How does VoIP differ from traditional telephone service?

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, fundamentally changes how voice communication takes place by transmitting voice data over the Internet rather than relying on conventional telephone lines. This technology allows for voice calls to be made using data packets instead of analog signals, resulting in a more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective system. Users can connect through various devices—like computers, smartphones, and dedicated VoIP phones—making the service highly adaptable to different needs.

While VoIP can offer superior audio quality in many cases, this is not universally true and largely depends on the internet connection and equipment used; it does not solely guarantee higher quality over traditional telephones. VoIP also encompasses a range of communication forms beyond just voice, including video and messaging, contrary to the notion that it is limited to video calls only. Finally, VoIP does not utilize satellite signals for communication, as its infrastructure relies on internet connectivity rather than satellite communication methods.