Voice over Internet Protocol

http://www.fcc.gov/voip/

Voice over internet protocol is a function which has the momentum to virtually change the entire phone system. It allows you to make phone calls over the internet. It is a way to verbally communicate as if by phone, but instead of using the phone, it happens through an internet broadband connection, ultimately cutting out the phone provider in some cases. VoIP works through utilizing a single network to carry voice and data. They carry signals as digital audio and use speech data compression techniques to transmit the signals over the internet. Why is VoIP useful? In a sense, it translates as free phone calls. However, it is a fast growing phenomenon and phone companies are cashing in. Companies such as Vonage and AT&T are setting up VoIP calling plans for interested customers by providing ATAs which is an analog telephone adapter. An advantage of VoIP is that the method of conduction uses less space than that of a standard circuit-switch network. Most of the advantages that I have researched are technological and structural. One of the real advantages I can think of is that if a cell phone died, all you would have to do is be at your computer in order to get a hold of someone. A second advantage for businesses could be the cost option. If long distance calls are being able to be made to other countries nearly for free, businesses will be able to cut their costs. I really do not see any true advantages to the working world with this technology because with cellphones becoming so technologically advanced, I cannot imagine the disappearance of them. Some disadvantages are that you need a internet broadband connection in order to use VoIP. You also need to buy the microphone, speakers and sound card. A second disadvantage is that people are content with their phones and e-mail and there may not be a lot of need for VoIP yet in many situations.
I think that in an organization, business setting VoIP could help cut costs. It may help people in different countries communicate in a more efficient, affordable way, however I am not sure it is completely necessary. I would rate VoIP as a 2 in usefulness. One of the articles I read said that it may eventually end the phone service industry but I just do not see that happening.