How Internet Shutdowns Affect VOIP Messaging
Voice over Internet Protocol, commonly known as VOIP, has revolutionized the way telecommunications work. It is a technology that allows people to make phone calls using the internet, instead of the traditional phone line. The affordability and accessibility of the internet have made VOIP a popular communication method worldwide. However, internet shutdowns have become a common occurrence, affecting the functionality of VOIP services. This article examines how internet shutdowns affect VOIP messaging.
Types of Internet Shutdowns
Internet shutdowns refer to the deliberate disruption of internet services by the government or internet service providers. These shutdowns can be complete or partial, affecting a specific region or the entire country. The following are the types of internet shutdowns:
1. Total Shutdowns
Total internet shutdowns occur when the government completely blocks access to the internet. This type of shutdown is the most severe and affects all internet services, including VOIP messaging.
2. Throttling
Throttling is a partial internet shutdown that limits internet bandwidth, making it difficult to access certain sites or use certain services. VOIP services are affected by throttling because they require high bandwidth to operate effectively.
3. Social Media Shutdowns
Social media shutdowns target popular social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. These platforms are commonly used for VOIP messaging. Therefore, an internet shutdown that targets social media platforms affects VOIP messaging.
How Internet Shutdowns Affect VOIP Messaging
Internet shutdowns have a significant impact on VOIP messaging. Here are some ways internet shutdowns affect VOIP Messaging:
1. Difficulty in Making Calls
VOIP services like Skype and WhatsApp require a stable internet connection to make calls. Internet shutdowns disrupt the internet connection, making it challenging to make calls.
2. Poor Call Quality
Internet shutdowns affect the bandwidth, making it difficult to transmit voice data effectively. This results in poor call quality, making it challenging to communicate effectively.
3. Inability to Send Media Files
VOIP messaging also allows users to share media files like images and videos. Internet shutdowns make it difficult to upload and download media files, making it difficult to share them with other users.
4. Decreased Reliability
VOIP services rely heavily on the internet to function. Therefore, internet shutdowns decrease the reliability of VOIP messaging. Users cannot rely on VOIP services during internet shutdowns, affecting their communication needs.
5. Loss of Business Opportunities
VOIP services are commonly used for business communications. Internet shutdowns affect business operations, leading to the loss of business opportunities.
Conclusion
VOIP messaging has become an essential communication method worldwide. However, internet shutdowns have become a common occurrence, affecting the functionality of VOIP services. Internet shutdowns are detrimental to VOIP messaging, making it difficult to communicate effectively. Governments and internet service providers should avoid internet shutdowns to protect the availability and accessibility of VOIP services.