VOIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol and what this basically comes down to is using the internet to carry voice phone calls. This type of telephony can be done with the use of a computer with speakers and microphone, a specialised device that plugs into the computer, or even newer advanced devices that only require an internet connection such as ADSL, no computer required. This type of device is called a VOIP ADSL phone.

The same concept of redirecting voice calls over internet connections has long been used by big international telecoms companies. Nowadays only local calls are routed along conventional networks, and national and international calls all get rerouted via the internet from one local network to another.

VOIP is essentially a free service if it goes between two computers or other devices connected over the internet. Where the costs come in is when the telephone call goes from an internet user to a conventional line or mobile phone or vice versa. The costs of the networks outside the internet still have to be paid.

For a subscription fee, service providers can connect you from the internet to the network of your choice. Regardless of the fees, cost savings in respect of both national and international calls over their conventional counterparts is simply something that cannot be ignored.

A fast and reliable internet connection like ADSL is a necessity for good quality voice over IP calls. The voice audio is carried in digital form over the internet and if you have a slow connection, the conversation can become severely delayed or become inaudible.

VOIP ADSL phones are intelligent internet devices that come in several forms. You can have a conventional looking telephone, a wireless handset type or even a type that looks similar to a cellphone, but they all still connect to the internet and other phones through your ADSL line.

One of the biggest benefits of VOIP is that you can make international phone calls voice over IP to voice over IP calls at a tiny fraction of the cost of normal international phone calls, with absolutely no additional costs other than your internet connection. These calls can be made to anyone in almost any country in the world with internet access, but unfortunately some lesser developed countries don't allow this because, among other reasons, they have only a very limited internet bandwidth.

Telecommunications companies have had many gripes about voice over IP in the past, but VOIP technology has won the day and is here to stay.

VOIP communications with the skype wi-fi phone technology.