From email and instant messaging to chat rooms and webcams, the internet provides all manner of ways to communicate with people on the other side of the world. But when you haven't spoken to a friend for ages, or need an in-depth discussion with a colleague, there's no substitute for a good old chinwag.
With VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, not only can you hold clear, uninterrupted phone conversations over the net, you can also save money on your standard phone bill. This is especially true when dialling internationally, where BT rates can soar to £1.35 per minute, and with notoriously expensive mobile phone calls.
VoIP services set their own rates for dialling to landline and mobile numbers, and usually let you dial other users with the same software without charge. All you need to enjoy these cheap calls are a microphone and speakers, dedicated headset (available for as little as £5) or USB phone.
Vonage slots a regular phone in-between your broadband connection and a network router to offer unlimited calls to the UK and Republic of Ireland for £7.99 a month.
more..
BT quite rightly thought it would be missing a trick if it didn't get involved in VoIP, so its service piggy-backs on Yahoo's instant messenger.
more..
VoIP is something of a dichotomy: you can use your PC to pay as you go; or get a subscription service that you can also use when your PC isn't on.
more..
Welcome to Web User magazine's online home, where you'll find
news, reviews and a buzzing forum.
For the best websites, practical advice and the latest music and film downloads every fortnight, get Web User,
the UK’s best selling internet magazine.
Internet Telephony round up
RSS Feed
Claire Woffenden, Editor
