Drawbacks of using viop
If you’re considering replacing your traditional telephone service with Internet Voice, be prepared with all the pros and cons. As with any introduction of a new product, there are a few potential drawbacks to VoIP.
For one, home alarms systems that rely on phone lines will not work with a broadband connection. If you have an alarm, you should consider retaining a regular phone line, despite the added cost.
Then there’s the 911 issue. Emergency calls made through VoIP service are not directed to traditional 911 Emergency Response Centers. Instead, calls are directed to a PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point). For this reason, Consumer Reports and other analysts say you should consider keeping an active analog phone line available for emergencies. In addition, VoIP services won’t work in a power outage.
As of yet, there is no VoIP-specific phone book, and VoIP phone numbers are not yet included in directory assistance. Your name may be listed, but the number will be unlisted.
Other potential drawbacks, according to Consumer Reports, are security risks. Since the phone is being used through an Internet connection, editors worry that VoIP service could fall prey to viruses, hackers, and spam.