VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) phones offer an alternative to both landlines and mobiles when calling abroad. Depending on who and where you are calling, VoIP can provide calls that are almost free. Here we look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of VoIP technology with a view to making the comparison between mobile phones and VoIP when you need to make international calls.
VoIP phones can be used to make ‘free’ calls across the globe – as long as you and the person you are calling have internet access and a headset. It is the nature of this internet access that holds the key to the effectiveness and cost of international calls using VoIP phones. Making a Webweb call, as these PC to PC calls are known, costs only as much as the price of internet access – there are no additional charges for the call itself. Webphone calls on the other hand, calling from a PC to a landline or mobile phone, usually incur charges. The charges for Webphone calls vary between providers.
Mobile phones do not require internet access to function, connecting instead to the local dedicated mobile phone network. This means that the need to have access to a power supply is limited by the amount of time it takes to charge your phone, whereas desktop PCs and modems require a power supply for the duration of the call. A laptop with wireless dongle can also be charged before the call needs to be made, although the time VoIP connection can be maintained is limited by the battery life of the laptop.
The prices charged for calling overseas can vary enormously between networks, mobile providers and even different usage packages with the same provider. Some mobile phone providers like Lebara specialise in providing international calls through pre-paid plans, especially if just one overseas location for the calls is specified. For those living abroad, and calling home to an area without internet access, this kind of deal can often be the cheapest way to make frequent international calls.
The limitations of both Webweb and Webphone calls are defined by the need for internet access and the speed of the connection. Slow connection speeds can affect call quality, and in the worst case scenario even result in disconnection, making international calls via a mobile the more convenient option.
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