VOIP Service Providers

There is a Long Confusing List of VoIP Service Providers

If you believe everything you read, then you're in trouble when it comes to choosing from among all of the VoIP service providers. That's because there are so many of them and they all sound fabulous. Until you actually try it out, you won't know how well the service will work.

VoIP is an acronym that stands for voice over Internet Protocol. Essentially that means you're using your computer's high-speed (broadband or DSL) connection to make your phone calls. The good news is there won't be anymore of those strange charges you regularly see on your phone bill. Things like line charges, taxes, and other mysterious fees just won't be there. In fact one of the main attractions touted by VoIP service providers is how much money you'll save.

Most plans charge a monthly rate. They may charge extra for long-distance calling, but if they do it's most likely a small fraction of what you pay now. Some of them give you a certain number of minutes free each month and then charge a few cents for every minute you go over that amount. They also give you a number of options that you may be paying for now, such as caller ID, voice messaging (in some cases even email messaging of your calls), call forwarding, among others.

Depending on the service you choose, you may need to lease or purchase some inexpensive equipment. If you call PC to PC then you probably have everything you need; sound card, microphone, speakers, and a web camera if you want your callers to see you. If you choose to call telephone to telephone, you'll need a special adapter which your VoIP service provider will send you. You can also use a special IP phone that plugs into a router with an Ethernet cord. This is especially handy as you can take your phone all over the world and just plug into any computer with an Internet connection to pick up your messages and return calls.

To ensure that you'll have high-quality, clear sounding calls; find one of the VoIP service providers that gives you a trial period with no early cancellation fee. Also, talk to others who use the service to find which companies they like. There are so many new companies competing that it isn't easy just by reading to determine which one is the best.

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