Setting up a VoIP Account with a Service Provider
The proliferation of fast Internet access coupled with the flexibility and cheaper cost of calls using VoIP phone has made this burgeoning technology very attractive to prospective customers. Voice over IP is now one of the rapidly-growing applications on the World Wide Web with around four million VoIP users in the United Kingdom alone, not including business subscriptions.
The first step that should be taken when looking into setting up an account is to look into the available VoIP providers and the selection of services they offer. Once the provider and service have been chosen the next stage is setting up your account. This is fairly easy but do keep in mind that you should check your service offers a local number. Some VoIP providers don’t cover every phone exchange in which case you are likely to be offered a number from the nearest exchange thats available.
Having a non-local number may not seem important when VoIP is used for outgoing calls, it will be of concern to your family and friends when they make long distance (or national rate) calls to speak to you even though they may live next door. There are some VoIP providers that only offer non-geographic numbers, using codes such as 0870, 0845 or 056. In the case of non-geographic numbers some limitations exist: Calls to 0870 and 0845 numbers are prohibited from most landline, mobile and VoIP providers’ all-inclusive call packages. In the case of 056 numbers, it is not possible to call them from outside the UK at present.
Thought should be given to making sure you still have a landline as a backup. The reason for this is that if there is a blackout you are likely to lose your broadband connection – because the router and ADSL modem need power – and your VoIP access too, because the VoIP hardware needs to be connected to the mains. There are some types of VoIP equipment that offer a emergency option that will connect urgent calls, and all calls if there should be a power failure, to a landline. You should check this point with your provider if you feel that you need to have this option included in your service.
Some VoIP companies offer services that allow you to pay for calls as you go while others offer a service that charges a single, all-inclusive fee. Plans offering unlimited local and national calls are also available for small businesses and for residential users. In the case of businesses additional features such as a free fax service are often included. There is a pricing option available to fit your needs.
Just contact the service provider of your choice and they will set up an account for you. The average person should be up and running with VoIP in about half an hour. Start saving money with VoIP today!
