VoIP vs. Traditional PSTN

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) offers end users a lot of features and cost savings compared to the traditional PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) . The following table is a brief comparison of the two technologies: Carrier Lines PSTN           Dedicated lines required from the telco. VoIP            All voice channels can be transmitted over the one Internet connection Bandwidth PSTN           Each analogue telephone line uses 64kbps in each direction. VoIP            Using compression, VoIP can use as little as ~10kbps in each direction. Further bandwidth can be saved by using silence suppression (not transmitting when the person is not speaking). Features such as call waiting, Caller ID, conferencing, music on hold, etc. PSTN           Often available at an extra cost. VoIP            Generally available for free. Remote PABX extensions for teleworkers and branch-offices. PSTN           Very costly and require dedicated lines for each remote extension. VoIP            Remote extensions are a standard feature. Expansability and upgradeability PSTN          Complex: can require significant hardware additions, provisioning of new lines, etc. VoIP           Often just requires more Internet bandwidth and software upgrades. Choice of companies to terminate calls PSTN           Each line is provisioned by a single telco, meaning there is very limited least cost routing. VoIP            Hundreds of VoIP providers to choose from to terminate calls. Typical business line rental PSTN           $40 VoIP            $11 Typical local call cost PSTN           17c VoIP            14c Typical mobile call cost PSTN           35c/min + flagfall VoIP            32c/min (no flagfall) Free Calls PSTN           None VoIP            To other VoIP users of the same gateway (eg., between offices) < Prev