VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol is a service that uses the Internet rather than your phone lines to make telephone calls. Just as the Internet knows no borders, VoIP also makes distance irrelevant. It allows you to call anyone who has a telphone number including local, long-distance, mobile, and even international numbers.
All you need is a "broadband" Internet connection (DSL or Cable Modem) and the phone adapter provided by your VoIP provider. Once you get the adapter you simply follow the instructions to hook it all up
VoIP works like any telephone. It is as simple as picking up the phone, listening for the tone, and dialing the number. And you can surf the Web and use your VoIP service at the same time.
In many ways, VoIP makes old-fashioned phone lines obsolete. You'll get huge savings on long-distance and international calls, plus a huge array of free features that are downright amazing. VoIP providers allow you to keep your existing phone number. Even better, some VoIP providers let you choose a different area code in another region.
Becuase VoIP systems require your boadband connection (and therefore electricity) to work, the system will fail in the event of a power outage. By contrast, your old-fashioned landline phone does not require electricity. This isn't a problem for cell phone owners. But, if you lack a cell phone and have a life-threatening medical condition or other reason for making sure you always have a dial tone, you may want to keep your landline. Also, if you don't have boadband, VoIP probably won't save you money. It costs you about the same as a bundled plan from a traditional phone carrier ($50-$60).
Many cable companies offer VoIP but they are generally not as competitively priced as independent VoIP providers. Major carriers such as SBC, Verizon, MCI, and Sprint also offer VoIP, but again, better deals are available through the independent providers.
If you already have broadband, two options to check out are Gizmo (www.gizmoproject.com ) and Skype (www.skype.com ). They both offer a downloadable VoIP program that's free of charge. With it, you can talk to other users anywhere in the world without spending a penny. All you need is either a headset or USB phone (either can be purchased for under $20). For a look at popular VoIP plans see our comparison chart on the following page, or visit the links below:
www.voipchoices.com/compare.html
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COMPANY |
FEATURES |
MONTHLY RATE |
NOTES |
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AT&T |
Unlimited to US and Canada, |
$25 ($30 activation fee) Europe |
Early termination fee may apply |
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Call Vantage |
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BroadVoice |
Unlimited in state |
$10+$.039/min. interstate & Canada & low |
Adapter included |
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$40 activation fee |
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Unlimited World (US+21 countries) |
$20 |
$10 with own device |
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Europe $.03-$.08 |
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Jajah |
Dial call on computer-then talk on your regular phone |
Some calls free |
Innovative new service requires no software or equipment |
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Some call cheap |
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Lingo |
500 minutes to US, Canada, and Western Europe |
$15 |
$30 activation fee |
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First month free |
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Unlimited to US, Canada, and Western Europe |
$22 |
$40 first year termination fee |
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Net2Phone |
Unlimited US and Canada |
$30 |
$40 first year termination fee |
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Europe $.05-$.08 |
Requires prepayment |
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Unlimited Europe or bundled rates for specific counties |
$40 |
$30 activation fee |
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500 minutes US and Canada |
$15 |
Adapter included |
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350 minutes Western Europe |
$15 |
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Packet8 |
Freedom Unlimited US and Canada |
$20 |
$30 Activation fee |
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Europe $.03-$.08 |
Adapter not included |
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Freedom Unlimited Global |
$50 extra per continent |
Claims ok with dialup |
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Unlimited Call to 40 European and Asian countries/cities |
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Pulver |
Unlimited to other members (may ring regular phone numbers |
FREE |
Can work with a special telephone or free software |
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Free World Dialup |
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Sipphone |
Unlimited to other Sipphones |
Free to other Sipphones |
Using telephone adapter ($60) or computer software (free) |
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May ring regular numbers |
Regular calls start at $.01 |
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Skype |
Unlimited PC to PC and low rates to ring regular phone numbers |
Free to other Skype users |
Using computer mic/speakers |
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Regular calls start at $.021 |
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Sunrocket |
200 minutes US, Canada, Puerto Rico and 41 international |
$10 |
$40 adapter if needed |
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Unlimited to US, Canada, and Puerto Rico |
$25 |
Free activation |
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Time Warner |
Unlimited US, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Virgin |
$40 |
No adapter needed |
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Digital Phone |
($50 w/o Roadrunner) |
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Europe $.07-$.08 |
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Verizon |
500 minutes US, Canada, and Puerto Rico |
$20 (VW to VW calls free/unlimited) |
Adapter included |
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VoiceWing |
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Unlimited US, Canada, and Puerto Rico |
$25 |
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VoicePulse |
Unlimited US |
$25 |
Adapter included |
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Unlimited state + 200 long distance minutes |
$15 |
Required 1-yr term |
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Europe $.05-$.09 |
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Vonage |
Unlimited US, Canada, and Puerto Rico |
$25 |
$30 activation fee |
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Adapter included |
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500 minutes |
$15 ($.039/min after 500 included) |
Includes some calls to Europe |
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Europe $.03-$.08 |
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Webphone |
Webphone to webphone |
FREE |
Minimum purchase $15 |
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PC to phone calls |
$.19/min |