VoIP You

VoIP’s reach continues to stretch into environments that early proponents of the technology most likely never would have predicted. Perhaps the greatest demonstration of the versatility of VoIP and its ability to close the communication gap across the country was covered in a recent post on ZDNet. It deals with a piece of land that belongs to the Navajo Nation and has long been without easy access to any sort of telecommunications technology:

“In the 250,000-population Navajo Nation, a remote settlement known as White Rock Chapter House has never had any type of phone service up until now.”

The article goes on to explain that Navajo Nation information technology director Harold Skow (along with help from New Mexico State Senator Leonard Tsosie and others in the area) has successfully developed a plan to bring VoIP services to the community that includes:

“75-mile microwave connection capable of providing and supporting VoIP, Wi-Fi access points, and videoconferencing (as well as) VoIP phones for use at White Rock.”

All parties involved believe that the access to this technology and an increased ability to communicate will help Navajo children perform better on state tests and other academic evaluations.

Along with its effect on previously “disconnected” areas, VoIP is making it easier for longstanding businesses and organizations to function efficiently. Hospitals across the U.S. are some of the latest facilities to adopt VoIP, hoping it will lead to greater care and increased communication between doctors, patients, and staff. VoIP Now recently looked at the benefits VoIP can provide for the healthcare industry:

“An increasing number of hospitals in the United States are using VoIP systems to lower costs of communications.”

The article focuses mainly on QLIMG, a medical group that operates 22 hospitals throughout New York. With “Quality of Service” being of the utmost concern for hospitals, officials have latched on to VoIP services that provide them with “embedded standard unified messaging, auto-attendant, Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) system...(and) 1,500 IP phones.”

As VoIP continues to branch out, it continues to catch the eye of the nation’s investors. The VoIP Conversation reports:

“The ability to make calls over the Internet has been around for years but is just now really catching on. Its popularity is growing as more consumers trade dialup Internet service for broadband, almost the only essential for VoIP service. Investors are bullish over the VoIP market because they see the Internet as the gateway to all voice and data communications.”

The "Conversation" goes on to simply state:

“This interest in the technologies, coupled with sound business plans, signals investors' willingness to support VoIP and VideoIP solutions.”

While VoIP outstretches other technologies in its ability to connect people quickly, effectively, and affordably, those within and without the industry are taking steps to spark further growth. This has already had a substantial impact on businesses, medical facilities, and communities throughout the country. However, ultimately it will result in increased VoIP services and capabilities for the everyday consumer.