The internet works by breaking large streams of data into smaller streams called “packets” which are broken down by the sending computer and reassembled by the computer at the receiving end. These pieces of information can travel over multiple media types, including wifi. With progress, computers are able to send and receive larger packets, so media like video and music are no longer bogging down computers indefinitely. The next logical step was to create a telephone that can take advantage of the technology. Voice Over IP (VOIP) is here, and it saves a lot of money every month versus a traditional land line with long distance charges.

VOIP works by sending packets of information that represent telephone voice information. Special VOIP modems handle the task of sending and receiving these packets, so what say and hear is the similar telephone voice signal they are used to hearing. A desirable feature of VOIP is that the sound quality is usually a lot better than older fashioned telephone systems because of the use of these digital Internet packets. The line is frequently so crisp that a lot of frequently think the line is disconnected because the recognizable drone of static is not there. So what do you need to make VOIP work for you? The main requirement is a high speed Internet connection. Luckily high speed Internet is obtainable approximately all over in the US, so the majority people can get and advantage from VOIP. Regardless of whether the high speed Internet service is DSL, VOIP service should work well providing the connection is sufficiently fast. And with the growing presence of high speed Internet even in little towns; VOIP will shortly be offered to everybody. So which companies offer VOIP plans? The most common VOIP service providers are as follows:

- Vonage: Vonage is one of the biggest, oldest, and most known of the group. They were trailblazers in making VoIP mainstream, and they offer a lot of services via their very aggressive marketing. They offer excellent service, but they are one of the more expensive options at $25 per month for the standard unlimited plan. International calls cost extra.

Sunrocket: Sunrocket is an extra latest player in the VOIP world, but they are very reliable very low cost plans. A limitless calling plan at Sunrocket will price less than 17 dollars per month. Because of this, Sunrocket is growing significantly as a main player in the VOIP world.

Most of the traditional phone carriers also started providing Voice Over IP plans. One such company is Verizon which offers its won version of Voice Over IP service costing $25 per month equaling with Vonage. However it still needs a lower price to compete with Sunrocket.

There are many small companies that have started setting foot into this new technology. To attract customers sometimes these companies offer terrific low cost services. The Voice Over IP business environment is changing rapidly so that these new companies must be approached carefully.

Long distance charges are expensive, and today everyone makes enough long distance calls to make a difference. Because of this, no matter who you choice as your VoIP carrier, you are pretty much guaranteed to get more talk time for less money, and you probably will end up with a few extra features, too!

VOIP communications with the skype wi-fi phone technology.