All technology improves over time and that axiom certainly applies when it comes to the development of voice communications via the internet.

Starting from an idealistic but technologically underdeveloped standpoint of providing free telephone calls over the internet, it has now developed to a point where users can conduct straightforward voice calls, HD video calls, and even make and receive calls to landlines and mobile phones here in the UK or internationally direct from a computer or smartphone. More importantly, all of those services can be delivered reliably and to a quality standard, unlike when the technology was in its infancy.

In addition to providing these services via computers, WiFi smartphones such as iphone3Gs can be used as a platform for a number of VoIP applications, allowing transferability of a user's account between their preferred devices.

Regardless of device used and subject to a reasonable maximum usage of course, it is also possible to make unlimited calls to landlines in selected countries throughout the world for a fee under £8 per month. Alternatively VoIP operators also offer calls on a pay-as-you go basis. Whichever option is taken, the cost is likely to be significantly below the tariffs charged by traditional phone operators, certainly when it comes to calling mobiles abroad. This facility is particularly used by small and medium sized enterprises, as it is such as cost-effective method of staying in touch with offices, colleagues and other businesses either in the UK or abroad.

Another feature offered by leading VoIP providers is the option to apply an online number to your computer, so that it becomes a virtual telephone to which landlines and mobiles can make calls via the Public Switched Telephone Exchange (PSTN) and mobile networks. This means that even when family, friends and colleagues are out and about they can still get in touch with you at your computer.

One potential barrier to some internet users is that they don't trust the security aspect of making telephone calls over the internet. However, reputable VoIP providers ensure that voice calls are encrypted just like any other sensitive information transmitted over the internet, so protecting your privacy from any malicious eavesdropping. Indeed, given the level of encryption applied by the more reputable VoIP providers is probably easier to hack into mobile phone or landline calls than to decrypt voice calls sent as data down the internet.

So, if you are running a small business or have a large family, you may wish to investigate changing your current landline and mobile telephone services to a VoIP communications alternative.

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