One of the advantages of VoIP is that it “travels well”. You can literally take your telephone service with you when you use VoIP. This is made possible through the use of a device called a softphone. A softphone is a piece of software that allows you to use your PC to place and receive VoIP telephone calls over the Internet. Using a softphone and your laptop, your VoIP telephone service is available to you anywhere that you have high speed internet access available. Increasing numbers of hotels, airports and other travel-related businesses are providing high speed access for there customers, so it is easier than ever to take advantage of this VoIP feature.

If you travel a lot, and plan to use your VoIP services while you are away, then make sure that you check to see if a potential provider offers a softphone option - not all providers offer this service. You might even want to download some of the softphones offered by providers to see if there is one that you prefer.

Another advantage of VoIP that is well-suited for traveling is web-based voice mail. Web-based voice mail allows you to check your voice mail messages from any computer with Internet access - dialup or high speed. Most all VoIP providers offer this as a standard option. Providers typically provide you with a web page that you can log onto and check for messages. The voice mail messages are stored as sound files, and can be played back on your softphone or any PC media player. Most providers also offer an option to forward your voice mail messages to your email address. They do this by sending an email message with the date, time and caller information, and attach the message to the email as a sound file. You might find this option more convenient, as it allows you to check email and voice messages at the same time.

VoIP offers the more traditional type of voice mail as well. Most providers offer toll-free access to voice mail. This is usually included in the basic service. So if you are traveling and need to quickly check for messages, you do not need to set up your PC. If this option is important to you, be sure and check for available access numbers before choosing a provider.

VoIP has at least one other advantage important to travelers. Since your VoIP phone number, as well as all of your services travel with you, a call placed to your home area will be a local call. This is because even though you may be in Chicago, the area code for your phone number is still in your home area. In addition, if your family or business associates wish to call you while you are away, they will be placing a local call.

In summary, if you travel a considerable amount for business or pleasure, then you should look for a service provider that offers the options that have been discussed. The most important ones are access to web-based voice mail, email delivery of voice mail messages and toll-free access to voice mail.

VoIP offers distinct advantages to many types of customers. If your travel a lot, you can easily take advantages of these features while your are on the road. In addition, you can still take advantage of the cost savings offered by VoIP, whether you are at home or away.

This article "Traveling with VoIP " is Copyright 2006 Compare-VoIP.net and may not be reproduced.

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