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VoIP Features and Limitations

Some predict that nearly 5 million U.S. households will have VoIP phone service by the end of 2006. Perhaps the biggest draws to VoIP for the home users that are making the switch are price and flexibility.  Check out our VoIP Requirements page to see if this will work for you! 

The Up Side

VoIP lets you call from anywhere that you have broadband connection to the Internet using a VOIP handset. You can also turn your laptop into a VOIP device with software. With a headset and microphone, you can place calls from your laptop as long as you are connected to Internet.

Most VoIP companies offer plans that include many of the services you’re accustomed to, like caller ID and return call, for as little as $30 per month as well as other services for an additional fee.

The Down Side

The Internet can throw a variety of glitches at a VoIP signal that can often be serious enough to make communication impossible. These problems include:

  • Packet Loss: sometimes when networks are very busy bundles of data (packets) aren’t successfully received.
  • Packet Error: some of the data within one or more packets are degraded.
  • Phase Jitter: intermittent shortening or lengthening of the signal disrupts data.
  • Packet Reordering: packets don’t arrive in the proper order.

Over the Internet, speech is divided into about 10 data packets per second. Very little interference quickly renders speech unintelligible. 

The Internet is a largely unpredictable place. Many things can bog it down and slow down traffic. Such routine delays can also make VOIP unusable.

9-1-1

One major limitation to consider is whether or not VoIP phone service provides access to enhanced 9-1-1 services.

Enhanced 9-1-1 services can currently be accessed from any wireline or wireless phone. These services include routing 9-1-1 calls to the correct call center and displaying the caller's telephone number and location.

When VoIP customers place a 9-1-1 call, it may be routed to a call center other than the one nearest to them. Callers will need to be able to give the operator their call-back number in case they are disconnected and their physical location for response, as this information will not be available to the 9-1-1 operator

Besides the potential technical problems listed above, an unavailable Internet connection or a power outages incapacitate VOIP. Until all the bugs have been worked out, you should not depend exclusively upon VOIP in the event of an emergency.

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