What is VoIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol or Voice over IP means sending voice information in digital form over the Internet rather than exclusively over the public switched telephone network (PSTN).

Although there are many different VoIP applications, retail offers by companies like Vonage, Packet 8, Lingo, and now even AT&T have proved to be the most disruptive. By disruptive we mean VoIP is changing the basic telephony model that companies like BellSouth, SBC and Verizon have operated under for many years.

VoIP has several advantages:

Currently, VoIP avoids the tolls charged by ordinary telephone services.

Typically services such as Voice Mail, Call Waiting and Caller ID are bundled in with a flat monthly rate between $20 and $35.00. Calls throughout the US are generally unlimited and now include Canada and sometimes even some western european countries.

In order to use VoIP it is necessary to have a dedicated DSL or Broadband Line from your local Telephone or Cable Company. Here is a US VoIP provider list that links to their respective web sites. CSI Consulting doesn't specifically endorse any of the companies listed. They have been collected and posted for your information and convenience only.

CSI Consulting believes VoIP is a viable option to traditional Plain Old Telephone Service or POTs.

CSI Associates, Inc.
Solutions for Voice, Video & Data