Who Can Benefit From VoIP ?

When you have a landline, a mobile, and a business number, you may be wondering why you'd add an extra number to your extensive contact list. You're already available 24/7. But VoIP does more than just give you an extra phone number. In fact, it can save you huge amounts of money depending on what type of calling you do. That depends on who you are, though, and where you're living.

1. International users.

If you're often calling internationally, for whatever reason, VoIP is for you. It could be that you've got family elsewhere or perhaps you've extensively communicated online and now have genuine friends all over the globe. If so, a program like Skype will save you huge amounts of money, especially if you're both using it. At that point, it will be free.

If you're the internet savvy one, though, and your correspondent is not, you'll still save money. You can get a phone number for your Skype profile, for example, and pay just pennies to call internationally. You can also use a different program with hardware to connect to your computer. Often, they will charge a flat fee for unlimited VoIP use over an entire year. You can even sign up for a local phone number so your relatives or friends can call you at local rates.

2. Financially-savvy consumers.

Obviously, VoIP saves money. It's cheaper than your mobile and your landline in virtually all instances. If you can persuade your friends and family to join up, you'll be all set for years of saving money.

3. Private users.

If you absolutely hate being on the grid or accessible to others all day every day, VoIP may be the ideal option for you. This is particularly true if you don't have a mobile phone. It's easy enough to just unplug your landline but undoubtedly you'll have people wondering why and you could miss important calls. If your primary method of contact is through your PC, no one will really question why you've turned it off for the night, and VoIP programs will keep track of all your calls just like a mobile would with free voicemail. VoIP lets you set your own hours, no questions asked.

4. Self-employed.

Don't want to work outside of business hours but you'd like your PC on? Easy, turn off your VoIP client. Inquiries go to voicemail and you'll never miss anything. This is much better than using your home number or even a dedicated mobile. You no longer run the risk of losing all of your personal time to your job.

5. Experienced with the internet.

Power users of a variety of internet technologies are more likely to jump on the VoIP bandwagon. It's cheap and it's improving all the time. We might all be using VoIP eventually. If you're up on technology in general, you probably also have a smartphone with unlimited internet. Save minutes by installing a VoIP client on your phone. Many of them are free and you'll be able to make calls just like you would from your PC.

6. Students.

Practically every student struggles for money at one time or another. VoIP can be a fantastic way to easily contact all your friends from school or your family still at home when you've run a bit too low on your mobile credit. Students are also likely to spend some time abroad either studying or backpacking. VoIP can be an inexpensive solution to getting in contact with locals or keeping in touch with friends back home.

To set up VoIP on your computer, all you need is a VoIP program, a microphone, and some headphones. I recommend downloading Skype to give it a try. If you have a smartphone, you can download an application for the same program and use your account across both platforms. If you recognize yourself in one of the above profiles, consider installing today.