Internet Voice is also known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or even just plain Internet Telephone, is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line.

Some services using VoIP may only allow you to call other people using the same service provider whereas others like MyCostSavingCall may allow you to call anyone who has a telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile (cellphone) and international numbers. While some services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, other services allow you to use a traditional phone through an adaptor – and in fact MyCostSavingCall has such an adaptor called the BiPAC 7402VL.

VoIP converts your voice from your telephone mouthpiece into a digital signal that is then routed over the Internet. If you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is then converted back into voice at the other end. Internet Voice allows you to make a call directly from a computer.

If you make a call using a phone with an adaptor, you will be able to dial just as normal. Your service provider may also provide a dial tone. In addition, if your service provider assigns you a regular phone number, then a person can call you from his or her regular phone without using or needing special equipment. This is the case with any ADSL installation in South Africa as these are modified phone lines as installed by Telkom.

A broadband Internet connection is required to make VoIP calls. Some services allow you to use a regular telephone, as long as you connect it to an adaptor (such as BiPAC 7402VL). Some companies allow you to make calls from a computer or a VoIP phone that doesn’t require an additional adapter. If you are calling a regular telephone number, the person you are calling does not need any special equipment, just a phone handset.

Depending upon your service, you might be limited only to other subscribers to the service, or you may be able to call any phone number, anywhere in the world as is the case with MyCostSavingCall. The call can be made to a local number, a mobile phone, a long distance, or an international number.

Because VoIP is digital, it may offer features and services that are not available with a traditional phone. If you have a broadband Internet connection, you need not maintain and pay the additional cost for a line just to make telephone calls