Sound Quality

• VoIP works by compressing sound messages. These compressed packages of data must then be decompressed to reform the original message. However, the quality of the message is usually decreased during the compression and decompression stage. Users of VoIP complain of low volume, moments of silence and echoes. VoIP technology is advancing to increase the sound quality, though it may never match the quality of land-line phone connections.
  
  

Compatibility

• VoIP is not available everywhere in America. VoIP requires the use of an Internet broadband connection to function. However, since broadband service is not available everywhere in America, VoIP service is limited to areas of America that offer broadband. Furthermore, some VoIP services are proprietary and will only allow users to contact other users using the same software. All other calls, including emergency phone calls to 911, are blocked.
  
  

Cost

• VoIP cost can vary depending on the conditions of your service. Some VoIP providers, such Vonage and Skype, offer limited service for as low as $20 a month. However, some providers charge users based on data consumption. For users that stay within data ranges, charges could be as low as $10 a month. For users that go outside of data ranges, monthly charges could exceed $100 a month. Unlike regular phone services, data consumption cannot be equated to minutes used a month. Due to the nature of VoIP, users cannot be sure how much data a phone call will require because it varies. Therefore, in some cases, users can never truly control their monthly phone bill.
  
  

Disruption

• Since VoIP uses the Internet to make and receive phone calls, phone service is about as reliable as a continuous Internet connection. VoIP requires that your computer be turned on at all times, your modem is active and the software activated. This makes phone service extremely unreliable. During power outages, storms or Internet disruptions, you will not be able to make and receive phone calls.
  
  

Security

• Another major disadvantage of VoIP is security issues. Since VoIP uses the Internet to send and receive messages, phone calls can be easily hacked. Hackers can compromise your IP address and use it to eavesdrop your conversations or make phone calls on your VoIP account. VoIP is also susceptible to virus attacks and spam.