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What is VoIP Service and what do I need to know about it?
The information on the following pages is as up to date as possible; however this is a reference document and
intended to provide general information on VoIP. VoIP technology is changing rapidly. If more detailed or
specific information is required, we recommend you contact individual providers directly and also use web sites like
http://www.voip-info.org/ and
http://www.voip-news.com/ to compile additional information
to meet your needs.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) uses broadband functionality to transmit calls via packet technology. VoIP
technology breaks spoken words into small digital packets and transmits them using the same protocol as internet traffic.
With some VoIP services, consumers can make calls using a broadband connection. These service are generally referred
to as a “nomadic” VoIP. Nomadic VoIP calls can be placed using a computer, a special VoIP
telephone or even a regular telephone along with a special modem interface. This broadband connection can be through a
cable TV company, over cable facilities, or through a telephone company, using Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service or even
a over a high-speed wireless data service.
Some telephone service providers use VoIP technology in a closed network and do not send calls over the public Internet.
For these providers, a separate broadband connection is not required. Examples of this are cable TV companies offering
telephone service over their cable facilities and telephone companies that have engineered fiber-to-the-home or fiber-to-the-node
facilities (such as AT&T’s U-Verse voice service).
To place calls using VoIP a consumer must either:
- Be served by cable, fiber-to-the-home, or fiber-to-the-node facilities OR
- Have a broadband Internet connection and sign up with a VoIP service provider.
The VoIP information below is intended to assist Wisconsin consumers in making their choice of communications providers.
Information is provided about the benefits and limitations of VoIP service along with a reference to VoIP service providers.
If you have additional questions, feel free to contact
Jeff Richter by e-mail Jeff.Richter@wisconsin.gov or
(608)267-9624.
Regulation
Nomadic VoIP services are not regulated by the Wisconsin PSC, and these VoIP providers are not required to provide
information to the PSC on these services. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ruled that an entirely
Internet-based VoIP service is an unregulated information service. For more information about VoIP, see the FCC web
page information at www.fcc.gov/voip/ . While the FCC has
made some determinations about entry and economic regulation, the final regulatory outcome for VoIP has not yet
been determined.
On May 19, 2005, the FCC required all VoIP providers offering interconnection with the Public Switched Telephone Network
(PSTN) to provide E 911 service to all customers by October 1, 2005.
In October of 2007 the FCC required that the obligation to port numbers extends to VoIP providers and the telecommunication
carriers that obtain numbers for them. This ruling was in response to numerous complaints by consumers about their
inability to port numbers to or from VoIP providers. Complaints of this type and other VoIP related complaints can be
filed with the FCC electronically through the FCC web site at :
http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm
Ways to Place a VoIP Call
There are a number of ways to place a voice call once a consumer subscribes to a VoIP service:
- Analog Telephone Adaptor: The Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA) allows you to connect a standard telephone to your
computer or broadband connection. The adaptor converts the telephone’s analog audio signal to a digital data signal. Some
providers like Vonage will include the ATA free with the purchase of their service. Calls can be made to other VoIP
subscribers or to subscribers on the Public Switched telephone Network (PSTN).
- Special IP Phone: Special IP phones can be purchased to connect directly to your broadband router. These phones have
all the hardware and software needed to process the VoIP call. Calls can be made to other VoIP subscribers or to subscribers
on the PSTN.
- Computer –to Computer: Several companies offer free, or low cost, software that you can use to place computer-to-computer
VoIP calls. To make a VoIP call via your computer you will need a headset or microphone and speakers and a sound card.
Other than your ISP monthly fee, there is often no additional charge for computer-to-computer calls. Call can only be made
to other subscribers of that specific VoIP provider.
Common VoIP Service Features
NOTE: Check with providers for availability of service features.
- Call Waiting , Call Forwarding, 3-way calling, and Caller ID
- Service Management through the Internet Call Blocking (personally set parameters)
- Customized incoming Caller ID you can program
- Distinctive Ringing
- Filters – this will reject calls from certain numbers or provide a specific message for certain callers
- Find Me – the service will ring multiple numbers at once or in sequence until you answer
- Voicemail/Email messaging
- Do Not Disturb (DND)/Scheduled DND sends calls to voice mail or a message without ringing your phone, during specific hours.
- Future capabilities are limitless, but may include Video on Demand, Wireless SIP, and others
Service Considerations
Some VoIP Service features may be offered at a lower cost than traditional telephone service however, when served via a VoIP
provider or over a VoIP network using VoIP technologies; it is possible that some features associated with more traditional
telephone service may not be available. There are also the following drawbacks to consider with VoIP service:
- Loss of commercial power often means loss of phone service, unless some battery back-up is provided for all
equipment necessary for your VoIP service.
- While the Number Portability law requires telephone companies to transfer land-line and cell-phone and
VoIP numbers at the customer’s request, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) customers cannot “port” a DSL phone number to their IP
telephone because the DSL number is used to maintain the internet connection
- The quality of service of a VoIP call may not be equivalent to a land
line. Depending on the type of service you choose, voice quality may be poor, calls may be dropped and
incoming calls may not always connect. If you have a poor or intermittent broadband service, this will
affect the quality of your voice service.
- Not all VoIP providers are not required to offer Lifeline/Linkup services for low-income customers or other universal
service fund (USF) programs. Check with the provider.
- Directory Listings, Directory Assistance and Operator Services may not be provided with VoIP services. Check with your provider.
- There may be issues with equipment compatibility, firewalls and network configuration that may make it difficult or
impossible to use the service. (Not applicable to Cable TV based service.)
- Finally, remember that, depending on how you get VoIP service, you may have to purchase two services to make VoIP work;
the broadband connection and the VoIP service itself. Free wireless service “hot spots” can be used as the broadband connection
to provide the link to VoIP service using wireless devices...
Reference List of Providers
can be found at http://www.myvoipprovider.com
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