VoIP

VoIP is making phonecalls through the internet. VoIP may also include video as well as sound. Some ISPs provide naked DSL (broadband). This is broadband without a landline. By using VoIP along with naked DSL it is possible to make significant savings. Some VoIP providers allow you to make and receive phonecalls from landlines and mobiles. You can even port your existing landline number over to a VoIP service.

There are two methods of making calls with VoIP.

Through a computer Soft Phone

Software on your computer handles calls. You talk using a headset, bluetooth headset, USB phone, or microphone and speakers. Ekiga is a free soft phone for Windows and Linux. Setting up Ekiga is as easy as setting up an email account.


Through an Analogue Telephone Adaptor

A normal phone is plugged into the ATA and the ATA connects to the internet using your router or modem. Setting up an ATA is as easy as setting up a router or modem.

If you don't need your landline. You can disconnect your phoneline from the road and plug an ATA into a phone jack. Once done you will then be able to plug phones into your other phone jacks around the house. The phones would need to be powered, all portable phones are powered. To do this is a simple matter of finding the phone jack that is closest to the road, opening it, noting where the wires are slotted, pulling two wires out at random and touching them to your tongue, if you get a buzz then they're the two that should be left disconnected. Do this if you chose to disconnect from Telecom otherwise you will hear disconnect tones over your phonecalls.