How Do I Make Free Phone Calls?

Making free VoIP calls to anywhere in the World is easier than you might think. All you need is 1) your computer, 2) Internet access and 3) the right software. It is also a common misconception that all
 VoIP calling programs require broadband. This is absolutely not the case. There are many free
calling programs available today that provide phone to phone, phone to PC and PC to phone communications, but we recommend Efonica.

• What is Voice over IP?

Simply put, Voice over IP (VoIP) is the process of transmitting and receiving voice signals (e.g. telephone calls) over the Internet. "Vo" stands for "Voice over" and "IP" stands for "Internet Protocol" which is a specification for how the information is sent over the Internet. VoIP is just an acronymn
for a very powerful and useful Internet tool. The most exciting thing about VoIP is that it can be used
to make completely free phone calls!

There are three ways in which VoIP calls are made. The method you use depends on whether your VoIP provider allows you to connect directly to their service or requires you to load software on your home computer and use it to make calls. The first method can be used with both types of VoIP providers. The second method is used with the "direct connect" VoIP providers (e.g. Vonage, Verizon, Comcast, Cox Communications). The last method is used with "computer-based" VoIP providers like Skype^®.
 

• ATA (analogue telephone adaptor) Gateway - The analogue signal of your conventional telephone is converted into a digital signal for transmission over the Internet by directly connecting to your DSL/Cable modem or by connecting via your home PC first.
  
  
• IP (Internet Protocol) Phones - These phones are standalone units that have all of the necessary hardware and software needed to make VoIP calls built-in. These phones
  connect directly to your broadband DSL/Cable modem via a standard RJ45 Ethernet connection.
  
  
• Computer to computer (a.k.a. peer-to-peer) - Software is loaded onto your home PC
  and used to make VoIP calls. This method requires a fast Internet connection, a sound
  card, a microphone and speakers. You can also use a headset in place of the microphone
   and speakers.

Voice over IP allows you to customize your calling plans for optimal savings. The savings can be significant. Many of these plans offer unlimited calling for a flat, low monthly rate. Quite often,
you only pay as much as you would for your current phone service, but your options and pricing are significantly better. Many broadband providers also offer VoIP discounts if you purchase all of your communication packages (e.g. Cable TV, phone etc.) through them. Additionally, Voice over IP services are available in just about every country.

How Reliable is Voice over IP?

When Voice over IP first came out in the late 1990s, reliability was a big issue. Why? It's simple.
The first VoIP software products were buggy and High Speed (broadband) Internet
connections were still in their infancy. Boy have times changed. Ever since about 2005, VoIP has returned with a vengeance. We have stable, feature packed VoIP applications and
High Speed Internet connections are as common as dialup once was. This rebirth has opened the door to high quality, low cost phone calls over the Internet that are just as reliable as conventional phone services. In fact, VoIP is now so reliable that many companies have replaced their phone services with VoIP solutions!

Who Provides Voice over IP Services?

VoIP is provided by many well known companies like AT&T and Verizon as well as a multitude
of new, but very successful companies like Vonage. There are many contenders in the world
of VoIP so due diligence is a must.

VoIP providers are, like all communication providers, differentiated by their service,
options and price. Keep in mind that some VoIP providers require the use of software
loaded on your home computer while others do not.
See our VoIP Provider Comparison for more information.