DSL Internet & VoIP Service
VoIP is a new acronym that is getting a lot of play on television and the Internet. The term stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, and what this does is let users make phone calls over the Internet instead of traditional phone lines. VoIP is so new that there are still many terms being used for it, including Broadband Phone, Voice over Broadband, Internet Telephony, IP Telephony, and more. In time the market will settle on a term, but for now any of the above might be used.
By looking at the alternate names this service goes by, it becomes clear that VoIP must have a broadband connection to be used. The basic VoIP services of almost every company work on both cable and DSL networks. Other broadband access such as wireless and satellite services is touch and go, and some will work while others won't. The problem isn't the network, but the hardware in use. This will change over time certainly, but as of now cable and DSL are the only reliable choices.
The question is what is the best type of broadband service? Here we will discuss DSL broadband as it pertains to VoIP and see if it's the way to go.
The DSL Problem: Providers
The main detractor from DSL service making efficient use of a VoIP service isn't technology at all, but the DSL providers themselves. AT&T for example requires its DSL customers to also buy dial tone from them to get the service, meaning you would be paying for VoIP in addition to standard residential service which sort of defeats the purpose. While long distance would still be free via VoIP, the cost of additional landline service would drain a lot of value from the package.
Many consumer advocacy groups say this practice is unfair, and analysts predict stand alone DSL offers to be something the market will see in the near future. AT&T claims they will have a “naked” DSL Internet offer in testing within months, and other providers will fall in line to compete if this works out.
Another method telcos are using to prevent loss of customers without giving up their stranglehold on land lines is to convert to VoIP themselves. Qwest communications is a great example of this as they are bundling DSL and VoIP at a price that makes it unfeasible to use any other voice service over their lines. While this is great for their DSL Internet customers that want VoIP it's rough on the competition, which of course is the idea.
DSL VoIP Performance
DSL Internet Access will certainly offer enough bandwidth to use a VoIP service. From a performance standpoint there is no difference between cable and DSL, providing the DSL service is “always on”. Some DSL providers use a “conectoid” to make a DSL connection. This is similar to the old dial up dialers that you had to click on to have your modem dial out and connect to your service provider. If a conectoid is used, then in order to make a call using VoIP a user would need to go to their computer and manually connect to their DSL provider. This could become tiresome over time, though the service would still function. Be sure the service you intend to use is “always on” if VoIP is a service you are looking for.
Although DSL service is comparable to cable in many areas, VoIP isn't one of them. While it can be used, by way of comparison it loses on almost every front. Unless your DSL provider is offering VoIP as a service, then cable Internet is the way to go.