08:29 Barron's highlights some of the problems associated with VOIP installation
While the Barron's cover story discusses VOIP plays, which could benefit as the usage of the technology spreads, a separate article highlights problems with VOIP setup. The first problem is that VOIP requires broadband Internet access, via DSL or cable. About 22 mln American households now have broadband access; the total will hit 47 mln by the end of 2007, according to AT&T. Also, VOIP users must do a little installation work. Sign up, and the co sends a modem-sized black box called a telephone adapter. Insert it into home network configuration, between modem and router, or, if there's no network, simply between the PC and the modem. This should be a snap, but, according to the article, it isn't. The journalist had the same painful experience with both Vonage and AT&T: He spent a half-day on the phone with the co call center, trying to troubleshoot connection to get the phone working while keeping regular Internet connection running. There was a similar experience setting up CallVantage service. According to the article TheGlobe.com service is cheap, but the quality is spotty at best. Also, attempts to use the service through the computer-network firewall failed. Calls based on instant-messaging software, which don't use regular phones or phone numbers, tend to be of the lowest quality. But they're also free. |
