The problems of VOIP are not things of the past

twin

Remember the first calls using VOIP from your desktop computer? Static from a bad connection, echoing voices, and long pauses between sentences. The awkward conversation in which the two sides are either talking over each other or waiting for a long enough pause to answer back was a lot like a bad broadcast on MSNBC. But all of those issues have been resolved… or have they? The problems facing VOIP providers have been criticized through blogs and correspondences for ages and do not seem to be letting up. With the resolution of one issue it seems that 5 more are cropping up to replace it, leaving programmers tackling more than they had anticipated.

Dropped calls have been a complaint to most VOIP providers across the board. An issue that can easily be passed off to the internet provider, especially with home computer systems where running additional programs can log down the system. Just call them back, is the resolution. However, spending a half hour on hold might leave making the call a second time seems like torture.
VOIP companies have been accused of blocking certain connections. After all, it’s a competitive market out there and allowing clients to make calls to your competition would be harmful to business, right? It has been cited that this issue needs to be addressed in a more serious fashion to prevent further dangers in the future. Blocking out phone numbers of competitors ultimately restricts free commerce, and giving that right to your service provider would be criminal, wouldn’t it?

And finally we come to Outage – the most widespread problem facing VOIP users. Many find that their occasional lapse in service, while an inconvenience, does not drastically affect their lifestyle. The opinion of those using internet phone for business is far different. Even a few minutes without outside communication can be detrimental to some companies. No amount of reimbursement can refund losing connection with their largest client. How would one explain away their savings of pennies when making a multi-million dollar deal?

We can easily adapt to dealing with the issues of internet phone, but the real question is; Why should we? While it may seem like an inconvenience to most, others see it as an imposition. Companies who have created web communication are calling the shots on who we can contact, when we can contact them, and are also deciding when that contact should be terminated. Determining what is acceptable if up to the consumer; i.e., you!