Free VoIP Calls

Free VoIP calls can be a great alternative to regular a phone service. Through a computer calls can be placed to other computers, or even to another person's conventional phone. It doesn't matter where the call recipient is located. People who need to stay in touch with family and friends, but cannot afford the cost of using standard phone services, free VoIP is sensational.

There are a number of different services offering free VoIP calls to desktop and laptop users. The options include: Google's Gtalk, Skype , Sightspeed, Gizmo, and other freeware programs. However, not all functionality is available to users of free programs. For example, Skype charges users to call traditional phones i.e. SkypeOut . The rate can vary between two cents and two dollars a minute, depending on the destination.

As should be expected, there are trade-offs in making VoIP calls, these may include: variable call quality, dropped calls, and susceptibility to intrusion. VoIP providers say that their networks are hacker-proof, but commentators indicate that there are areas of vulnerability and users need to have an awareness of these VoIP pros and cons. Hackers can gain access to computers through VoIP client programs. On the other hand, all VoIP providers use encryption and VPNs to transmit calls. There have been no serious security breaches publicized to date and it has yet to be established that VoIP is a serious threat to laptop security.

The quality of VoIP calls is generally improving as technology advances. Early adopters found that they suffered frequent service interruptions and other issues. While these problems still persist, they happen less frequently. Premium or paid VoIP services typically come with quality of service guarantees.

Free international VoIP calls are an excellent option for travelers who don't have access to a home phone or cell phone. The take-up has been accelerated by the spread of wireless hot spots. Travelers armed with a laptop computer can now make use of VoIP technology from just about any metropolitan or tourist center in the world, however there are a few countries where services such as Skype VoIP have been banned.

While concerns about voice quality, dropouts and VoIP security persist it's unlikely that free VoIP services will replace traditional phone services. Free VoIP calls are an excellent addition to our communications options and increasingly we will all come to depend on their availability.