Since VoIP is widely advertised as a way of making low-cost long distance calls, you may be wondering if you can make local calls with VoIP. Yes, you can – and will likely save on overall telephone costs while doing so. In fact, VoIP has actually changed the definition of a local phone number. This article will discuss some of the aspects of local calling using VoIP.
First, you will want to make sure that the provider you choose provides access to the PSTN (or Public Switched Telephone Network). This is what you probably know as your local phone company. Some VoIP providers do not offer this access – they only allow you to make Internet calls. Once you have selected a provider that provides access to PSTN, then the process of making local calls is the same as it is with your regular telephone service provider.
One advantage that VoIP has in this area is the ability to assign any available area code to your telephone number(s). This is due to the fact that VoIP is not geographically based. If you choose a local area code for your phone number, then this number is just like the local number provided by regular telephone providers. However, you can create a virtual phone number by choosing an area code from another city or area – even if this area is normally long distance from your area.
This would then mean that calls to and from your new virtual phone number would be local calls – even though made to an area that would normally be long distance. There would be no long distance charges involved. Also, anyone in that area code who called your virtual phone number would be placing a local call.
This has its advantages for small business owners. If your business is located in one area, but you have a large number of customers in another area, you would be able to provide them with local access to you with a virtual phone number. This number would have an area code that they would recognize as a local call, thus giving you a “presence” in their area.
Another aspect of local VoIP calls that you may be wondering about is 911 emergency calls. If this is important to you, then first make sure that the provider offers basic 911 or Enhanced 911 (E911) service in your area. The major difference between basic and Enhanced 911 service is that basic service will not provide the local 911 operator with your address information in electronic form. E911 service will provide this information.
Also, keep in mind that with VoIP E911 service, the information provided is dependent on you keeping your VoIP provider up to date with your address information. In other words if you move without reporting your new address to your VoIP provider, any calls made to E911 service would provide your old address information. Please note, in addition, that at this point it is not recommended that you rely solely on VoIP as a means of reaching 911 emergency services. For a detailed discussion of this subject, see the VoIP 911 article in this series.
As you can see, you can use VoIP for all of your telephone needs, including all of your local calls. In addition, the cost savings advantages of VoIP may make it the ideal overall solution for your needs. If you have broadband Internet access, or are considering upgrading to broadband soon, then now would be a good time to begin choosing a VoIP service provider. You can do this using some of the other tools at this site, such as the VoIP comparison chart and the VoIP reviews.
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