Is VoIP for You?

Whether VOIP is for you or not rely on a number of or combination
of factors. Some economic and quality considerations should be
examined.

What is it going to cost?

Assuming that you already have a broadband service, a router, and a Windows PC to run the softphone, the cost will be minimal.

If you already have a spare computer to dedicate to this task, then
the cost is almost nothing unless you need to buy an audio headset
($15.00 from Dick Smith - Australia.) for the softphone. If you do not have a spare
PC with the above specification, then you may be able to buy one from
your local swap meets for under $200.00, which may include a monitor.
Ensure that the PC has an Ethernet NIC for connecting to your home
network.

Your only other initial cost will be the $20.00 or so activation
fee to Oztel (or other VSP of your choice), if you want the ability to
make PSTN calls. If you want to restrict all your calls to VOIP only,
it may not cost you anything at all.

Some VSPs like Pennytel, Astratel, Spantalk etc will register you
for SIP communication for free provided that you do not need to make
PSTN calls.

All these “Major Expenses" will be recovered when you receive your monthly Telstra or Optus phone bills.

What will the Quality of the phone calls be?

If you are expecting the quality to be as good as your existing
PSTN calls, you will be somewhat disappointed, but if you will be happy
with a quality that is not quite but close to your existing PSTN calls,
you might be in luck.

VOIP via the Public Internet is very much dependant on a number of
factors – available bandwidth not withstanding, your usage habit of the
internet and LAN traffic and equipment quality, amongst others, also
play very important roles.