VoIP is Reinventing Telecommunications

For 100 years the telecommunications industry has been delivering pretty much the same package of services. VoIP changes everything with the opportunity to create a much more custom telecommunication experience.

Converging Info Spaces

Dan Baldwin goes over the convergence of the three different worlds. Telecommunications, media and technology spaces are merging into what Dan Baldwin calls ‘telemediology’.

In this converging of spaces and services, customers are no longer deciding between media and telecommunications, for example, but are looking for the company that can provide the exact combination of services they need.

Did you know you can automatically block telemarketer calls, or receive notification of incoming calls through your TV? Check out these nifty features. If you’re not already using them, it’s time to see what you’ve been missing.

1. Telemarketer Blocking–Telemarketer blocking works by sensing those few extra moments of dead air that the auto-dialer machines produce when they call you up to interrupt your supper. Additionally, telemarketer blocking will respond to those annoying auto-dialer machines with a tone that it will interpret as “this phone is no longer in service”.
2. TV Calls– With many VoIP services, you can forward incoming calls to your TV. Yep, now you don’t even have to exert the energy to see if it’s a call you can wait a bit to respsond to. You can configure settings to display your online status and see caller info, using your remote control.
3. Click to Call– Nearly all VoIP providers allow you to make calls simply by clicking on a phone number in your address book, in an email or website.
4. Track eBay Auctions– With a simple Yahoo Messenger add-on, you can keep up on auction items you’re watching or have won. Forget sniping, you’ll never miss another exciting auction close countdown.
5. Home Security– As long as you have more than one sign on, you can access a webcam at home, whiel you’re away. All you need to do is set up your VoIP to auto-answer calls and you’ll be able to dial home and see what the webcam shows.

Some Vonage customers are a little worried. Many Vonage customers opted for this juggernaut of service, thinking that it would be the widest, most stable network.

What if Vonage Goes Extinct?

Not to worry, there are several top notch VoIP service providers ready to fill that gap. And many of them offer sign up specials worth taking a look at. Here are a few of the most noteworthy:

Packet8

Packet8’s parent company holds some 67 patents, demonstrating a solid technical foundation that should put it in a strong position if Verizon opts to expand its patent litigation to a broader network of VoIP service providers.

Currently, Packet8 is waiving their $29.95 activation fee for all tranferring Vonage customers.

Lingo

Lingo offers comparable service and technology at a somewhat reduced rate. They offer free activation and shipping. Customers can decide between one month of free service, or 6 months service at a reduced rate.

InPhonex

InPhonex is also offering to waive activation fees for Vonage customers wanting to transfer. One thing that’s different about InPhonex is that they do charge for the adapters to connect regular phones to the net. But Vonage customers can trade in their equipment for a credit.

Currently there are several entertainment related VoIP features that take the seams out of music listening, gaming and more. Here’s a list of VoIP features to utilize when you’re looking for something entertaining.

1. Gaming– Save time communicating with fellow gamers using integrated VoIP. The biggies like Ventrilo and TeamSpeak have more than a million users each.
2. Streaming Music– Most VoIP providers offer teh ability to integrate your music into your VoIP experience. There are services that will let you download unlimited songs for a fixed monthly rate.
3. Avatars and Sound Effects– If your VoIP doesn’t already come silliness-wired, you can check out add-ons such as vEmotion that will let you add your own sound effects and even background music to your VoIP conversations.
4. Streaming Video and TV– Watching TV and vids using VoIP is a great way to maximize your free time. Watch TV anywhere, anytime when you’ve got VoIP.
5. VoIP Dating– Looking for a date? Many of the largest dating services now offer VoIP connection capability for their users. Services such as Match.com’s MatchTalk and Verbdate allow you to talk with others sans the risks of regular phone calls.
6. Voice Distortion– Check this out: Scramby lets you apply all sorts of voice distortion and sound effects. You can be Yoda, or use the custom settings to make your voice represent your online game persona. It’s hard not to have fun with something like this.