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Using DSL for your broadband access? Naked DSL (DSL without primary phone service) still not available in your area? Don’t discount VoIP phone service just because you cannot discontinue your existing primary phone service. VoIP can be a huge help
to those with home-based business, satellite employees needing a business line and of course families with teenagers! (just to name a few possible candidates!)

Tired of the high phone bills? For some the high costs are because of one or more of the categories mentioned above. This is ‘exactly’ why you should not discount VoIP for your second or third line. Imagine the looks on your teenagers face when you tell them they can get their own phone complete with their own phone number, voice mail and unlimited local and long distance calling! WOW - problem solved. For satellite employees, mentioning to your boss you can cut your existing phone expense will also put a smile on their face. For the home based-business ANY cost savings certainly helps. Now you can make those long distance calls without worrying about the expense.

If you’re putting off VoIP because you cannot use the service ‘exclusively’ you still just might be able to save money every month. Your home office or employee business line or the line for your child can all be easily converted to VoIP.

There are ’some’ providers offering naked DSL so you should first check with your local telephone company. Ask if they provide this service. If not, you can visit our web site as we’ve recently added a couple providers that offer naked DSL. You can find them in our VoIP section.

If your goal is to eliminate your local telephone company all together and you don’t want to wait for naked DSL to become widely available, then perhaps it’s time to consider switching your residential broadband access to cable. If you’re a cable TV subscriber the monthly fee is usually lower than if you were not. In either case, run your own numbers. Take your existing phone bill and add the cost of cable broadband. What’s the total? Now add up the cost of cable broadband and VoIP. Compare the two numbers. Paying a little more for your cable broadband access just might be offset with the cost savings achievable through VoIP. Run the numbers and decide for yourself. For more information on VoIP technology, visit our site, search the net, do whatever it takes to get the information you need to make a more informed decision.

VoIP is a good choice and a good way to save money.

Provided by the FullService Broadband Provider - http://www.fullservice-broadband-provider.com We provide unbiased and informative information on broadband and communication products and services. Our free service is possible through Try Right Technology, Inc. http://www.trighttech.com

Many businesses have long used the services of a conference call company to spread their message to the investment community, where investment professionals could hear many firms in several days. To accomodate those who couldn’t travel, the conference call allowed hundreds of analysts to hear a presentation and ask questions in real time.

But access was usually restricted and often involved long-distance toll charges. Occasionally a friendly broker would loan you his access codes, some of which found their way to the Internet. As a result, conferences could be swamped.
The Internet now provides a much more practical venue for the conference call. With its low cost and ability to accomodate many listeners it is now practical to open a conference call to almost anyone (at least to listen). And an increasing number of firms now do.

For example, a recent article in the Wall Street Journal related how companies do this as an efficient way to control the irresponsible babble on the Internet. People posting idle chatter now attract accurate responces from others who have heard the actual story on a conference call. As a result, the irresponsible postings are controlled.

Companies like the ability to make one public statement, and then be free from goverment limitations on how investment information must be released. And individual investors like it too, as access to this information gets them access to information that once only slowly reached the average investor.
Using the Internet has many advantages besides the instantaneous international release that results. It is possible to save the audio files so that the conference call can be accessed later at a more convenient time. Plus it’s possible to edit out meaningless portions of each conference. Naturally, there are some limitations.

If everyone could ask a question, real brawls could result as the conferences became uncontrolled. So most Internet systems limit who can ask a question. An outstanding advantage for the average investor is to witness directly a firm’s management in action. While the information might be the same, an investor gains confidence in management that presents a virtuoso performane over one that is defensive, hesitant, and obfuscative. The details aside, the speed of responce and other items that don’t get incorporated in an analyst’s report can add a lot to one’s understanding.

Previously, a small investor’s only such access might have been at a company’s annual meeting. Several firms have opened to provide investment-related conference-call services in one form or another over the Internet. Some require membership and user fees, but the trend seems to be toward company funding of the low cost service, and free or very low cost access by the public.

Expect that more and more firms will use the services of a conference call company to dissiminate their information to a wider section of the population including investors and employees. You should encourage firms that you are interested in to do so. This form of communication is yet another form of ultimate corporate democracy.

Cornelius Callan is a veteran of the conference call industry. He managed sales and production at a leading conference call company for many years and just recently decided that the internet would be a good place to share his vast pool of knowledge of the business. If you have a question, he usually has the answer. You can visit his website at:http://www.conference-call-network.info

Mobile broadband service provider O2 charges its subscribers a shocking ₤200.70 per GB for data downloads exceeding the contracted limit. This is the highest charged by any service provider across the UK, and is likely to send subscribers into a fit.

O2 however, defended the steep penalty fee, claiming it was primarily meant as a deterrent for those using their broadband service beyond the contracted limits. A representative claimed that O2 had a robust customer information network in place, which informed customers through messages about their data usage, especially when their data usage reached the 50 percent mark, and again at 90 and 100 per cent marks.

Even where customers were not too sure of their cap, the service provider usually kept them posted, he said, stating that very few customers crossed their data usage limits. This in turn ensured a good broadband experience for all customers, he claimed.

Interestingly, the ₤200.70 charge does not apply to customers downloading data through other networks while travelling abroad. This data download is calculated over and above the contracted limits, and is subject to a roaming charge based on the respective network being accessed. No mention has been made in the O2 terms and conditions on the exact fee applicable, only that these would be significant. This has irked many customers who feel that the company has not been clear about its charges, despite the fact that they are so high.

For mobile broadband advice, a dedicated site like Broadband Genie is a good place to look, the mobile broadband reviews and articles offer a good insight into the various ISP’s practices.

You should be if you find yourself waiting around for telephone calls at home or in the office, missing telephone calls while on the internet or needing a fax machine. With CallWave, you don’t have to wait around for telephone calls, purchase another telephone line so you don’t miss any telephone calls while surfing the net or purchase a fax machine for your business.

CallWave uses VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) technology. It alerts you when you have home telephone calls through your home PC (while connected to the internet through broadband) or alerts you when you have business telephone calls through your business PC (while connected to the internet through broadband). With CallWave, you can take home or business telephone calls through your cell phone. You can also receive left messages through your PC or through a toll free telephone number. Also, using VoIP technology, it screens the telephone calls you receive while on your computer by acting like an answering machine. If you decide to take the call, you can send it to your land line phone or cell phone. CallWave also lets you receive faxes without a fax machine. Faxes are sent right to your email and there is no limit to the number of faxes you can receive.

Brian Shoemaker is the owner of web hosting directory Find-A-Web-Host.com and ISPShakedown.com. Find an ISP here and/or download CallWave here.

Consider the following points before selecting the best VOIP provider:

Comparison of call charges of various VOIP providers:

The most important benefit of VOIP usage is cost savings, which motivates you to use VOIP. So, you should analyse the VOIP call rate list to ensure maximum cost advantage. Some VOIP companies offer plans with minute-rate charges while some offer plans for unlimited usage.

Another factor that you need to consider is the amount of time for which you may use the service in a month. If you do a lot of calling, you need a package from a provider with cheaper rates for heavy usage but if you are a light user, then the provider who offers a smaller package at lower cost will suit you better.

List the value added calling features offered by different providers
Look at the value added features offered by various VoIP providers. Some additional features offered are caller ID, call waiting, call transfer, repeat dial, return call, 3-way calling, etc. There are some advanced call-filtering options that allow you to make a choice about how calls from a particular number are handled. You can forward a call to a particular number, send the call directly to voicemail, give the caller a busy signal, play a message, etc using this feature. But not all VOIP providers have this offer. So, select the one that offers the features that you need the most.

Check the availability of Local Area Codes in Your Region

Consider the states where the VoIP provider is providing local area codes, while choosing the service. The provider may claim to provide you with a number that you can use from anywhere but if the number isn’t local, then most of your calls will be long distance. In that case, people in your local area will have to make long distance calls to talk to you. So you need to check the availability of area code in your region. Also, some providers offer access only to a limited number of country codes.

Confirm call coverage to other providers

Some VOIP providers offer services where calls can be made only to other VoIP users while others offer the facility for both VoIP users and those with regular phones. Many offer free calls to those who use the same service provider. So check these offers with respect to the associated costs.

Check the Availability of Access to Emergency Services

Confirm whether VOIP providers offer access to emergency services like 911. These emergency services should be able to trace your call to your physical location so that they can be of use. Confirm which providers are offering this facility before making a choice.

Determine the Quality of Service

Before selecting a VoIP provider, confirm which service provider has good quality of sound and interface. Take a look at published reviews for various VoIP services or talk to other users of the same service.

Find out the ease and cost of installation

Lastly, find out what are the needs for setting up and installing the service. See if there are any additional costs or hidden costs.
After you have worked on these points, go ahead and start using the service and enjoy the benefits of VOIP.

Alen
xpert4u.co.uk
UK mobile phone directory

I thought I’d outline some of the basics of VoIP. I use this service myself and have sold VoIP services to my customers. What I didn’t understand until last night is how much I assume. You see my business is mostly web based so my customers read up on VoIP and have a general understanding of the technology before making a purchase.

What I came across in my conversations last night was that some people attracted purely by the cost really don’t understand what the trade off’s are, what is required and their level of expectation is, in my humble opinion, to high. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge fan of VoIP. However, I understand what’s involved, how to hook it up as well as the pros and cons of using such a service. For me the cost factor did weigh in when comparing the pros and cons to the cost savings. My level of expectation was brought inline with what VoIP can offer me.

Here are some basic assumptions I was guilty of:

• When using your broadband internet connection for your computer and VoIP a router is necessary.
• During a power loss the phone doesn’t work unless there is a UPS system in place.
• ISP goes down, your phone line goes down.
• Those phone jacks in the house don’t work with VoIP.
• The phone base plugs into the VoIP converter/adapter box which then plugs into your router. If you want multiple phones in multiple rooms, you will need a cordless phone or cordless phone system. (Multiple handsets)
• E911 is not automatic. You need to check availability
• Fax machines may not work
• There can be call interference (echo). Voice quality is good, but not yet as reliable as POTS lines.

Naked DSL or DSL without phone service is not widely available. As such, if your broadband connection is via DSL you may not be able to use VoIP as your primary phone service. Simply put, if your goal is to switch to VoIP and then cancel your existing phone service, you may loose your broadband connection as well.

During my conversation last night their assumptions were much different than mine. Their assumptions were

• Existing phone jacks will still work with VoIP
• My corded phone will still work during a power outage just like they do now.
• I can send/receive faxes without any issue
• I can plug my VoIP into any room I want
• 911 service is automatic. Everyone has this.
• The quality of calls is as good if not better than POTS lines because after all it’s coming through the internet right?
• I don’t need any extra equipment - it’s just a phone.

After our discussion they were more educated in what VoIP can and cannot provide for them. In the end they choose not to get VoIP service and that’s OK. A bundled POTS package was more to their liking and frankly fit them much better than VoIP would have.

Yes, I am a fan of VoIP and yes I believe this technology is here to stay. Having said that, I do not think VoIP is for everyone. Some consider routers, cordless phone(s), checking 911 availability, etc. to be a hassle. They just want to use their existing phone and achieve the ‘exact’ same results. Well, VoIP is almost there, but still has a way to go. If the cost savings can outweigh your own pros and cons by all means go for it. If not, wait, watch and read up some more.

Ready to give it a go? Good for you, (hope to see you at our web site). Not yet ready? That’s OK too. (Still hope to see you at our web site for possible cost savings on your traditional POTS line or cellular plan)

Ok, perhaps a shameless plug in that last part. Use our web site, use someone else’s, use a library, do whatever is necessary to educate yourself to make more informed purchasing decisions. It’s better to be a little prepared than completely disappointed especially with something you’ll use everyday such as your phone service.

Provided by the FullService Broadband Provider - http://www.fullservice-broadband-provider We provide unbiased and informative information on broadband and communication products and services. Our free service is possible through Try Right Technology, Inc. http://www.trighttech.com

VoIP is said to be the technology of the future because it allows us to do things that were impossible just five years ago. Now, instead of having a public telephone network the VoIP technology allows you to use your broadband connection to make telephone calls. What’s great about this is that you can use the phones you have always used; you just get to combine two services into one.

The VoIP technology works if you have a broadband connect and a device called a router. The router enables your phone to call just like it always has, but now it’s over the broadband digital connection instead of through a conventional phone line. In addition to a router there is a VoIP gateway that connects you to a voice over network so that your voice can be converted into a digital sound instead of through the analog technology of the past. Information is basically sent in packets across broadband lines to give a great sound and seamless connection to those who have VoIP service and even those who do not. VoIP really is a revolution in combining internet access and telephone service because it utilizes the same technology for two very different things.

The VoIP is great because now you can have just one bill that allows you to have phone access as well as broadband service. Luckily, most companies can even allow you to be online at the same time as you’re on the phone. There really aren’t any limitations to the VoIP service and in the future it will only get easier. In the coming years digital phones will be made so that each consumer won’t have to have a router, and VoIP service will probably be more common than those who have a public telephone network. If you already have a broadband connection you should definitely consider a VoIP phone connection because it’s most cost efficient, it’s practical, and it really is the way telephone and internet service is going!

John Ashcroft, Attorney General, in remarks at the High Technology Crime Investigation Association 2004 International Training Conference held on September 13, 2004 stated, “We have seen worms and viruses attack…disrupting basic services…And with the increased use of the Internet and especially peer-to-peer networking, we have seen malicious code spread more quickly and infect more personal computers than ever before. The cost of these worms, viruses, and denial-of-service attacks…reaches into the billions of dollars.”

In an article written by Daniel A. Morris, Assistant US Attorney, Computer and Telecommunications Coordinator with the District of Nebraska stated in “Tracking a Computer Hacker”, that the “The modern thief can steal more with a computer than with a gun. Tomorrow’s terrorist may be able to do more damage with a keyboard than with a bomb.”

Ralph Echemendia, head of Intense School which trains executives regarding network security risks, stated that “Telecom providers are one of the main targets for malicious attackers because they control communications for everybody.”

Sophisticated hackers have learned how to tap into sensitive information traveling on the Internet, and their focal point is communication.

How is this possible?

It is fairly simple. First, you should be aware that email services operate off of email servers, and web services operate off of web servers. Both email servers and web servers are built for data and not for voice.

Because VoIP has voice, it requires a system that will convert the voice into data packets to travel across the Internet, and then convert back to voice at destination. However, VoIP should not be considered just another application residing on a data network, as it necessitates a real time service due to performance expectations (e.g., quality of sound).

The majority of VoIP computer phones require a minimum of 20 kps (kilobytes per second) of bandwidth (information carrying capacity) for data packets to travel across the Internet, which is why most require a minimum high speed Internet connection in order to function without corrupting the quality of the voice.

Although in the minority, a few VoIP computer phone providers, some of which are reputable, require a minimum of less than 10 kps (kilobytes per second) of bandwidth (information carrying capacity), which is why their services can be used with dial-up connections or high speed (e.g., cable), satellite, and wireless connections.

Over 90% of VoIP services operate using industry standard codec (encryption codes) and industry standard protocols.

Computers are assigned a different numeric Internet Protocol (IP) address while on line, which is analogous to mail where you would have an identity location with your street number, city, state and zip code.

Relative to a protocol, the IP (Internet Protocol) address is a number that identifies the user and their computer. Industry standard codec and industry standard protocols are open and interpretable to the public. Unscrupulous hackers frequently launch their attacks against VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services that operate on these publicly open and interpretable standards.

Peer-to-peer services, as well as over 90% of all VoIP computer phone services, operate on industry standard codec and industry standard protocols. In other words, their lines are not secure.

IM services also create targeted vulnerability to vicious hacker attacks by a simple monitoring program made available that enables electronic eavesdropping.

The above information is an excerpt taken from an in-depth and exclusive Report entitled “Why Hackers Love Computer Phones - A Shocking Report You Must Read!” by Dee Scrip available only at http://www.whypay4calls.com/gtp/to.pl?l=ART-03

Is you car GPS’less? That is not very nice, how would you feel to be sent out on a mission without proper guidance and directions? You know the American Automobile is an extension of one’s personality in the United States. Are you a lost sole, with no direction or sense of where you are going in life? Oh so you are not, you say? Well then why don’t you have a GPS in your car then? There are so many different models an many are relatively in expensive. You know for someone who has all the latest things, it is amazing no one has told you that you have to get a GPS? I mean GPS in your car is like the ultimate. For the person who has everything, it just makes no more sense for you to forego the latest and greatest that GPS - Global Positioning Systems have to offer.

Just think you will always know a short cut and you will therefore make up the cost of your new GPS unit in your fuel savings. You will never be lost trying to remember the landmarks from a really bad set of directions, you will never encounter another brain dead moron who is a local but cannot tell you how to get some where which is only a few blocks away? You will never be lost again, trying to vector into some elusive quadrant of the city when the roads keep bending the wrong. Imagine looking down on the city like the God Almighty and then say; “Ah, Ha!” You will certainly look like one smart cookie never needing directions and always driving right to where ever you are going, whenever you want to be there, so think on this.

“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Employees all over the UK do not mind using their office laptop for personal use. This fact was brought to light by a survey conducted by Opinion Matters on behalf of telecom giant Vodafone. The survey revealed that the employees were gladly using office laptops for personal purposes and considered them a part of the perks one gets at work.

More than half of the British employees reported to having used office laptops for personal entertainment and utility. Once they are logged from the office server, the laptops are connected to a mobile broadband provider of the employee’s choice.

Mike Banwell from Vodafone UK stresses on the need for bosses to be open and flexible about such occurrences. He feels that the unfriendly attitude and strict rules at office would only lead to more contravention from the employees. In this regard, it was encouraging to see that 65% of the bosses did not object to the practice of personal use of company laptop. However, what the rest 35% thought about it and whether they considered it serious enough to be a ground for termination of job is not known. The situation is best avoided by investing in your own laptop, click here for info on the best broadband.

It was also pointed out that companies have to be more careful about their security software to prevent the loss or damage of business data during personal use.