Voice over Internet Protocol ( or VOIP) is an internet technology that uses the internet to carry conventional voice telephone calls. Usually, all that is needed is a computer that has internet access, Speakers and a microphone, or a similar device that you can connect to your computer. The VOIP ADSL phone is a small, neat, self contained device that does not require a computer, only a broadband ADSL internet connection.

This is not an entirely new concept, most international telecommunications companies only have local conventional telephone networks after which the calls are routed into VOIP and then over the internet or internal networks to the local network of the personal that you are calling.

VOIP is essentially a free service if it goes between two computers or other devices connected over the internet. Where the costs come in is when the telephone call goes from an internet user to a conventional line or mobile phone or vice versa. The costs of the networks outside the internet still have to be paid.

For a subscription fee, service providers can connect you from the internet to the network of your choice. Regardless of the fees, cost savings in respect of both national and international calls over their conventional counterparts is simply something that cannot be ignored.

A fast broadband connection such as ADSL is a must have for good quality VOIP calls. No matter who you are phoning or where in the world they are, fast connection speeds are a must. Slower connections cause the audio (which is carried over the internet in packets as digital data) to suffer in quality. Slow internet access can cause the audio to become totally destroyed or cause long delays in the conversation.

VOIP ADSL phones are effectively intelligent internet devices and come in several different shapes and sizes. Some look like a conventional telephone, others are similar to a cordless phone and some even look like a cellphone, but they all require only an ADSL connection.

The biggest cost saving to be found is in international calls, especially from one internet device to another. The expenses are reduced to a fraction of conventional calls due to there being no additional costs other than an ADSL connection. You can contact people in nearly every country in the world, the exception being those with with less developed infrastructures and some who don't allow VOIP.

VOIP has long been a bone of contention among conventional telecommunication companies and the rival VOIP companies. The battle over VOIP has been won by the VOIP technology companies and the VOIP ADSL phone is here to stay.