Final answer:
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the technology that allows sending voice communications via the internet, bypassing traditional long-distance toll charges. VoIP represents a significant shift in telecommunications, offering cheaper, faster, and better-quality transmission with the ability to send various data forms over the internet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The technology that allows you to send voice communications over the Internet and avoid the toll charges from long-distance carriers is called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). VoIP is a cheaper, faster, and provides better-quality data transmission. Over time, it has led to spin-off technologies like free Internet-based calling and video calling, revolutionizing how we communicate. Advancements in telecommunications, such as microwave transmission, communications satellites, and other wireless technologies, have made it much easier and more affordable to manage long-distance communications. In addition, these improvements have enabled a variety of products and services to be efficiently transported over telephones and computer networks at ever-lowering costs.