Web Worker Daily

A common misnomer about Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is that it requires you to be using a headset, tethered to your computer.  This is simply untrue as modern VoIP services and solutions use either a) normal corded and cordless phones or b) a specialized phone that resembles a cordless phone or cell phone - just modified to utilized VoIP technology.

VoIP has some major advantages over traditional landline phones. First, typically you can call phones in the US and Canada for one monthly flat rate.  Also, international calls can be made very cheaply.  Included services with your flat rate service include: call waiting, call forwarding, online enabled voice mail, CallerID, and many more.  Whereas conventional phone companies charge you individually for each of these services, VoIP providers give them to you for one flat rate.

Where do you begin if you’d like to use your broadband connection to lower your phone bill dramatically?  Lets walk through some of the options.

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As a voice service, Skype is different from other VoIP (voice over IP) services such as Vonage because it usually requires you to be attached to your computer either on a headset or using your onboard microphone and speakers.  This “tied down” factor is what motivated Skype to partner with hardware manufacturers to take Skype beyond the computer.

There are handsets that plug in to your USB port that look like a traditional wireline phone along with units that use your wireless network and look like a cell phone.  However Philips took a different approach with their VOIP841 product.  It looks like a very stylish traditional cordless phone but features a color LCD screen that features the normal Skype look and feel.

The VOIP841 can make calls over traditional landline and via Skype by connecting directly to your broadband access point, not the computer.

One major advantage for web workers the VOIP841 presents is the ability to make global calls at Skype’s ridiculously cheap prices.  Currently to call most places in Europe, their rate is around 2 cents a minute.

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