Mainly because people can save lots of money by placing phone calls over the Internet instead of using traditional phone networks (PSTN).

This is true when you make PC-to-PC calls (which are often completely free) and even when you place PC-to-phone calls: for International calling the monetary savings to the consumer from switching to VoIP technology can be enormous.

People may wonder why VoIP is so cheap. There are four main reasons:

1) VoIP doesn't need a dedicated circuit (like PSTN) to place a phone call, so it's a more efficient technology

2) Call costs are lower, especially for long-distance calls: placing a local or international phone call over the Internet has the very same price as you just pay to connect to your local Internet Service Provider.

3) Lower infrastructure costs: you need a unique cable for Internet and phone

4) Geographical number portability: your phone number is not anymore linked phisically to a specific device. Even if you're on holidays o somewhere far from home, you can be reached at the very same number

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