What Is VoIP In North Dakota?

What Are VoIP and Internet Calls?

VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is a method that delivers voice and multimedia messages over an Internet Protocol network, especially the internet. It is in sharp contrast to regular analog phone calls. In VoIP calls, the users’ voices and analog data are converted to digital data before being transmitted from one user to another. VoIP calls may be free, depending on the service provider. 

There are two types of VoIP services in North Dakota, and they include home and business services. Residents can either subscribe to VoIP service for their home phones or office lines. According to the latest report from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), there are over 74,000 VoIP subscriptions in North Dakota as of June 2021. 

VoIP is also called internet calls, Internet telephony, and IP telephony. VoIP or internet calls refers to calls that transmit voice signals as digital data over the Internet. These calls can be restricted to only VoIP subscribers, while others allow subscribers to call anyone they want. Users can call landlines and regular telephone numbers, whether local or international.

How Do VoIP and Internet Calls Compare to Landline and Cell Phone Calls?

Landlines make calls by converting sound waves into electrical signals sent over copper wires and exchange systems. A landline can convert voice signals with the help of a disk called a diaphragm. Before the call gets to the recipient, the electrical signals travel to a phone company switch, where the call is routed to the receiver's landline, and the signals are converted back to voice signals.

Every cell phone comes with a special microphone that turns voice into electrical signals. The device uses a microchip to modulate radio waves before sending them through the air to a mast tower. Mast towers are antennas routing calls through a local base station to the recipient. This process is reversed as soon as the recipient takes the call. Scammers may spoof their caller ID information to display the area code of their target. Residents of North Dakota can protect themselves from spoofed calls by contacting reverse phone lookup service providers. Alternatively, individuals may download a reverse phone number application.

To make VoIP calls, individuals require a strong broadband connection, compatible device, and software. The calls are possible through the conversion of voice signals to digital signals. These signals are transmitted over the internet to the recipient’s device. Sometimes individuals may not necessarily need software to make VoIP calls. In North Dakota, businesses are switching to VoIP services since VoIP offers more benefits than the traditional telephone. Here some of the advantages of using VoIP.

• Affordable: Traditional phone lines transmit signals over copper wires, which makes them expensive. VoIP transmits calls over the internet, and users may not be charged extra for long-distance calls.
• Easy to start: VoIP requires a simple installation process. Individuals can set up their equipment without any technical know-how.
• Modern Features: VoIP offers various services like call forwarding, call waiting, in-depth call analytics, and auto-attendant. There are also extra communication modes like faxing, video conferencing, and live chats.
• Improved voice quality: VoIP allows you to make calls without background noise. The HD feature delivers clearer calls than the traditional telephone.
• Accessibility: Your location does not limit VoIP. The services are accessible anywhere there is a stable internet connection.

Does North Dakota Regulate VoIP Providers?

In North Dakota, all telecommunication services are regulated by the Public Service Commission, Public Utility Division except VoIP services. This is stated in chapter 49-21 of the North Dakota VOIP Act.  According to the North Dakota Act, no state entity or political subdivision may by any rule of order regulate the entry, rates, teens, and conditions of internet protocol enabled services in the state. VoIP can only be subject to:

• Any required assessments under any state high-cost universal service fund
• Any required assessment of 911 or E911 fees
• Any required surcharge under section  54 - 44.8 of the North Dakota Act
• Any required tax under chapter  57 - 34 of the North Dakota Act

What Do You Need for VoIP and Internet Calls?

A notable feature of VoIP is its ability to deliver the same quality service on different devices. Residents may decide to use their smartphones, computers, landlines, or any other compatible device to make internet calls. Since individuals can easily port from one device to another, there are no strict VoIP calls requirements. The requirement for any VoIP call will depend on the VoIP method the subscriber decides to use.

To make VoIP calls with a computer, users must get a working microphone, a headset, and software. The software is an application that enables two or more persons to connect on the internet. This VoIP method may also require an adapter, but this depends on individual preference. A caller can make VoIP calls to another PC or a regular phone number, although calls from a PC to a regular phone number may be expensive.
 

For VoIP calls via smartphones, the caller needs to download and install an application that supports internet calls. Users are entitled to both long and short distance calls using this VoIP method. However, the call may not go through if the recipient does not have a compatible application on their device. Individuals may also make internet calls using landlines. Individuals require an adapter to make this call, preferably an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) and a compatible phone. Plug the ATA into a wall socket and a router, but ensure that the router is compatible with your device.

Are VoIP Numbers Different from Regular Phone Numbers?

Yes, there are a few significant differences between VoIP numbers and a regular phone number. However, residents in North Dakota are aware that VoIP numbers are also telephone numbers in their own right. Some of the differences between a VoIP number and a regular telephone number includes:

• A VoIP number uses internet protocols to make calls.
• VoIP numbers are assigned to specific individuals, not phone lines.
• Location is not a barrier for VoIP numbers.
• A VoIP number may be used on more than one device simultaneously.

Can You Make Free Internet Calls?

The internet is now a hub for communication, and internet users love the opportunity. Individuals can place free internet voice calls, video calls, and even text messages. To make free internet calls,  individuals must have a strong internet connection, a calling device, and the appropriate applications. Residents can place or receive internet calls using a device of their choice and applications that support the call. There are four basic ways to make free internet calls, and they include:

• App to Phone Software: Individuals can place calls from their mobile device to a regular phone line. The caller can make this call once they have an application that supports app to phone software calls on their device. WhatsApp call is a common example of a typical app to phone software call. This option allows you to call any number, whether landlines or phones that do not have the same app on their device.
• PC to PC: Internet calls may not necessarily require a phone. Sometimes the computer can serve the function of a phone. A caller and the call recipient can make internet calls using their computers, especially when they both have the appropriate applications installed on the PCs. VoIP calls, especially PC to PC calls, are difficult to track. If a scammer uses this method, it is almost impossible to identify the origin of the call. A reverse phone number search may not be of help to identify where the call is from.
• App to App: Residents can make free internet calls using their smartphones and tablets. Individuals can download applications like Skype, Apple Facetime, Zoom, or any other app that facilitates internet calls on their devices. However, both parties can only make a call if they have the same application installed on their device. Due to the compatibility demand of this method,  individuals can not call landlines with a phone app.
• PC to Phone Applications: A PC can place phone calls to a regular telephone number using one or two programs. Individuals who have such programs installed on their devices need a mobile phone for internet calls. This feature allows anyone that has compatible software on their device to receive calls from a computer.