3/16/2007 - Making the Switch to VoIP Internet Phone Service

Making the Switch to VoIP Internet Phone Service
Author: Debbie Jacobsen

Millions of people have already switched from traditional “land line” phone service to the latest and greatest telecommunications product – VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). VoIP technology makes it possible to make phone calls over the internet, using your existing broadband internet service, and the call quality is great as long as your high speed internet connection is satisfactory. VoIP service is very inexpensive, and provides a money saving alternative to the traditional telephone.

Many cable companies are now offering their version of internet phone service, called “digital phone service”. They charge twice the price of the same VoIP service you can purchase on your own, thus taking a lot of the cost savings out of the picture. The reason they charge you more is that they are a reseller, and not a true VoIP provider. Many people don’t realize that internet phone service is super easy to install, and by ordering VoIP service online (from a true VoIP provider like Vonage, AT&T, Packet8 or Sunrocket), they can save a lot more money and get the same (or better) phone service.

When you order internet phone service online, the VoIP provider will send you a small device called a VoIP adapter. This little box is the “brains” of your internet phone system, and is easily installed in a matter of minutes – no tools or computer skills required! The VoIP adapter connects directly to your broadband modem or router, and your computer and telephone is then connected to this device as well. Once you have made the necessary cable connections, you dial a special phone number to activate your internet phone service. Once activated, you can start making calls immediately.

After you install your residential VoIP service, you can disconnect your land line phone and start enjoying the savings!

Several excellent VoIP providers offer low-priced unlimited local and long distance calling plans, and the average monthly cost for this service averages around $22. If you’re planning on replacing your land line phone with an internet phone however, be sure to sign up with a provider that is well known and provides quality service as well as technical support. Reliable telephone service is important, and it may not be worth it to save a few pennies by subscribing with an unknown provider who may or may not be able to deliver consistently good quality.

The largest and most well known internet phone service providers are Vonage and AT&T CallVantage. These providers offer unlimited local and long distance calling packages for around $25 per month, and both are known for providing high quality service. Packet8 is also an excellent VoIP provider, and is the one I use. Unlimited local and long distance will run you around $20 a month with this provider, and I have been 100% pleased with the quality and service. Recently, Packet8 has added a $199 “annual” unlimited plan, which is a super deal.

Another very good VoIP provider that has been growing by leaps and bounds is Sunrocket. Sunrocket offers an “annual” unlimited local and long distance plan for $199 – which works out to less than $17 per month. Sunrocket is not yet available everywhere, but if you can get service in your area and don’t mind forking over $199 for a year of service, you can’t go wrong with price or quality!

All VoIP providers offer a ton of free calling features that are considered “add on” items with regular land line service. With internet phone service, expect to get free voicemail, call waiting, caller id, call forwarding, etc… All VoIP providers include the United States and Canada in their “unlimited” plans. If you need international calling, consider Vonage or Sunrocket – they have the best unlimited international calling plans for the money.

For more information on Internet Phone Service and VoIP providers. Internet Phone Service - The Future is Here!