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VoIP Quick Start Tutorial

Why should I use VoIP?

It's cheaper to make calls to mobiles and landlines. You are not limited to making a single phone call at a time through the same line. You can use the same service from anywhere in the world using a VoIP phone or a laptop/PDA that you take with you. You can obtain different inbound numbers from different parts of the world. Calls to other users are 100% free.

In summary, with VoIP you are no longer tied down to a particular country, address or phone line. People will be able to reach you more easily and you will save money.

What is VoIP?

What do I need to get started?

The easiest way to try VoIPtalk is with a free Softphone. Download and configure the softphone following the easy to use instructions, you will need to sign up for a free VoIPtalk account. Within a couple of minutes you'll be able to make and receive calls and it won't cost you a penny.

If you're feeling a little more adventurous, keep reading and have a look at the options below. Before you can use any of them, you'll need to sign up for a free VoIPtalk account. You can sign up for nothing - there is no catch. We won't take any payment details. In fact, we actually give you 10 free minutes to make some test calls to landline destinations. You can, when it suits you, topup your account with prepaid credit or sign up to any of our monthly packages for additional features

After that, you'll need a way of using your new VoIPtalk account. There are three main ways of using VoIP: Softphones, Analogue Telephone Adaptors, and VoIP Phones.

What hardware or software can I use?

Softphone is short for Software Telephone. A softphone is a program that runs on your computer. You usually dial numbers and manage the phone through your keyboard and mouse and use your PC's speakers and microphone for the audio.

A lot of people prefer to use softphones with a USB phone. A USB phone plugs into your computer's USB port and works just like a normal telephone handset - dialling numbers, hanging up calls, audio, etc is all done through the handset.

PROS

  • Very low cost - often completely free
  • Easy to set up
  • No hardware needed
  • Highly portable

CONS

  • Your computer needs to be on when you make or receive calls

Download VoIPtalk easySPEAK Softphone

An Analogue Telephone Adaptor, or ATA for short, is a mobile phone sized device which plugs into your broadband network. You then plug a conventional/analogue telephone into the adaptor and you are ready to start making and receiving calls over VoIP.

More recently, manufacturers have started combining ATAs and broadband/ADSL routers. We sell a range of routers with ATAs built in. Look out for these if you are after an all-in-one solution.

PROS

  • Use your existing phones
  • Independent of your PC works whether
    its on or off
  • Low cost
  • Easy to set up
  • Portable
  • Combined ATA and router devices present a convenient all in one solution

CONS

  • Advanced features (e.g. call transfer, hold, etc) are not easily accessible through a conventional handset

Browse Analogue VoIP Adaptors

VoIP phones are to VoIP what a conventional phone is to the analogue telephone network.

A VoIP phone plugs straight into your network (some wireless phones connect to WiFi networks instead of plugging in). These phones are very well featured and are generally considered to be the best option by business users.

PROS

  • Very easy to use
  • Independent of your PC
  • Easy access to advanced calling features (e.g. hold, call transfer)
  • Easy to deploy in office environments

CONS

  • More expensive than a softphone or ATA

Browse VoIPPhones

Why should I use VoIPtalk?

Because VoIPtalk's low call rates will save you money. Not only that, but if both you and the person you call are using VoIPtalk the call is completely free.

If that is not enough, VoIPtalk has a range of features to make your life much easier. You can use the service from anywhere in the world and you will still pay the same call rates. You can take your phone number with you when you go travel plus you can get a voicemail service which not only lets you dial in from anywhere to listen to your messages, but also emails you when you get a message and attached the message so you can listen to it. But that's not an exhaustive list, there's much more!

So, take a look at the options and go for the one that suits you best.

VoIPtalk Packages

If you have tried the service, used up your free minutes you can now consider using one of our packages. There are no setup fees involved and a twelve month contract period is applicable to all subscription services. After the minimum contract period subscribers may terminate their subscription with one months notice.


No subscription fees, simply pay as you go online.

Check out our rates

A host of features & call rates for only £3.99 per month. Includes voicemail and a free UK geo number.

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1000 minutes to UK & worldwide destinations for £4.99 / month. No setup charges.

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Unlimited calls to UK & worldwide destinations for £9.99 / month. No setup charges.

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Are you a business? Click here now!

VoIPtalk do not just offer residential packages. Whether you are a small or large business we have a comprehensive range of VoIP solutions tailored for your requirements including VoIP telephone systems and hosted services. Check out our Business Solutions for more information.