How it works

Good things come in small data packets

When a phone uses VoIP technology, it converts your voice into a digital signal that is sent over the internet. In this form, it’s treated as any other data traveling over the net: it’s sent in small packets of data. At the other end of the line, your voice data is converted back into sound.

This method of sending data, called packet-switching, has the advantage over land-based or cellular calls in terms of cost. To understand why, think of internet calling as being similar to sending and receiving email. It doesn’t cost any more to send an email across town than it does to send one across the globe, and basically it’s the same situation when making calls over the internet. It doesn’t matter whether you talk for two minutes or two hours – the call is covered by your broadband internet fee.

SIP VoIP: the flexible solution

On Nokia devices, internet calling works using SIP (session initiation protocol) VoIP technology. SIP VoIP solutions contrast with those built on proprietary protocols (such as Skype) in that they work with other SIP VoIP services. This means that you can contact anyone else using a SIP VoIP service for free, regardless of what SIP VoIP provider they use.

Free versus cheap

Making VoIP calls from your phone to another phone or computer using a VoIP service is free. However, if you’re calling a regular mobile or land-line phone, your signal still has to be converted to a traditional phone signal, and you will probably pay for this service. Still, the cost-savings involved can be huge, which is why VoIP is getting a lot of attention from consumers and businesses alike.

Want to know more? Read up on VoIP here:
www.fcc.gov/voip
www.voip.org.uk

How do I get it? Visit the Gizmo Project to learn more about internet calling with SIP VoIP on your Nokia device.

Which phones use it? See if your Nokia uses VoIP.

To troubleshoot or see exactly how VoIP works on your Nokia phone, check with support.