The 5 Types of VoIP

While VoIP is a great way to save on faxing charges, selecting the type of VoIP that best meets your needs is essential for reaping the most benefits. Once you know the type of VoIP phone and fax service you need, it will make your choice of choosing a VoIP service provider that much easier. Here’s an overview of the five types of VoIP, all of which offer online faxing along with phone services:

1. Subscription VoIP - This is the most common type of VoIP service where you sign-up for a VoIP plan and pay a set fee on a monthly or yearly basis. If you are switching from traditional phone lines, the VoIP service provider supplies a phone adapter that allows you to make phone calls and send faxes using your broadband Internet connection and your phone. You can also send and receive faxes through a secure web-based account or your email account.

2. Mobile VoIP - With this type of VoIP, you can send and receive faxes while on the go, from anywhere around the world, as long as you have wireless Internet access. Mobile VoIP uses Internet Protocol networks, such as 4G, 3G and Wi-Fi, to provide anywhere, anytime access. With Mobile VoIP, the service provider must be able to offer service to your type of mobile phone. Depending on your mobile device, software may be needed from the service provider to work as an interface that enables you to send and receive faxes.

3. Device Only VoIP - Device based VoIP simply requires a device for phoning and faxing. The hardware works with traditional phone line service and can be used wherever there is a phone line. With device only VoIP, a monthly or yearly subscription with a VoIP service provider is not necessary. However, some device providers charge an annual usage fee instead of a one-time only cost. In addition, some devices only operate with a computer.

4. Computer Based - Another popular type of VoIP faxing, this computer based service requires a computer and a special application that enables you to send and receive phone calls and faxes over the Internet. Faxing is done computer to computer. The VoIP service provider enables you to manage your faxes and fax numbers through a secure online account.

5. Business VoIP - Most VoIP service providers offer special faxing solutions to businesses and corporations, regardless of their size and faxing needs. For example, VoIP faxing can accommodate facilities operating on a network or companies that want to keep their phone service. Different plans are available based on faxing volume.

How To Choose Your VoIP Type

When deciding which type of VoIP is right for you, consider the following:

  • How often do you use your phone and send and/or receive faxes? If your phone use is minimal and your faxing volume low, computer based faxing might be sufficient for your needs. However, if your phone and fax volume is high, subscription or business VoIP might be more cost effective.
  • How much money do you want to spend? If you phone and fax regularly, subscription based VoIP is the most economical and easiest to budget because you have a set fee every month. However, if you don’t want a monthly bill, consider device only or computer based VoIP.
  • Do you want flexibility to fax from anywhere? Is so, mobile VoIP is for you.

    • Once you determine your faxing needs, you can choose a VoIP faxing method or service provider that works best for you.