VoIP can be used to make internet telephone calls for free and there are a number of services available for this. They are namely of two categories:
1. PC to PC calls using PC software applications over VoIP that are either free or low cost.
2. Some VoIP service providers allow PC to direct phone service as a lead in to their paid services. Some of these services are compatible with Microsoft, Yahoo and AOL instant messaging as well.
The first division is the most widely used and the most recognized around the world. This just needs two users to sit in front of a PC and they can be able to converse with each other with the use of an application. These may be either freeware or maybe charged according to the services used. With the use of a microphone and speaker or headset, the PC makes use of existing PC hardware to implement the PC to PC phone call. The only requirement is for the users at both ends to be using the same application or use software that supports the same protocol on both ends.
The best example for this kind of program is ExpressTalk which makes use of the Session Initiation Protocol standard, which has been accepted world around. One of the major applications used around the world, Windows Live Messenger makes use this SIP protocol. ExpressTalk includes various number of features like caller ID, data compression, conferencing and use of upto 4 lines. These applications are rather user friendly with the availability of phone book and also one click dialling. There are also service providers that offer free calls from the PC to the phone and VoIPBuster is one such SIP provider that offers a 120 per day limit to free calls before a fee is charged.
Download sites also offer free PC to PC VOIP calls. As mentioned earlier, the only thing that the site requires is the user at both ends to use the same software. Most of these programs are freeware.
For PC to direct phone calls, the world is familiar with the name Skype. With an application download from Skype, it allows users to make PC to PC internet phone calls for free. This was started years back and has since then developed into more than a full fledged free PC softphones offered as a lead-in to paid services, offering various other services and being the best PC to direct phone services provider. You can also make use of Skype to make calls to the internet as well. This is a paid feature but Skype has offered these services for free till December 31st, 2006. Skype has also introduced USB and wireless handsets and ATA – type devices. The major factor favouring Skype is that it can be used on any operating system, be it Windows, Mac or even Linux.
Google Talk which is relatively new compared to the other applications available on the net makes use of a variety of features like voice chat, IM, e-mail and file transfer even in its beta form. Google Talk will gain widespread use since it is available for free and is also free to use.
It can be seen that it is possible to offer to gain free VoIP service. Even though at present, the service offered for free are for PC-PC calls, through careful market research and better product development, better lengthy free trials for calls to landline and mobile users can also be offered.
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