What is VOIP (Voice-Over Internet Protocol)?

VOIP is the future of home telephony in the UK. It uses the latest voice technology to enable you to make free or cheap calls via your computer.

How can I use VOIP?

To use Voice-Over IP, you’ll need an internet connection – broadband is recommended, but some of the faster dial-up services will do the trick.

You’ll then have to download the appropriate software from a UK provider (the main ones are listed below). The software offered by most providers is compatible with Windows 2000 or XP, but Mac and Linux systems are less well catered for.

In order to make calls, you’ll need a headset or a USB phone. Headsets can be bought from as little as £5, and plug into your PC. A USB phone can be connected to your PC, allowing you to make VOIP calls in the usual way. Alternatively, you can buy a USB adaptor for your current phone.

Once you’ve installed your software and headset or phone, you can get started. You’ll have to be online when you make your calls. VOIP providers will normally allow you to make free calls to other users of their own service (known as ‘IP calls’), and cheap calls to traditional phone numbers. Through VOIP, you can often make international calls for local rates. The cost of your VOIP connection depends on the provider of your software.

Who provides VOIP?

The market for VOIP is expanding all the time and includes the following:

• Skype: The biggest UK VOIP provider, Skype allows customers to make IP calls and cheap calls to normal landlines.
• Google Talk: This service is fairly new and currently only allows calls to other Google Talk users. SIPGate: Offers free IP calls and calls to other SIPGate partners.
• Vonage.co.uk: Customers require an ethernet connection and must pay monthly rental and sign-up costs, but benefit from free IP calls, landline calls and emergency calls.

How much will VOIP cost me?

You can buy a headset for £5 or more, or a USB phone from around £30. The cost of the service itself depends on your supplier. The main factors that will affect your bill are:

• Price of landline calls
• Price of international calls
• Set-up or annual fees
• Monthly rental costs.

By using our comparison service, you may be able to find a provider that makes none of these charges.