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Using what is known as the Packet Switching Network, audio is transmitted over the Internet and then received by a computer, VoIP phone, or standard telephone. This is in contrast to Circuit Switching networks or the Public Switched Telephone Network, otherwise known as the PSTN. This is the standard telephone system that has been in tact for nearly a century. VoIP has become a powerful force in telecommunications due to several reasons. The first reason, plain and simple, is money. VoIP is much cheaper than PSTN service providers. Incorporated in many VoIP service provider plans are features that otherwise cost money. VoIP offers them for free. These include features such as Call Waiting, Caller Id, Call Forwarding, Voice Mail, *69, and Call Transfer. Because VoIP is provided over the Internet, many of these features are also compatible with web-based applications, enabling the user to change, adjust, or listen to these features over the Internet. Long distance is usually provided free of charge. You will need to check with your VoIP provider for a full breakdown on services, features, and rates. Many providers offer Unlimited plans, that will give the subscriber unlimited long distance, free calling. Subscribers also love the power and freedom that comes with the ability to choose their own phone numbers as well as area codes. Selecting his or her own phone number can be as simple as transferring your current phone number to your new VoIP service, or it can consist of a much greater cost efficient advantage. Say, that you have family or friends all in one particular location. You can opt to have your area code the same as your family and friends. This way, they will be able to call you at local rates as opposed to long distance rates. Another advantage of choosing your own area code applies to business entrepreneurs. If say, you would like to expand your business or services into a specific region, and you live halfway across the world, you can choose your phone number and area code as part of your marketing strategy. By selecting a phone number that is in the location you would like to advertise to, you will provide customers a local number, giving them a sense of ease. Another power advantage for business owners is the fact that VoIP is a cost effective alternative to the Public Switched Telephone Network. Employers are discovering that VoIP can increase productivity, customer satisfaction, and reduce overall business costs. It is much cheaper to design an office of call center with VoIP rather then rewiring a whole building. VoIP also creates the ability to hire workers worldwide and not just I one specific local region. With outsourcing becoming a popular method of hiring, VoIP can make outsourcing a realistic goal that works best for everyone involved. Employers also appreciate the discounts on long distance rates and the ability to incorporate audio and video with VoIP has ignited a new spark in the conference room. Mobile employees are more likely to join in on virtual training sessions and conferences, knowing they won’ t be charged an arm and a leg by Cellular services. Businesses also appreciate the ability to have integrated services. By combining audio, video, E-Mail, and web-based applications, employees can better meet customer service needs and productivity again increases. Mobile employees benefit greatly from VoIP services. Spending most of their time on the road, traveling, or in hotels they often miss important phone calls from clients, or pay high roaming fees from cellular services. Often times, these calls are reimbursed by the company’ s headquarters. By switching to VoIP, mobile employees can keep their phone numbers with them. Wherever they have a high-speed connection, they can stay in touch with clients, other employees, and their employers. Their employers will be satisfied that they won’ t incur the large roaming fee charges, inherent with many cellular plans. VoIP takes the power of telecommunications and gives it back to the employer, employee, and customer.
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