What is VoIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a service which allows you to make phone calls through the internet. This service is relatively new and is becoming more popular because it may be less expensive to use when making long distance and international phone calls.

VoIP converts the voice signal from a phone into a digital signal and transports it over the internet. The signal will be converted back to a regular phone signal at the other end of the call so you can have a conversation.

Some cable companies provide a similar service which uses their own system, not the internet. You can use this brochure as a general guide for that service butmake sure you get all the details from the cable or VoIP company prior to trying any type of new service. A system that integrates properly with 9-1-1 is paramount when choosing your system.

Consumers who are considering buying internet based telephone service should be aware that not all such services currently provide access to the 9-1-1 network. Sometimes 9-1-1 service is provided, but it is not the full service we are used to receiving via regular wire line telephones.