Computer and Technology

VoIP is an acronym for Voice-over-Internet-Protocol; this technology allows users to make voice calls over their computer or telephone using a high speed internet connection. There are varieties of services available; depending on the service a user may be able to make calls to any phone, or only other phones and computers within the company’s network. VoIP technology works much like traditional telephone service, except it is using broadband internet, or high speed internet, service to connect the call; some services allow the user to make calls using a pc only, others either pc or special VoIP phones. Some companies even have adapters that allow the user to make calls with their own phone; the computer may not even need to be turned on depending on the service that is used.

Convenience

VoIP technology allows users to dial telephone numbers with a pc, telephone with adapter, or a special VoIP telephone, right over their already existing broadband internet service. The service provider will really determine exactly how convenient VoIP service is; some companies allow unlimited calls with their service, while the other extreme only allows calls to other users with the same service. VoIP allows it’s subscribers to use traditional telephone handsets at their computer or laptop, using “chat-cords” that connect the telephone device to the sound card of the computer. Using one of these adapters allows the subscriber to use the VoIP as it would most other telephones; this can also be a great option for people which travel frequently. This technology also can enable the subscriber to have access to their VoIP phone anywhere there is WiFi or other broadband internet service, and receive calls at their phone number, even out of the subscribers calling area.

VoIP and 911

This technology is new and newly regulated and 911 capabilities can be limited depending on the state. The modems, telephone adapters and computers are all unavailable during power outages; the services often allow subscribers to list a cell phone number to have their calls transferred to in case of a power outage.
VoIP service providers also attempt to safeguard by using lithium battery back up to provide at least a minimum of 911 access to it’s customers; lithium batteries can hold a charge longer than traditional batteries, and may be able to keep a device working until power is restored.

This doesn’t solve the inability of 911 to localize the phone call, and find the user in the case of an emergency; some services have attempted to remedy this situation by requiring the users to register their addresses with the phone numbers and making these lists available to 911 operators.