ADSL South Africa - Advantages of VoIP

In this section of ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa) our focus will be on the advantages VoIP offers:

Advantages:

• Low Cost - VoIP enables one to make calls free of charge from one computer to another (PC-to-PC) anywhere in the world  via a broadband Internet connection (preferably  via an ADSL Broadband connection). 

In addition to the above, when you want to make a call from your computer to a phone (PC-to-Phone) you will normally be charged for it. Making a phone call via VoiP in such a way is most of the time however cheaper than making a call via a regular phone service.

• Portability - Anywhere in the world where there is a broadband connection you can sign into your VoIP account and make calls to friends, family and business associates. 

• Attractive Services - Three-way calls, call forwarding, caller ID, voicemail and call waiting are among the services offered by an VoIP enabled phone. 

In all fairness we have to look at the disadvantages of VoIP as well, which include:

• Power Outage - One huge disadvantage of VoIP is that one cannot make calls during a power outage. The only solution to this is to make use of alternative power sources such as power generators, battery packs, etc. This is unlike a regular phone service where the phone is kept in service during a power outage by a current supplied through the phone line. 

• Emergency Calls - If you make an emergency call via VoIP chances are good that the emergency call operator won't be able to trace your location. 

• Quality and Reliability - If you use VoIP to make and receive calls you may have problems with sound quality and reliability depending on the broadband Internet connection you use. This is why it's recommended that you use an ADSL Broadband connection.