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As long as there is a number available, when a person switches from their landline service to the newer VoIP technology, they are still able to get a UK telephone number. There are basically four types of VoIP that are currently available for the way in which phone calls are made. Some of them are free of charge and others involve a fee. Regardless, this does not preclude the ability to have a UK telephone number when you switch over to the new service.
1. Computer-to-Computer (FREE) – This is the free VoIP service and probably the one that is used the most. It runs strictly between PC’s and all you need is a broadband cable or DSL internet connection to enjoy unlimited, cost-free conversations with family and friends. This does not require the use of a telephone in that all you need is the PC’s speakers and a separate microphone, or a PC headset with earphones and mike. There is no UK telephone numbers required for this type of telephony.
The Pros: easy to set up, free to use, gets you started on VoIP immediately
The Cons: computer and broadband cable or DSL internet connection required, both parties need to be running the same 3rd party VoIP software
2. Computer-to-phone (£££) – This is the next step up the ladder and requires a fee for the VoIP service. This is a very popular method for making international phone calls. Despite the fact that a fee is involved, you are usually charged in pennies per minute rather than tens of pennies per minute. These calls work in much the same way as #1’s method above in that your call is made using a 3rd party piece of VoIP software and your headset or a USB (VoIP) phone. You are allowed to have UK telephone numbers with a VoIP phone.
The Pros: easy to set up and calls to landline phones anywhere in the world are very inexpensive to make.
The Cons: you still need your PC, internet connection, and VoIP software in order to use this service, and normally you cannot make emergency services calls
3. SIP-to-SIP – this is VoIP’s standard communication protocol and is called Session Initiation Protocol. There are no UK telephone numbers required to make these calls as you are using your PC and your internet connection to do this. Additionally, there will be a need for SIP hardware or software as well. It’s a PC-to-PC connection so the same rules apply as in #1 above. The use of your traditional phone and a UK telephone number can also be used provided that you have a SIP adapter. This negates the need to replace handsets.
The Pros: can use phone handsets, the benefits are the same as PC-to-PC VoIP service, will be well supported for years to come since SIP is the VoIP communication standard
The Cons: generally, you are unable to make emergency services calls, SIP phone hardware or software required by both parties if you want the calls to be free of charges
4. Telephone-to-Telephone - UK telephone numbers are necessary if using the standard landline system with this method. This method behaves in the same manner as a PSTN service when the calls are made using a VoIP service provider. When you are using a VoIP phone (hardware or software), or using your landline with an ATA (Analog Telephony Adapter), this is the ultimate type of VoIP service.
These are the four basic methods of making phone calls where VoIP telephony is concerned. As was mentioned above, UK telephone numbers are available for VoIP service just like they are with your standard landline service.
I hope this is the best thing to note that a person who is going for VoIP telephony service, he can get a UK telephone number. It is worth connecting to this service because they are allowing an individual to use the service coputer to computer free of cost. By this way, a lot of money is saved and secondly, your purpose is also solved.
So according to me, switching from old telephone cases to this service is a pretty good deal.
Hi,
PC to PC calls are anyway available using instant messenger programs such as Yahoo Messenger, right? Could you please elaborate more on the telephone to telephone calls and mention exactly what it takes for somebody to convert his traditional landline calls to a VoIP one? That will be more interesting.
Great posts here!
Regards,
Ajith Edassery
I must tell my in-laws who are thinking of moving to London soon next year. IF they can get UK telephone numbers and good VOIP service I don’t mind paying for the initial fee just so we can communicate. The kids will be glad to talk to their grandparents regularly and it will be just like they never moved at all.
Computer-to-Computer VOIP services is a good way and it can used by anyone who has internet connection,microphone,speakers(everyone has a pc and all these thing now a days).It is free and easy to acess.I feel comfortable with this even the Computer-to-phone service is impressive but not as impressive as the first as this costs and it requires phone connection.
Very interesting.
I had to write because many people are using antiquated VOIP services that do not provide much value. I have had some negative experiences with those services and am very happy that new opportunities are available In Canada there is a similar service and I have been using it frequently. One problem with VOIP services in my opinion has been the voice quality. I hope they are able to improve it significantly i nthe near future. In my opinion telephone services should become like web email, free and of ok quality.