Voice over Internet Protocol (IP Telephony)

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), also known as IP Telephony, Internet Telephony, and Broadband Phone, is the routing of voice conversations over the Internet or through similar networks. Using a broadband connection, phone calls between computers are free. Headsets and handsets that plug into a computer are the easiest way of using VoIP. Other features like video calls using webcams and chat (see above) are provided by VoIP software, and can be used to hold meetings between collaborating organisations.

Pros

• Free 1-to-1 and conference calls
• Software works on Mac, PC, Linux etc

Cons

• Quality of audio can be poor
• Different systems do not work together

Beware

• Requires broadband connection

One of the most popular VoIP software packages is Skype. Skype users can speak to other Skype users for free through the internet. Skype also has paid services allowing users to call or receive calls or voicemail from traditional telephone numbers.

Further information about how to get started is in the ICT Hub's knowledgebase, including what you need and what the options are.

Further reading: Wikipedia