Whether you call it internet telephony, broadband phones or making calls on the internet - the technology you are referring to is known collectively as VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol .
As you may have heard, VoIP is set to bet the next thing in UK communications. Over the coming months the number of VoIP service providers is set to explode. Speak Online is designed to bring you the cream of those service providers, and give you the best information on VoIP in relation to the UK market. If you require an explanation of VoIP please take a look at our Introduction to VoIP.
Let's examine just what the VoIP service providers are offering in the way of services to the UK.
You can get a phone number for life. At the moment you get to choose your own phone number and additionally if you move take it with you - for life!
Many VoIP Service Providers are offering deals such as a single monthly payment of around ?10, for this you get unlimited calls to UK landlines for free.
Calls to mobile phones and international calls are charged at cheaper rates than many traditional phone service providers.
Many additional features such as call waiting, caller display, call diversion, voicemail and three way calling are included free.
You can get an additional number for your laptop so you can use the same account on the move.
As you would imagine the main VoIP service providers are currently US based, one of the larger players Vonage, has launched a UK arm to its operations, offering both home and business solutions. BT and other major telecom players are angling to become VoIP service providers too, so watch this space the deals will come and they will be cheap.
