Internet Telephony At Home

Imaging making phone calls without using telephone lines. That's the promise behind the technology known as "Voice Over Internet Protocol," or "Voice Over IP."

The technology uses the Internet instead of regular phone lines to transmit your voice to any other phone in the world. A growing number of broadband providers are offering the service, and AT&T became the latest major company to deliver VOIP service this month.

But before you begin calculating your savings, UTTM Computer Consultant John Quain suggests you do some research. While the technology has come a long way since its infancy in the 1990s, there are drawbacks to consider as well. Namely, you need a broadband Internet connection, which can run you at least $30 a month. Also, if you lose power or broadband service, you lose your phone lines.