Voice over IP (also known to as VoIP or broadband telephony) allows you to make phone calls over your broadband connection.

You can either use a software phone, a phone adapter or a VoIP phone which connects to a broadband router or network to make and receive calls. In most cases calls from one VOIP phone to another are FREE of charge. So you could make calls to a relative in Austrailia from the UK absolutely free of charge.

There is talk of BT being made to debundle a broadband connection and phone line which will really open up the market but we fear this may be some time away. Once you have set up the software or phone making a call with Voice over IP will be just like having a regular phone call. Often you will have a regular phone number and will be able to make and receive phone calls just the same.

VOIP phones are ideal for small or home businesses or families where a 2nd or 3rd line would be useful but don't want to go the expense of having multiple phone lines and line rental.