VoIP service wirelessly.
What Kind of Equipment Do I Need?
A broadband (high speed Internet) connection is required. This can be through a cable modem, or high speed services such as DSL or a local area network. A computer, adaptor, or specialized phone is required. Some VoIP services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, while other services allow you to use a traditional phone connected to a VoIP adapter. If you use your computer, you will need some software and an inexpensive microphone. Special VoIP phones plug directly into your broadband connection and operate largely like a traditional telephone. If you use a telephone with a VoIP adapter, you'll be able to dial just as you always have, and the service provider may also provide a dial tone.
Is there a difference between making a Local Call and a Long Distance Call?
Some VoIP providers offer their services for free, normally only for calls to other subscribers to the service. Your VoIP provider may permit you to select an area code different from the area in which you live. It also means that people who call you may incur long distance charges depending on their area code and service.
Some VoIP providers charge for a long distance call to a number outside your calling area, similar to existing, traditional wireline telephone service. Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes.
If I have VoIP service, who can I call?
Depending upon your service, you might be limited only to other subscribers to the service, or you may be able to call anyone who has a telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. If you are calling someone who has a regular analog phone, that person does not need any special equipment to talk to you. Some VoIP services may allow you to speak with more than one person at a time.
What Are Some Advantages of VoIP?
Some VoIP services offer features and services that are not available with a traditional phone, or are available but only for an additional fee. You may also be able to avoid paying for both a broadband connection and a traditional telephone line.
What Are Some disadvantages of VoIP?
If you're considering replacing your traditional telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible differences:
- Some VoIP services don't work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power.
- Not all VoIP services connect directly to emergency services through 9-1-1. For additional information, see VoIP & 911 Advisory.
- VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance/white page listings.
Can I use my Computer While I talk on the Phone?
In most cases, yes.
Can I Take My Phone Adapter with me When I Travel?
Some VoIP service providers offer services that can be used wherever a high speed Internet connection available. Using a VoIP service from a new location may impact your ability to connect directly to emergency services through 9-1-1. For additional information, see VoIP & 911 Advisory.
Does my Computer Have to be Turned on?
Only if your service requires you to make calls using your computer. All VoIP services require your broadband Internet connection to be active.
How Do I Know If I have a VoIP phone Call?
If you have a special VoIP phone or a regular telephone connected to a VoIP adapter, the phone will ring like a traditional telephone. If your VoIP service requires you to make calls using your computer, the software supplied by your service provider will alert you when you have an incoming call.
Does the FCC Regulate VoIP?
In June 2005 the FCC imposed 911 obligations on providers of interconnected VoIP services VoIP services that allow users generally to make calls to and receive calls from the regular telephone network. You should know, however, that 911 calls using VoIP are handled differently than 911 calls using your regular telephone service. Please see our consumer fact sheet on VoIP and 911 services for complete information on these differences.
In addition, the FCC requires interconnected VoIP providers to comply with the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (CALEA) and to contribute to the Universal Service Fund, which supports communications services in high-cost areas and for income-eligible telephone subscribers.
Aspects of these considerations may change with new developments in internet technology. You should always check with the VoIP service provider you choose to confirm any advantages and limitations to their service.
For more information about VoIP see our factsheet (pdf file).
Note
Aspects of these considerations may change with new developments in internet technology. You should always check with the VoIP service provider you choose to confirm any advantages and limitations to their service.
Events
Headlines
5/13/09
FCC Requires VoIP Providers to Notify Consumers of Plans to Discontinue Service.
News Release: Word | Acrobat
Report & Order: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
Adelstein Statement: Word | Acrobat
McDowell Statement: Word | Acrobat
11/8/07
FCC Expands Local Number Portability to VoIP.
Order: Word | Acrobat
10/31/07
FCC Expands Local Number Portability to VoIP.
News Release: Word | Acrobat
Martin Statement: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
Adelstein Statement: Word | Acrobat
Tate Statement: Word | Acrobat
McDowell Statement: Word | Acrobat
8/6/07
Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees for Fiscal Year 2007.
Order: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
Adelstein Statement: Word | Acrobat
6/15/07
Disability Access Requirements Extended to VOIP Services.
Order: Word | Acrobat
News Release (5/31/07): Word | Acrobat
Martin Statement: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
Adelstein Statement: Word | Acrobat
Tate Statement: Word | Acrobat
McDowell Statement: Word | Acrobat
5/31/07
Disability Access Requirements Extended to VOIP Services.
News Release: Word | Acrobat
Martin Statement: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
Adelstein Statement: Word | Acrobat
McDowell Statement: Word | Acrobat
4/18/07
Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees for Fiscal Year 2007.
NPRM: Word | Acrobat
4/16/07
Broadband Data Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 07-17).
NPRM: Word | Acrobat
Martin Statement: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
Adelstein Statement: Word | Acrobat
Tate Statement: Word | Acrobat
McDowell Statement: Word | Acrobat
4/2/07
FCC Strengthens Privacy Rules to Prevent Pretexting.
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Order: Word | Acrobat
Martin Statement: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
Adelstein Statement: Word | Acrobat
Tate Statement: Word | Acrobat
McDowell Statement: Word | Acrobat
03/01/07
Time Warner Cable Request for Declaratory Ruling that Competitive Local Exchange Carriers May Obtain Interconnection Under Section 251 of the Communications Act of 1934, as Amended, to Provide Wholesale Telecommunications Services to VoIP Providers.
Order: Word | Acrobat
Martin Press Statement: Word | Acrobat
10/19/06
FCC Releases Funding Year 2007 Eligible Services List for Schools and Libraries Services Mechanism.
Public Notice: Word | Acrobat
List: Word | Acrobat
6/27/06
FCC Updates Approach for Assessing Contributions to the Federal Universal Service Fund.
R&O & NPRM: Acrobat
News Release (06/21/06): Word | Acrobat
Martin Statement: Acrobat
Copps Statement: Acrobat
Adelstein Statement: Acrobat
Tate Statement: Acrobat
McDowell Statement: Acrobat
05/03/06
FCC Adopts Order to Enable Law Enforcement to Access Certain Broadband and VoIP Providers.
News Release: Word | Acrobat
Martin Statement: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
Adelstein Statement: Word | Acrobat
Tate Statement: Word | Acrobat
8/26/05
Enforcement Bureau Provides Further Guidance to Interconnected Voice Over Internet Protocol Service Providers Concerning Enforcement of Subscriber Acknowledgement Requirement.
Public Notice: Word | Acrobat
7/26/05
Enforcement Bureau Provides Guidance on VoIP Providers' July 29, 2005 Subscriber Notification Deadline.
Public Notice: Word | Acrobat
7/25/05
FCC Announces Joint Federal/State VOIP Enhanced 911 Enforcement Task Force.
News Release: Word | Acrobat
05/19/05
Commission Requires Interconnected VoIP Providers to Provide Enhanced 911 Service.
News Release: Word | Acrobat
Order: Word | Acrobat
Martin Statement: Word | Acrobat
Abernathy Statement: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
Adelstein Statement: Word | Acrobat
03/03/05
Madison River Communications, LLC Order and Consent Decree.
Order: Word | Acrobat
Consent Decree: Word | Acrobat
Chairman Powell Commends Swift Action to Protect VoIP Services: Word | Acrobat
11/09/04
FCC Finds that VONAGE Not Subject to Patchwork of State Regulations Governing Telephone Companies.
News Release: Word | Acrobat
MO&O (11/12/04): Word | Acrobat
Powell Statement: Word | Acrobat
Abernathy Statement: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
Adelstein Statement: Word | Acrobat
4/21/04
FCC Decision on Petition for Declaratory Ruling that AT&T's Phone-to-Phone IP Telephony Services are Exempt from Access Charges.
Order: Word | Acrobat
Powell Statement: Word | Acrobat
Abernathy Statement: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
Martin Statement: Word | Acrobat
Adelstein Statement: Word | Acrobat
4/20/04
Agenda Announced for May 7, 2004 "Solutions Summit" on Disability Access Issues Associated with Internet-Protocol Based Communications Services.
Public Notice: Word | Acrobat
4/16/04
VoIP Solutions Summit Pre-Registration Form Acrobat
3/10/04
FCC Moves to Allow More Opportunities for Consumers Through Voice Services Over The Internet.
NPRM: Text | Acrobat
News Release (2/12/04): Word | Acrobat
Powell Statement: Text | Acrobat
Abernathy Statement: Acrobat
Copps Statement: Text | Acrobat
Martin Statement: Text | Acrobat
Adelstein Statement: Text | Acrobat
02/12/04
FCC to Hold Second Solutions Summit on IP-Enabled Services and Disability Access Issues.
News Release: Word | Acrobat
Powell Statement: Word | Acrobat
Abernathy Statement: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
Martin Statement: Word | Acrobat
Adelstein Statement: Word | Acrobat
2/12/04
FCC Rules That Pulver.com's Free World Dialup Service Should Remain Free From Unnecessary Regulation.
News Release: Word | Acrobat
Order (2/19/04): Acrobat
Powell Statement: Word | Acrobat
Abernathy Statement: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
Martin Statement: Word | Acrobat
Adelstein Statement: Word | Acrobat
1/14/04
The Age of Personal Communications: Power to the People
The National Press Club
Washington DC
Word | Acrobat
12/1/03
Letters from U.S. Senators on the VOIP forum.
Senator George Allen, Senator John Ensign, Senator John McCain, Senator John E. Sununu, Senator Ron Wyden
As an expert in the field of IP-Enabled Services, particularly Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the concepts discussed in the provided article. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of the technical aspects, regulatory landscape, and practical considerations of VoIP technology.
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The article mentions that VoIP services convert voice into a digital signal transmitted over the Internet. This involves a crucial process of signal conversion, which I'm well-versed in. Whether it's a call from a computer, a specialized VoIP phone, or a traditional phone connected to an adapter, I understand the underlying mechanisms that ensure seamless communication.
Equipment requirements play a pivotal role in VoIP implementation. I have in-depth knowledge regarding the necessity of a broadband connection, the compatibility of different devices (computer, specialized phone, or traditional phone with an adapter), and the role of additional peripherals such as microphones.
The article also touches upon the distinction between local and long-distance calls in VoIP. I can elaborate on how some providers offer free services for calls within their network and the flexibility to choose area codes, impacting the cost for others calling you.
Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of VoIP are discussed. I can provide a nuanced perspective, highlighting features like cost-effectiveness, additional services, and potential drawbacks such as service interruptions during power outages.
The regulatory aspect, including the FCC's role in overseeing VoIP services, is a crucial dimension. I'm well-versed in the FCC's regulations, including the 911 obligations imposed on interconnected VoIP services and compliance with the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (CALEA).
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of VoIP extends beyond the concepts presented in the article. Whether it's the technical intricacies, equipment requirements, service limitations, or regulatory landscape, I possess the expertise to provide a well-rounded understanding of IP-Enabled Services, specifically Voice over Internet Protocol.
