Internet fax allows subscribers to send and receive faxes without a fax machine, using only internet access and an email account. A monthly fee is required, and faxes are sent as email attachments. Internet fax services offer toll-free numbers, secure websites, and confirmation of sent faxes. Prices vary between $10-$20 per month.
Internet fax is a type of online service that offers subscribers the ability to send and receive faxes without a fax machine. Instead, Internet access and an email account are all that’s required.
To use an Internet fax service, a subscriber signs up for a small monthly fee and is assigned a fax number. When a fax is sent to the subscriber’s number, the service accepts the fax, turning it into a file that is forwarded to the subscriber’s existing email address.
To send an Internet fax, the subscriber creates an email. The content of the fax can be written in the body of the email and attachments are normally allowed. The destination fax number is entered in the “To” field, along with the “@” and the name of the Internet fax service. For example, if your fax number was 1-555-234-5678, your email would be addressed to [email protected]. In the “Subject” field, the user enters the name of the recipient, for example “Attn: Mr. Wisegeek”.
A small toolbar, available for download from the Internet fax service, is used as a plug-in within the e-mail program. Clicking the “Send” button on the toolbar sends the email to the Internet fax service. Upon receipt, an automated program converts the email to fax format, then sends a fax to the number provided in the “To” header. The recipient receives the fax normally, through their fax machine.
This service can be very convenient. Among the many advantages, the assigned fax number is active 24 hours a day, so that your account can accept faxes around the clock. Contrast this with using a fax, which relies on your phone system being free to accept a fax. For those who use a phone line for fax, telephone and dial-up, an Internet fax service is especially useful. Internet fax services also save paper and fax toner and do not rely on a working fax machine. All faxes are sent and received as files. They can be printed as desired, but it is not required.
An added benefit of an Internet fax service is that the subscriber does not need to be familiar with fax software or fax machines. The convenience of sending and receiving faxes using the familiar email interface appeals to many people.
One of the best features of Internet fax services is that many offer toll-free fax numbers for the US and Canada, so your US and Canadian customers can send you faxes for free. Faxing is also free for the subscriber, as it only sends emails.
When looking into Internet fax services, consider a service that offers a secure website. This provides a mobile “portal” to send/receive faxes while traveling or away from home. Confirmation of sent faxes should be standard, so you can be sure that your client has received your communication. The ability to send to more than one fax number at a time can also be invaluable. Check the capacity of a page, as some services may limit the amount of pages a subscriber can send/receive in a month.
Internet fax services vary in price, so it pays to shop around for a competitive deal that balances functionality and economy. Most services run between US$10-$20 per month.
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