Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) - FAQs

Voice-over IP (VoIP) is the new buzz term in the internet world. Also known as Broadband Voice communications, VoIP is when voice communications are delivered using the Internet Protocol (IP). Simply put, your land-line telephone calls can be transmitted in real-time using the power of the Internet, and answered just like you would any telephone call -- by picking up the phone. It works for local, long distance, and international calling.

What is the Advantage of VoIP?

VoIP is the future of telecommunications. A major advantage of VoIP is that it avoids the long-distance tolls charged by the telephone companies. While residential VoIP is helpful to keeping personal costs down, the most dramatic impact can be experienced in the business sector where telecommunication costs can be slashed by 50% and more! Extra phone lines could potentially be completely eliminated too.

How does VoIP work?

Internet telephony refers to communications services—voice, facsimile, and/or voice-messaging applications—that are transported via the Internet, rather than the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The basic steps involved in originating an Internet telephone call are conversion of the analog voice signal to digital format and compression/translation of the signal into Internet protocol (IP) packets for transmission over the Internet; the process is then reversed at the receiving end -- switching the digital format back to analog so the telephone call goes through as normal.

How long has VoIP technology been around?

Similar technology has been used to transmit long-distance calls by the telephone companies (RBOCs) for several years now. After making significant investments, enterprises and large corporations have adopted VoIP technology over the last 2-3 years in dramatic fashion. Cape.Com's technical support group has been using VoIP technology daily for the last 6 months. There are several million people already using VoIP services in the US alone, and many more worldwide. Obviously, it is a proven technology here to stay!

How does VoIP help reduce my land-line phone costs?

Since you are making calls using the power of the Internet, your land-line phones can be reduced down to just one line, if desired. That one traditional phone line is required for your Internet connection (DSL or T1), and all voice traffic can be fed through this line with the appropriate VoIP equipment. In addition, the per minute usage rates are significantly lower when voice traffic is efficiently sent through a broadband connection.

Can VoIP replace my regular phone company?

Almost...You will still need one available traditional telephone line for your high-speed internet connection (DSL or T1). It's also smart to use this same line for 911 emergency tracking and backup purposes. However, all of your local, long-distance and international calls will now transmit over the Internet for a low flat monthly fee (depending on the plan chosen), but without all the surprising surcharges and confusing bills.

What is required for me to start using VoIP?

First off, you must have either a dialup, DSL or T1 connection with Cape.Com to take advantage of our VoIP service. Then, there are two easy ways to start using it. The first is with our new Voice Cards -- there is no additional equipment required, however, the user must enter the local voice access number and PIN with every phone call made. These Voice Cards are best used on a personal basis or when travelling as they are tied to an existing Cape.Com account and usage is applied accordingly. During the summer of 2004, the Cape.Com Voice Card will be available.

The second way to use VoIP on a more efficient and permanent basis is to install a VoIP device which allows all traffic from your traditional phone and fax lines to automatically pass through your high-speed internet connection. With this set-up, there is no need to regularly enter access numbers or PINs. Simply make the calls as you normally would, and the VoIP device handles the "behind the scenes" conversion of your call to data so that it may transmit over the high-speed connection. The Cape.Com Voice Card can easily be used in conjunction with a permanent VoIP device should you also need to travel.

When will Cape.Com's VoIP offerings be available?

Cape.Com has been investigating and testing the viability of VoIP for the last year or so, and we've been very impressed with the technology. In July 2004, we expect to introduce several Broadband Voice plans designed for residential and business use. Check back for details.