There are a number of service providers that provide free Internet telephony. Generally, the Internet access providers provide these services at no additional cost. A broadband connection is the first step towards free Internet telephony. There is software available online that can be downloaded free of cost and can then be used to help you make long distance calls without paying any bill. There is more than one way to use free Internet telephony.

The most common method is when an Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA) is used to connect a regular telephone to the computer that has an Internet connection. The ATA performs the function of a digital converter. It takes an analog signal from a regular telephone, converts it into digital data and then transfers it through the Internet. The ATA services are free. Even the software required to make this system work is available for free online.

The second method involves the use of IP phones. Just use your wi-fi laptop to get connected to the Internet and you can make phone calls from an IP phone to anywhere in the world.

The most commonly used method is computer-to-computer VOIP. Several companies are offering free online software which helps in utilizing VOIP technology if one has a broadband or cable DSL connection, speakers, sound card and relevant software. The voice quality on computer-to-computer VOIP is quite good, and there no extra charges for making long distance calls.

Due to the fact no additional costs have to be incurred in making long distance calls, more and more organizations, commercial as well as non-commercial, have started installing VOIP. This trend is likely to gain further momentum.