Call Kolkata Using VoIP

Making international long distance calls using VoIP can work in several ways depending on which VoIP provider and which VoIP service plan you choose. We'll call these VoIP connection methods 'dialing', but in practice, not all VoIP 'dialing' methods look like normal dialing you are used to with a mobile or landline phone.

Some providers offer VoIP plans that work like calling cards. Other VoIP services work similar to regular telephone service - at least once you get them set up.

Others work via your computer where you either talk on your computer via a headset or use your computer to 'activate' a call between landline or mobile phones. And, to further complicate things, many VoIP providers support more than one 'dialing' method.

In other words, how you will use VoIP to make an internet call to Kolkata depends on the specific VoIP provider and type of VoIP service you choose. On this page, we try to recap the main approaches for making an internet call using VoIP, but you will need to check directly with your VoIP provider for specifics.

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4 Ways to Make a VoIP Internet Call to Kolkata

In general, there are four ways to make international VoIP internet calls to Kolkata.

  1. Use a regular phone to dial into your provider's VoIP network - similar to how calling cards work
  2. Initiate calls from your computer, but talk on your telephone - aka 'web-activated VoIP'
  3. Dial from your telephone thru your internet connection - aka 'digital phone service'
  4. Dial from your computer using a headset - aka 'soft phone'

Below is a review of how these VoIP calling approaches work. Check with your VoIP service provider for specifics on how their internet calling system works and what, if any, equipment you will require.

To learn more about VoIP, visit our VoIP calling guide or consult with your service provider.

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1. Dial into your provider's VoIP network from a regular phone

This VoIP approach works just like a calling card - except that you typically buy this type of VoIP service as an on-going plan for a flat fee per month.

To use this type of VoIP service, you dial a local access number or toll-free access number that connects you into your VoIP provider's network. Then you dial your account number and PIN and your destination phone number in Kolkata, and your call will be connected.

You can use this kind of VoIP service to call Kolkata from any landline or mobile phone, including payphones.

Requirements:

  • None - just dial from any phone

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2. Initiate calls from your computer, but talk on your telephone

This VoIP approach is sometimes called 'web-activated VoIP' or 'web-activated telephony'.

To use it, you go to your VoIP provider's website and enter your phone number and the Kolkata phone number you are calling (the 'originating' and 'destination' numbers, respectively). These can be either landline or mobile phones. Then you click 'dial' (or similar) and the VoIP provider takes over by dialing both numbers independently from within their system causing both phones to ring at roughly the same time. Once you and your Kolkata party both answer your phones, the connection is made and you begin talking as normal.

Requirements:

  • Personal computer or smartphone (e.g., iPhone) with internet access

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3. Dial from your telephone thru your internet connection

With this type of VoIP service, you need to install a device that connects your regular telephone to your internet connection.

The device, called a 'VoIP phone adapter', 'internet phone adapter' or something similar, splits your broadband connection between your computer and your new VoIP service.

Once installed, the device VoIP-enables your regular landline phone. In other words, you use your regular phone as a VoIP phone.

To use this type of service to make an internet call to a Kolkata landline or mobile phone, you would dial the destination Kolkata telephone number as you would from a regular phone. The call will be automatically routed over a VoIP network to Kolkata via your internet connection.

Once in place, you don't need to dial access codes or PINs, but you do usually need to designate which calls you want to go via VoIP vs. your regular landline phone provider. Unless you experience call quality issues*, your Kolkata party won't know that you are using VoIP.

Requirements:

  • Internet connection, preferably broadband
  • Internet phone adapter (normally supplied by your provider, though you can buy them separately via Amazon or other sources)
  • Set up time to install and connect the phone adapter

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4. Dial from your computer using a headset or VoIP phone

This is the most common type of VoIP service. In this VoIP approach, you make calls from your computer using a headset and a VoIP software program.

You download and install the VoIP software program from your VoIP provider's website. Then, you create an address book with the telephone numbers of the people you want to call in Kolkata and elsewhere.

How to make a VoIP call to Kolkata

You can buy a headset fairly cheaply from any number of electronics vendors. The headset will connect to your computer via a USB or other port (see picture top of page). You can also buy a specialized VoIP phone, including wireless internet phones, that enable you to connect to your VoIP service.

Once the software and VoIP headset / phone is set up, you make calls by opening the VoIP dialing program and clicking on the person you want to reach. Your VoIP provider routes the call to Kolkata and your party can answers - either from their computer using the same VoIP service or on their regular landline or mobile phone if you have bought a paid service plan that allows outbound calling to regular phones.

These types of VoIP services are often free for most in-network calls (i.e., calls to other people on the same VoIP service), but they charge you for dialing to or receiving calls from regular landline or mobile phones that are 'outside' the VoIP network.

As well, these types of services are usually not cross-compatible. In other words, you can't speak to a person using VoIP Service Y if you are using VoIP Service X. If you are able to make a connection, it generally will not be for free.

Requirements:

  • Personal computer
  • Internet connection, preferably broadband
  • VoIP dialing software program (from your VoIP provider's website)
  • Set-up time to configure the software and create an address book
  • USB or similar headset for your computer (buy from our store or elsewhere)

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If you have problems, please check directly with your VoIP provider for support. Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to assist you.

VoIP Notes

  • The above overview is a simplified look at the options. In reality, there are numerous flavors of VoIP calling - and many VoIP service providers offer two or more of the above calling options. As well, the VoIP field is evolving rapidly - both in terms of the technology and companies involved - so you will need to look at the specific options provided by any potential vendor to assure they will work for you.
  • VoIP calling services use the internet to complete phone calls. As a result, VoIP, or internet calls, may not deliver the same level of call quality as normal telephone service which operates on dedicated high performance telephone networks. VoIP call quality is improving all the time and is generally adequate for many purposes, but may not suffice for critical business or other calls.

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