What are VoIP and Internet Calls?
VoIP is an acronym for Voice over Internet Protocol, and it refers to a category of technologies that deliver telephony services over the internet. VoIP uses internet protocols (IP) such as broadband connections and Local Area Networks (LANs) to provide telecommunication services. According to the latest report from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), there are about 800,000 VoIP subscriptions in Nevada as of June 2021.
VoIP and Internet calls are the same. They both utilize broadband internet connections to convey telephone services between people. Also, they employ packet-switching technology to transmit voice communications as digitized IP packets to recipients. This is a total contrast to circuit-switching technology that routes voice data from callers to call recipients in the Plain Old Telephone System (POTS).
How Do VoIP and Internet Calls Compare to Landline and Cell Phone Calls?
Landlines transmit calls by transforming sound waves from the caller to electric signals, which are routed via copper wires through telephone exchanges to called parties. These electrical signals are then converted back into sound waves when they arrive at the call recipients’ phones.
In cell phones, sound waves from the callers are also converted into electric signals but are transmitted via radio waves instead of copper wires. These electrical signals are transformed back into sound waves once they reach the call recipients and deliver the callers’ original messages. Dedicated base stations help transfer the electrical signals generated from sound waves from their various points of origin at the callers’ ends to the recipients. They are the structures that bear fixed antennas called mast towers and beam the radio waves that transmit voice calls. Base stations also reutilize a specific band of radio frequencies to increase the call volume of a particular mast. A mast uses grid patterns, and each grid caters to a fixed number of cell phones. Therefore, only electric signals from specific phones will be routed by their dedicated masts.
VoIP changes sound waves from voice call into digital signals and transmit them as digital packets over an internet connection. VoIP technology facilitates internet calls using specialized equipment such as ATAs, IP telephones, and softphones. IP phones are plugged into routers or directly to modems and change sound waves into digital signals using basic computer algorithms known as CODECS. Softphones are software-reliant phones. They deliver telephone services through internet-enabled devices such as computers and other mobile devices.
VoIP calls offer the following benefits in comparison to landline and cell phone calls:
- Choice of area codes: VoIP users are not restricted to a fixed location like traditional phone users. They can choose area codes different from their actual telephone service area at the point of subscribing to the service. Traditional telephone providers, on the other hand, assign phone numbers based on registration locations, and such numbers bear the locations’ area codes.
- Lower costs - VoIP users enjoy lower call rates compared to landline and cell phone users, especially for long-distance calls. This is because VoIP calls rely on the internet to make telephone calls and do not require the expensive physical infrastructure as with traditional phone systems. Also, they do not incur high maintenance costs like the legacy phone systems.
- Flexibility: VoIP allows a single phone number to be shared across multiple devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets. Calls made to this number can be answered on any of the devices sharing the same phone number. This eliminates the issues of having missed calls or the need for call transfers.
- Convenience: VoIP makes it easy for users to connect with anyone from anywhere, and at any time, provided there are internet connections.
- Scalability: The number of users on a VoIP system can be increased by expanding the available bandwidth to accommodate more phone connections.
Websites that offer reverse phone lookup searches can help retrieve the identities of users associated with VoIP calls.
Does Nevada Regulate VoIP Providers?
The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) does not regulate VoIP service providers or other IP-enabled services classified as competitive suppliers. They only have jurisdiction over small-scale telephone service providers that offer telecommunications services in the rural areas of the state. Nevada state laws prohibit any state regulatory commission from regulating the rates, terms, and conditions, or any other requirements of this category of service. They are, however, only subject to public fee assessments like the Universal Service Fund (USF), Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS), and 911.
What Do You Need for VoIP and Internet Calls?
You will need a broadband internet connection to make internet calls. Use Full Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) or Ethernet connections to enjoy an exceptional VoIP call. Your personal VoIP call preferences will determine other requirements.
To make VoIP calls on a landline, you need an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) and a compatible telephone. The ATA has a jack that plugs into a router or a wall socket.
To make internet calls on a PC, you require a laptop or desktop preinstalled with an appropriate VoIP software like Google Talk, Skype, or Viber. You will also need a headset or speakers and a microphone. Call parties must both install the same software on their PCs to enjoy free internet calls. Charges, however, may apply for internet calls made to actual telephone numbers.
To make VoIP calls on a mobile device, get a smartphone or tablet preinstalled with the VoIP application of your choice. You can download mobile VoIP applications such as Skype, Whatsapp, and Viber from your device’s online mobile store. Although phone users with identical applications can enjoy free calls, charges are associated with calls made to cell phones and landlines.
Are VoIP Numbers Different from Regular Phone Numbers?
VoIP numbers function in the same way as regular phone numbers. They are both a string of 10-digit numbers and serve as addresses for switching phone calls.
The differences between VoIP numbers and regular phone numbers include:
- A VoIP number can work across multiple internet-enabled devices, unlike a regular number that is fixed to a specific device.
- VoIP numbers are assigned to individuals instead of devices like a SIM card, handset, or telephone line.
- VoIP numbers are geographically flexible. They can be used anywhere as long as internet connections are available. Regular phone numbers will not make or receive calls outside their carriers’ specified coverage areas without roaming services.
Can You Make Free Internet Calls?
You can use the internet to place and receive free calls, provided you have the requirements. You can do so using any of the options below:
- PC to PC: The same VoIP software installed on two PCs can facilitate the exchange of free internet calls between users.
- PC to Phone: You can make free calls from a computer to regular telephone numbers with some specialized VoIP software on your PC.
- App to Phone: Some VoIP applications allow the exchange of free internet calls between mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets and regular telephone numbers.
- App to App: You can make free internet calls from a mobile device to other persons who have the same application installed on their mobile devices.