What is VoIP/Internet Voice?
VoIP allows
you to make telephone calls using a computer network, over a data network like
the Internet. VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone into a digital
signal that travels over the internet then converts it back at the other end so
you can speak to anyone with a regular phone number. When placing a VoIP call
using a phone with an adapter, you'll hear a dial tone and dial just as you
always have. VoIP may also allow you to make a call directly from a computer
using a conventional telephone or a microphone.
How Can I Place a VoIP Call?
Depending on the service, one way to place a VoIP call is to pick up your phone and
dial the number, using an adaptor that connects to your existing high-speed
Internet connection. The call goes through your local telephone company to a
VoIP provider. The phone call goes over the Internet to the called party's local
telephone company for the completion of the call. Another way is to utilize a
microphone headset plugged into your computer. The number is placed using the
keyboard and is routed through your cable modem.
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. You can hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer and send
your voice through a cable modem or connect a phone directly to a telephone
adaptor.
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. This means you may not incur long distance charges if
you call a number in your area code regardless of geography. 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 Internet Voice 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 any phone number, anywhere in the world. The
call can be made to a local number, a mobile phone, to a long distance number,
or an international number. You may even utilize the service to speak with more
than one person at a time. The person you are calling does not need any special
equipment, just a phone.
What Are Some Advantages of Internet Voice?
Because
Internet Voice
is digital, it may offer features and services that are not
available with a traditional phone. If you have a broadband internet connection,
you need not maintain and pay the additional cost for a line just to make
telephone calls.
With many
Internet Voice
plans you can talk for as long as you want with any person in the
world (the requirement is that the other person has an Internet connection). You
can also talk with many people at the same time without any additional cost.
What Are Some disadvantages of Internet Voice?
If you're considering replacing your traditional
telephone service with Internet Voice, there are some possible differences:
-
Some Internet Voice services don't work during power outages and the service provider may not
offer backup power;
-
It may be difficult for some Internet Voice services to
seamlessly connect with the 911 dispatch center or identify the location of
Internet Voice
911 callers; or
-
They may or may not offer white page listings.
Can I use my Computer While I talk on the Phone?
Yes
Can I Take My Phone Adapter with me When I Travel?
You may be able to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have
a high speed Internet connection available. In that case it would work the same
as from your home or business.
Does my Computer Have to be Turned on?
Not if you are making calls with a phone and adaptor or special VoIP phone, but
your broadband Internet connection needs to be active. You can also use your
computer while talking on the phone.
How Do I Know If I have a VoIP phone Call?
It will ring like any other call.
Does the FCC Regulate VoIP?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has worked to create an environment
promoting competition and innovation to benefit consumers. Historically, the FCC
has not regulated the Internet or the services provided over it. On February 12,
2004, the FCC found that an entirely Internet-based VoIP service was an
unregulated information service. On the same day, the FCC began a broader
proceeding to examine what its' role should be in this new environment of increased consumer
choice and what it can best do to meet its role of safeguarding the public
interest.
The FCC has organized an FCC Internet Policy Working
Group to identify, evaluate and address policy issues that will arise as
telecommunications services move to Internet-based platforms. For more
information on the Working Group, please visit www.fcc.gov/ipwg
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 Internet Voice/VoIP see our
factsheet. (pdf
file)
5/03/04
FCC Announces Panelists for May 7, 2004 "Solutions Summit" on Disability Access Issues Associated with Internet-Protocol Based Communications Services.
Public Notice: 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
2/24/04
Written Statment of Chairman Powell on Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP).
Word |
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
FCC Commissioners' Opening Remarks.
Chairman Powell: Word | Acrobat
Commissioner Copps: Word | Acrobat
Commissioner Martin: Word | Acrobat
Commissioner Adelstein: Word | Acrobat
12/1/03
Chairman Powell Announces the Formation of an Internet Policy Working Group.
News Release: 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
11/28/03
Remarks of Chairman Powell on Voice Over IP at the Technology Advisory Council Meeting.
Word | Acrobat
| 
FCC Home
