VoIP, Internet Phone, Broadband Phone
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a really exciting new service that enables consumers to take advantage of their DSL or Cable Broadband Internet Service for POTS (plain old telephone service) service. This technology has been around for 7 or 8 years and it's really getting to be an excellent alternative to traditional telephone service.
How does work? It might be best to start with the equipment. If you have DSL or Cable Internet, then you have some type of interface box between the wiring and your PC. You probably have a router too. If you want to use VoIP like a traditional phone, then you will need a router. A router gives you the opportunity to plug several devices on your single high-speed connection. Most Internet Phones include an adapter that will plug into your router. Then a telephone is plugged into that Internet phone box. I plugged a cordless phone base station into my adapter and then have a couple cordless handsets that work off the base station. Many people ask can I use my existing telephones. The answer is yes, if wire from the Broadband Phone adapter to your house telephone wiring.
When you dial a call, your voice is routed over the internet to the called party's local telephone switch where it rings their phone. When someone dials your number the local phone switch knows your number is connected to a IP Address-Computer type device and sends the call to the internet. Some folks will ask about the voice quality of VoIP. A very good question and it depends on several factors. Typically, the quality will not be good as your POTS line. Telephone service is a connected link from Point A to Point B. VoIP takes your voice and Packet'tizes it, so those Packets of Data/Voice will be sent like data taking different paths and arrive at different times over the Internet. That being said, the quality has improved immensely over the past couple years. I can hear a very, VERY slight difference on our Packet 8 VoIP Broadband Phone, but it's a very good service. I doubt most people can tell a difference, but having worked many years in Telephone Service I'm more sensitive than most.
Other factors to consider when ordering VoIP is power and 911 service. If your power goes out and you want your Internet Phone to remain working, then you'll need your own battery back-up for the Broadband Adapter, Router, Internet Phone Adapter and any telephones that need power. The other major consideration is 911 Emergency service. Some providers have it available in certains areas while others are working on it. It will continue to improve for everyone. It does work at our house and I have tested it with our 911 Center. Oh, one more small issue that takes some getting used to - I have to dial a 1 with every number whether local or long distance. Not a biggee, because all calls are included in the one monthly fee.
The other factor that determines your satisfaction with VoIP will be your Broadband Internet Connection. If your connection to the Internet has slow downs and periods of no connection your Broadband Phone will work poorly or not at all. That's a judgement call one your part. Overall, how satisfied are you with your Internet Connection?
What makes VoIP so attractive is the price. It is great for long distance calling and has lots of features ncluded in the base rate. We use it today instead of a telephone company phone line. We disconnected our $60/month phone service and now pay $19.95 for unlimited calling to anywhere in the US and Canada. Plus included in the base rate is voicemail, caller ID, 3-way calling, call waiting and more! It works for us because we have a good internet connection we also have cell phones to use as a back-up if there is an internet or power outage.
After looking at all the Providers for VoIP Phone Service, we decided on Packet8. It just made sense for our calling history to go with an unlimited calling package for $19.95/month + a 911 Service fee. We are really delighted with service and enjoy talking to more family members more often! Since we went with Packet8, SunRocket has really put together a very attractive package - just pay your phone bill once a year?! How cool it that?
What Money Magazine Says -
Sunrocket.com
WHAT YOU GET A one-year subscription for unlimited domestic calling costs $199, which works out to about $17 a month. Month-to-month service costs $25. Note that SunRocket is offered only where it can guarantee 911 service (which is where roughly 75% of Americans live).
WHAT YOU NEED When you sign up, SunRocket ships you its Gizmo phone adapter, which connects to your modem. You just plug your phone into the Gizmo and start gabbing.
WHAT WE THINK The lump-sum $199 service is a real value, especially since there are no surprise extra monthly taxes or fees, like those that appear on other Internet phone bills. There's no activation fee either. SunRocket is not available nationwide, but if you live in an area in which it's offered, it's a good choice.
Here are several more choices that may work better for your individual calling needs.
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iConnectHere Internet Phone World leader in Internet Phone Service allows you to save up to 90% on all your local, long distance, and international calls. Get rates as low as 1¢ per minute to the US, Unlimited monthly callingavailable, or pay as you go with no commitment.. Plans start at $4.95! |
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My Phone Company Unlimited calls for only $24.99/month One bill from one company with one low price for all your calls to anywhere in USA and Canada with lots of free features for only $24.99 and absolutely NO additional surcharges and NO EARLY TERMINATION FEES! |
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2Speak Worldwide Origination - Super-low Rates! An easy to use service allowing you place long distance and overseas calls from any phone with the click of a button on any computer. Set up your account in less than 12 seconds. Online voicemail available! |
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Opex Internet Voice Unlimited Calling from $14.99 FREE: Local Calling, Instate Calling, Out of State Calling, and Calls to Canada. OPEX is an experienced company with outstanding customer service and NO termination fees or Contracts.....A Great Value! |
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