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Cheap Calls to Bombay: the gift of VoIP
| As you know, we live in an age of ever more convenient communication. The days of stocking up on airmail envelopes and shouting down a crackling landline are far behind us. But if you thought the latest smartphone was now the best way to keep in touch with relatives in India, then think again. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology now allows us to talk cheaply and easily to people on the other side of the world using the humble Internet connection. How does VoIP work? Whether you're calling Bombay, dialling Delhi or hitting up Hyderabad, VoIP offers a new possibility: the rapidity of the Internet combined with the intimacy of the good old-fashioned telephone call. Also known as Internet telephony, VoIP works by converting speech into data and sending it over a broadband connection. You can buy a VoIP phone, or simply use an adapter to use with your normal handset. As long as you are Internet-connected, you can make personal calls, conference calls and benefit from all the other standard phone features such as caller ID, while only paying a fraction of the price. Your computer doesn't need to be on, and you can move your VoIP adapter around with you, giving you the power to make cheap calls to mobiles, landlines and VoIP-enabled computers in India and the rest of the world, wherever you are. How much does VoIP cost? Unlike landline calls, speaking over VoIP doesn't come with a high price tag. The initial set-up costs are minimal, with VoIP adapters available for as little as £10. Thereafter, line rental for international calls generally starts at £7 per month, with calls to India typically charged at a rate of 5p per minute. Many people dispense with normal landline calls all together, choosing to make both UK and international calls for much lower rates on VoIP. The offer of unlimited calls by some providers makes this an even more attractive option. How do I choose the right VoIP provider? There is a range of companies out there providing VoIP services at a variety of pricing levels. The two most important factors to bear in mind when trying to select the right provider are cost and quality. A poor connection means that your conversations will be hampered by frustrating technical glitches, while too high a fee means that you won't be getting cost effective service. While some general telecommunications agencies do provide VoIP, packages offered by specialist VoIP companies are generally more appealing as these providers have the technology and experience to provide a high quality service at competitive rates. VoIP may revolutionise the way you keep in touch with loved ones and business partners in India. The possibility of using your broadband connection to have conversations without paying extortionate prices for the privilege is now very real. India is still just a phone call away, but that phone call could now cost you less than ever before. |
About the Author
Costas Kariolis - Senior Director Online - Vonage UK & Canada. Vonage are leading VoIP (Voice over IP) providers for home & small business users. Using VoIP users can make cheap calls to India landlines and mobiles via an internet phone service for a set monthly fee.
For interviews, quotes, images or comments contact:
Costas Kariolis
Senior Director Online, UK & Canada
E-mail: theteam@vonage.com
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