Make VoIP Transparent
I think the big problem with VoIP is that those of us who are using it </i>know</i> we are using it. We know because sound quality is inconsistent. We know because we have to dial our phones differently (in some cases). We know because stuff inexplicably stops working. We know because Skype thinks our computers are supernodes and begins sucking bandwidth. We know because calls to 911 don’t work the same way they do on our landline.
When I pick up my phone to make a call, which is powered by a couple of cheap per-minute ITSPs, it generally works pretty well. My calls go through and I don’t usually notice any problems. There are times, however, when I totally notice problems. I have to switch providers or switch telephone handsets to use my PSTN line or my mobile phone.
At the end of the day, I don’t want to think about whether or not I’m using VoIP. I don’t want to have to worry about the stuff I worry about. I just want it to work. And at the end of the day, I don’t care if it’s VoIP, TDM, GSM, or whatever. I just care that it works and works reliably and consistently wherever I go. And I have to believe that’s the way most consumers feel, too.
