Internet Telephony

What?

The idea is quite simple. Your words are converted into a digital form that can be sent via the internet. When they reach the internet telephone provider's computer, they are converted back into a form that can be sent down local telephone lines.

Why?

Cost! Internet telephony allows you to make international calls for little more than the price of local calls; or take advantage of cheaper long-distance lines provided in other countries.

The person you call doesn't need to have an expensive computer. It is also a cheap way of calling from countries where a large deposit is required to have an international phone line.

But is it Any Good?