by Sheldon Gordon

Call it Voice over IP (VoIP). Call it IP telephony.

Or call it the convergence of voice and data networks. Sending telephone calls as data packets over Internet Protocol (IP) networks is a telecom option that Canadian businesses may increasingly choose when it’s time to replace legacy systems.
By turning to carrier-hosted IP networks, they can (for the first time) obtain the same sophisticated telecom applications without having to buy expensive routers and switches.

IP telephony’s early adopters tend to downplay the significance of long-distance savings and emphasize the flexibility and functionality of IP telephony with new applications being the most compelling driver.

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If you’re already paying for high-speed Internet service, why not make the most of your money?

Those cables aren’t just good for downloading sports scores, they can digitally transmit and receive phone calls, too. Once you sign up with a VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) provider, your long-distance phone bills may go the way of the rotary phone. Using a high-speed connection, a telephone and a router that links them to your PC, you can make calls while avoiding the tolls associated with typical jack service. Plus, installation is easy — even a ding-a-ling can get the hookup.

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Ian Thompson’s Ancaster to Winona

stretch ’unreasonable,’ chair agrees

A Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board trustee is hoping to convince his colleagues to review their ward representation for the next election.

Ian Thompson, whose wards 11 and 12 stretch from Winona through Glanbrook to the furthest reaches of Ancaster, said he believes a review is needed to better reflect geographic proximity and changes in schools and population.

Until recently, his constituents in Winona had to call long distance to reach him, he said — a situation he resolved by moving to Ward 5.

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