VOIP - VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL

What it is, Who Provides It, and Why This Might Be Useful To You


VoIP stands for "Voice over Internet Protocol", and is an Internet phone service that allows you to enjoy cheap long distance rates, among other benefits. Some providers include Vonage, Verizon, Sunrocket, Lingo, NetZero, AT&T, Packet 8, and ViaTalk. Rates are cheaper than your existing phone companies. All of the listed VoIP service providers will replace both your local and long distance services, and will work with your existing telephone. You won't notice any difference when you make a phone call--you will use your same phone, dial as you always have, whether for local or long distance calls, can still dial 911 if needed, and neither you or the person you called should notice a difference in sound quality. And there are many other services that are free with VoIP, that you were previously charged for with your regular telephone carrier.

VoIP Providers

Here is basic plan information for some well-known VoIP providers, including charges, what you get, and more.
  • Vonage is probably the best known of VoIP providers. They offer an unlimited plan for $24.99 a month, and a 500 minutes plan for only $14.99. There is a $29.99 activation fee plus $9.95 shipping & handling; they will give you the first month free if you sign up for the unlimited plan. Calls with the USA, to Canada, Puerto Rico, Italy, France, Spain, the United Kingdom and Ireland fall within allowable calling areas at no extra charge. They are not the cheapest service, but offer the highest quality service of any of the VoIP providers.
  • SunRocket is known for quality service and cheaper rates than Vonage, including rates averaging $16.58 per month if you prepay for a year's service; otherwise their rates are also at 24.95 a month for unlimited minutes, down to $9.95 for the 200 minute plan. If you sign up for the year plan, they will waive the $39.95 setup fee and throw in an extra 3 months free service. Countries include the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, but they also offer international plans.
  • Verizon's rates are comparable for unlimited service, at $24.95 a month, and their 500 minute plan is $19.95. If you are a Verizon DSL customer, you should strongly consider going with Verizon for your VoIP service as well. If you sign up online, they'll waive the activation fee, will provide a free adapter (although you will pay shipping & handling), and you will need to supply your own router. Countries include the US, Canada & Puerto Rico.
  • Lingo is one to seriously consider if you make frequent international calls, as they are the only VoIP provider to offer calls to to Canada, Puerto Rico, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Singapore, as well as USA, included in the monthly plan. Rates with Lingo are $16.25 a month for unlimited if you prepay for a year, $21.95 unlimited if paid monthly, and a 500 minute plan for $14.95 a month.

What Equipment Will I Need?

Not much. You will need a broadband Internet connection (cable, dsl, satellite). VoIP services will not work with dial-up connections. You will also need a phone adapter which will be provided by your VoIP provider for little to no extra money, other than perhaps shipping and handling. Once your adapter arrives, you should be able to set up your phone service in just minutes with little trouble. Verizon does require that you supply your own router.

How's the Call Quality?

Most people find the quality and reliability of VoIP services to be as good or better than traditional phone service. Most quality issues are as a result of a slow or unreliable Internet connection.

Will I Need a New Phone Number?

Usually, no, you can keep your same phone number. All of the above VoIP providers will allow you to transfer your existing phone numbers. The exception is if you have a DSL line through your current phone number. Since your DSL line is linked through your existing phone line, you won't be able to transfer that phone number to your new VoIP provider.

Will I Need to Keep My Existing Phone Service?

No, with one exception. Most VoIP users will cancel their existing phone service once they know they will be satisfied with VoIP service. Some people do keep their existing service, however, because if there's a power outage, your VoIP service will not work. Your VoIP service is dependent on your broadband connection, and if there's a power outage there--your broadband connection will be down. The exception again, is if you are a DSL user, you will need to maintain a standard phone line, but you can cancel all the other services that go with it (like caller ID, etc). Most people now have cell phones which can be used if your VoIP service is down due to a power outage.

In Conclusion

In addition to what we've already described, VoIP providers will also include, free of charge, features you've been paying heavily for, such as Call Waiting, Caller ID, Voicemail, and more. If you're interested in saving money on your local and long distance calling without sacrificing quality, check into VoIP phone service and see if this is for you.

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search 		Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps

Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines 		Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes