Imagine you are traveler, who has to frequently fly out to different countries on a monthly basis. You are the modern day businessman who always strives to stay connected with his clients so as to live up to the title of the modern day professional. Now, pause for a while and imagine your phone bill at the end of every month. It's not a very economic figure, is it? Sure, one could counter by saying that his company foots the bill; but the truth is, the cost is still incurred. Thanks to the advancements that have been brought about in the world of telecommunication, 'voice over internet protocol' has been introduced over the last few years. It is a highly cost effective alternative to telephone calls.
The Wow factor of VoIP
It is not wise to embrace a technology just because it is touted as 'new'. In the field of modern telecommunication, there is a reason we hear words like, 'first, second and third generation' and 'version 1.0, 2.0., etc'. One of the key factors which we should consider before embracing a technology is its adaptability and flexibility. VoIP tools today are very different from what they started out as. First generation VoIPs were based on legacy phone networks and they catered to only businesses and corporations. Second generation tools like the now popular Skype, offered private and personal usage options but were relatively restrictive compared to their successors as they did not initially offer cross platform calling options. The present generation VoIP tools, like GoogleTalk, also offer cross platform connectivity depending on the availability of networks and devices. The point is, anyone can see how VoIP has evolved. With the current trend of mobile devices with 3G/4G connectivity options, VoIP can look forward to climbing new scales.
Who currently uses VoIP?
Like we discussed earlier, international travelers, especially those traveling on business can really exploit the features that VoIP connectivity offers. They would not have to keep changing the SIM cards to save costs. If someone has a 3G compatible device, where a VoIP tool like Google Talk or ComCast works, then he can use that to access the internet at minimal rates, make calls back home for free and enjoy international calling at abysmally nominal rates. Now that VoIP is highly customized for private individuals and not just businesses, a lot of students are seen using its services. VoIP providers like ITP and Vonage have many users who use their offers to stay connected to their loved ones back home, even though most of them live on scholarship or grant money. A couple of years back, the same people would have had to make tough decisions before making international calls.
Who despises VoIP?
It's no secret that VoIP is banned or restricted up to a certain extent in many countries. Most of these countries are infamous for having a system where private telecommunication giants have amassed too much power or influence, so much so that they have the audacity to be back seat drivers when important legislatures are passed. No wonder countries like Oman, South Korea and India feature on this list. In Oman, people can be fined and imprisoned for using even Skype. Telecom giants are obviously threatened by VoIP and the low rates they charge. In a capitalist society that has so far rewarded monopoly tactics, VoIP is a breath of fresh air.
Future scope of VoIP
Voice over internet protocol is the future of calling. Just like landlines and the telegraph machine, one day even SIM cards will demand their own spot at the technology museum. The internet has made the world truly global. Rumour has it, that using that logic, the UN is trying to control it. As absurd as it sounds, concepts like free information and tools like VoIP will ensure that the freedom of users is always the foremost priority. VoIP rates are way lower than normal phone calls. More information on rates and tariffs can be found on sites like voipclub.biz, if ease of use, easy navigation and pocket friendly rates are what you're looking for.