As a marketing gimmick, voip is sometimes pronounced (voyp), which is incorrect. It’s V.O.I.P. Voice over Internet Protocol. In short, it’s a protocol that allows analog signals to be converted to digital, making it possible to send and receive phone calls over the Internet, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as IP phone service, IP telephony, or Internet phone service. You can use VoIP with your computer, and special software to make voice calls to other computers, landlines, or cell phones using a headset, or you can use a home telephone.
When using a home telephone it’s referred to as broadband phone service. You don’t need a special telephone, but you will need a VoIP converter box, or adapter to plug your existing phone into. This is by far the cheapest home phone service for local, long distance, and International calling. For all intents and purposes it works just like a landline phone, but there are a few differences. To learn more about these differences, please see Landline Phone Service Alternatives.
