Issue 5.10
By now, most people have heard of such things as VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) and Magic Jack. Many wonder if their computer can do this and, if it does, will it save them money and provide good service.
Computer based phone service is based on using broadband (high-speed) internet to connect to other people (and their phones). This is done by using your computer and their software and hardware to connect to that particular phone company’s computers. Their computers contact the computers of the company who supports the phone service of the person you are calling. The connections are all made and you can talk to them without long distance charges. You are usually charged a monthly or yearly fee for this service.
If you are using DSL as your broadband link, you must have landline (usually Qwest) phone service already, because that is how the internet signal is routed to your computer. Other broadband services such as cable or antenna-based services do not require a regular phone line (landline). If you are using DSL, it is usually not financially helpful to purchase VOIP in addition, because you can get unlimited long distance for a low price as part of your regular service. Using VOIP with cable or antenna service can save you money however, since you can discontinue your landline service and just use the computer.
There are a couple of possible drawbacks to this that you need to be aware of. First, if your computer service is interrupted for any reason (power-outage, internet service interruptions, billing disputes, broken cables, etc.) you will be totally without regular phone service. Second, in some cases, you will be somewhat stuck with your current internet provider if you want to keep your phone number, since it is difficult and time-consuming to move your phone number whenever you change providers. There is also the mixed blessing/curse of not being listed in any of the phone books if you are not a Qwest customer.
The Magic Jack is a pretty cool invention that gives you basic VOIP capability at a lower cost. Most VOIP contracts are around $25-$30 per month. Magic Jack runs $40 (discounts and deals are occasionally available) for the first full year and additional years are discounted, especially if you commit to and pay for multiple years. The drawbacks are (in my experience) occasional problems being able to use the phone, some software conflicts that can cause problems with your phone service and other programs, and scratchy sound quality at times. These problems seem to be worse on older and less-powerful computers. I have used it as a second line, but wouldn’t choose to use it as my primary line since my phone access is very important to my business. By contrast, my VOIP has been virtually trouble free with the exception of having to use my cell phone during a recent power outage since I had no other phone capability.
I hope that will help those of you looking at this option. Remember to stay safe – and always have a backup of anything important.
Shaun McCausland has been in the computer industry for 28 years (locally with Musicomp & Bits ‘N’ Bytes) and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions, you can reach him at 668-7118.