A Short History of VoIP

History of VoIP

It all started in 1995. The company VocalTec first began to provide VoIP services. These phones were modestly called InternetPhones. No video,

faxing, or extra features were available. Instead, two people with  the internet, along with the exact same software could talk to each other through a speaker and connected microphone.

Within a year’s time, the VoIP advantages grew. Users could now send voicemails through their phones, and Microsoft Netmeeting joined with VocalTec, which gave its customers greater opportunities for different software.

On the other hand, the disadvantages doubled as well. The sound quality was iffy, dropped calls, and periods of silence sporadically. By 1998, VoIP phone calls accounted for less than 1%. The calls were free, yet users would have to sit and listen to commercials before calling.

Sometimes technology just gets a late start, but within the late 1990s/early 2000s, telecommunications and telephone manufactures jumped on the band

wagon. They developed the InternetPhones to run through IP addresses and together, and over time were able to built adapters that would work on personal and commercial phones.

With this new addition, by 2003 VoIP calls had went from less than 1% to almost 25% of all calls made. Plus with the wide use of internet, less VoIP calls are dropped and the quality more vibrant. People could now play on the internet while talking on the phone – so glad we are passed dial-up connections. Through this whole process and even today, VoIP customer love their phones and have consistent positive feedback.

Just to throw some numbers out, according to MegaPath, in 2002 there were

121,000 VoIP users. This number multiplied to 30 Million by 2012. ADDITIONALLY, this number is said to grow another 10% by 2016.

So what do you think? VoIP Phones have come a long way in a short period of

time. Is VoIP going to take over phone systems completely? For any questions you may have, VoIPster Communication is waiting. Message us, email, or call. We are always available!