TeleSouth Network

A Few Questions about Voice over Internet Technology

Q: How does VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) work? What makes it different from traditional phone service?

A: Traditionally, a phone conversation is converted into electronic signals that traverse an elaborate network of switches, in a dedicated circuit that lasts the duration of a call. In Voice over Internet Protocol, a conversation is converted to packets of data that travel over the Internet or private networks, just like e-mails or Web pages, though voice packets get priority status. The packets get reassembled and converted to sound on the other end of the call.

Q: What kind of equipment do I need?

A: A broadband Internet connection. You can use a regular phone, as long as you connect it to an adaptor. TeleSouth provides these adaptors free with TeleSouth Voice plans. TeleSouth adaptors can link to an entire home's wiring so adaptors aren't required at each extension. However, companies such as Cisco now make VoIP phones that don't require adaptors. Phones such as these are provided with TeleSouth business plans. The adaptor or new VoIP phone connects to a broadband modem.

Q: What are the advantages of VoIP?

A: It makes long-distance calls less expensive by removing some of the access charges required for use of the public telephone network. A user's physical location also becomes irrelevant; TeleSouth lets people choose their area code and possess multiple area codes in different cities that all ring to the same phone. VoIP also enables TeleSouth's advanced features -- like checking voice mail from a Web page or programming call-forwarding through a web tool.

Q: What are the disadvantages?

A: VoIP services do not work in blackouts or connect seamlessly to the nearest 911 dispatch centers. Also, in some cases, DSL subscribers can't use it as a primary phone line because they would lose the DSL if they cut off traditional local phone service. Most importantly, VoIP services are only as reliable as the customer’s broadband connection. A poor quality connection can lead to voice quality issues. Luckily high quality broadband is getting easier and easier to find these days.