The effect of ICT on the way we communicate (Part 2)

VoIP
The concept of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) was first introduced in 1995 by VocalTec, however it did not recieve well in the market until 2003, when Skype was created. From then on, people realised the potential of what skype and VoIP can hold with FREE calls over the internet to any other VoIP user. Most VoIP software allows the user to connect to 3G/landline networks and ring mobile/home telephones, however this feature requires credit (similar to a mobile telephone).  VoIP is incredibly popular for large companies and business enterprises, this is because it allows them to have free conferences between contacts. Most software also allows the use of webcam with the call, so users can talk as if they are standing right in front of the person they are talking to. If the voice/webcam cuts off, then users can use a standard IM (instant messaging) feature and type what they wish to say.

Skype: A VoIP client.

VoIP can now be used on some mobile phones (coming under the data plan/internet plan) so users can call other users at a reasonable price (depending on their 3G internet tariff), this can be incredibly useful if the user has run out of "talktime". Many companies have released "handsets" for internet phones that plug into a computer wirelessly, but the handset is kept where it can be heard, like a living room or lounge, this is purely for aesthetic reasons because some people prefer the idea of using a handset when calling the person they wish to talk to.

A VoIP handset from "Tesco Internet Phone"

Advantages:

• Depending on the price of the broadband connection/internet tariff of a mobile, VoIP is considerably cheaper in the long run than calling a person phone-to-phone/mobile-to-mobile.
• Many VoIP users can be connected to one call as a "conference", this eliminates the effort of having to call separate people to say the same information, the use of a "conference improves efficiency and accuracy (because all the people are told the same information.
• Some software allow the use of webcams, this allows users to literally "see" who they are talking to, this can help people who are far away from family or friends to cope with isolation/loneliness.

Disadvantages:

• VoIP requires internet access, whether it is broadband or 3G; this costs money. Most broadband connections (with phone line rental) costs around £11 a month, where most 3G networks charge £7.50 unlimited internet access (with a fair use policy of 1GB)
• Depending on the speed/connection of the internet, the communication speed can lag or buffer. This can disrupt the fluidity of the conversation. The best connection available is around 20 megabytes-per-second.
• It is not completely secure, the internet can easily be accessed by spammers or hackers. This means that friends or family could be subject to "junk mail".

News Articles:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5868&review=Google+Voice+vs+Skype+5+Beta
http://www.8el.com/news/voip-news/us-college-upgrades-to-voip-800067305.html

Bibliography
http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keating/voip/voip-history.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voice_over_Internet_Protocol