What is VoIP Technology and How Does it Work?

Overview of VoIP technology, how it works, and the benefits and drawbacks of this phone service.

MCSnet Team

VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol, which means that your phone calls are made using your internet connection instead of your traditional analog phone line. This allows you to make long-distance calls all across Canada, and even into the United States for a far more affordable rate. We’ll detail how VoIP phone service works and some pros and cons so you can decide if VoIP is right for your household.

How Do I Get VoIP?

To install VoIP you will need to have a telephone, a VoIP telephone adaptor or a telephone designed with a VoIP adaptor, and a cable modem to connect to the internet if you are not already online. Once this is set up, your phone will ring when you receive a call and function like a traditional landline phone. VoIP can call other landlines and softphone services (software that receives VoIP calls) with ease.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of VoIP

If you’re wondering if MCSnet’s phone service might be right for you, here are some pros and cons to help you make your decision.

The Benefits

Your phone calls are less expensive. If your family makes a lot of long-distance calls this might be especially relevant to keeping your phone bill affordable.
It is highly scalable for businesses, you can add new lines for employees easily and efficiently.
There is incredible flexibility with softphone software to connect with customers and distributors.
There are a range of advanced features available with VoIP such as caller ID, call waiting, and voicemail

The Drawbacks

A reliable broadband internet connection is required.
There is occasional latency in the transmission of the broadband signal.
There is no location tracking for emergency calls which could be an issue when having to make a 9-1-1 call.
Similar to landlines, VoIP needs a continuous power source to function.

Find out if your home or business phone number can be transferred to an MCSnet VoIP line. We might be able to provide phone service to you for a fraction of the cost of what you’re currently paying.