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HOMEVoIP Faq
What is VoIP?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) refers to voice calls being made over a high-speed internet connection as opposed to a traditional landline. VoIP calls can be made from either a computer or a regular VoIP enabled phone (the regular phone also connects to the internet).
Why is VoIP relatively inexpensive?
VoIP is just another computer application running on existing systems. This makes it no different to email, Instant Messaging (IM) and any other internet-based communication medium.
If VoIP is similar to email and IM, why isn’t it free?
Connecting via VoIP to another user with VoIP is free because this is just two users connecting to each other via the internet. However, using VoIP to call someone on a normal landline or cell phone requires a connection outside of the Internet and for this reason costs money—although it’s still very cheap.
What are the advantages of VoIP?
Primarily, home and business users switch to VoIP due to the significant cost reduction in using the service. However, there are also many other benefits of using VoIP. For instance, because VoIP is an internet based service—it means that you can take your number with you wherever you go. VoIP also allows for more flexibility with phone numbers whereby an individual may be based in the UK but have a local NYC phone number (this is a powerful feature for many businesses).
What are the disadvantages of VoIP?
The majority of VoIP services don’t work during power outages. Although it’s possible to purchase backup systems, and many large companies do so, the majority of VoIP services don’t have this feature. Also, some providers don’t offer phonebook listings in the white pages with their services.
Fonality
Fonality develops award-winning VoIP phone solutions specifically tailored for small and medium-sized businesses. Their packages are affordable, scalable and reliable with excellent enterprise-class functionality—the PBXtra range is their flagship solution, with packages starting at $995. The company itself is Intel-backed and serves more than 5,000 companies in more than 100 countries worldwide. Recently awarded PC Magazine Editors’ Choice Award and also featured in the Wall Street Journal, if you’re a business owner, Fonality is definitely a company you can trust for your VoIP solutions.
iConnectHere
iConnectHere is a residential VoIP provider with over 10 years experience in the market. They’re a trusted band name with excellent VoIP services starting at $6.99 a month. With iConnectHere, you can forget about being tied to your computer to make VoIP calls, they offer phone to phone solutions with their free broadband phone adapters. Their low rates will also save you over 70% on your phone bill, with this provider offering some of the lowest rates in the industry.
Lingo
Lingo, part of Primus Telecommunications, is one of the most affordable VoIP services out there. It has a strong international presence which means great international calling plans and the ability to choose a local phone number from a range of international locations. Lingo provides solutions for both residential and small business customers—with residential plans starting at just $21.95/month and small business plans starting at $49.95/month. Unfortunately, their customer service has been known to be second-rate.
Packet8
Packet8 provides VoIP services to over 10,000 small businesses, they offer both residential and business plans with famous no setup and no contract deals. Monthly rates start at just $24.99/month, but take note of the cancellation fee of $59.99. Packet8, just like many VoIP providers, gives you access to a host of powerful features such as voicemail, caller ID, call forwarding, three way calling and much more. Similarly, all you need is an active broadband connection and they do the rest.
ViaTalk
ViaTalk provides one of the most cost effective, complete broadband phone service packages in the United States for both residential and business customers. Their 24/7 technical support team is very helpful, and their state of the art fibre optic network ensures you that you will have the highest available quality of service at a very reasonable price. Currently they are offering a great special which includes no initial equipment fee, two phone lines and one year free (following years at a price of $199).
Vonage
Vonage is considered the leader in the VoIP industry with the biggest customer base. They are a very reliable company overall with a proven track record. The sound quality of their services is also very good, particularly for the price. Just like many VoIP providers, they offer calling plans for both small business users and residential users with business plans starting at $39.95/month and residential plans starting at just $14.99/month.
Vonics
Vonics Digital is another VoIP provider based within the United States. They offer both residential and business solutions, starting at $12.99/month for the residential plans and $34.99/month for the business plans. Standard advantages of VoIP are included, with additional perks too such as the ability to purchase a toll free 800 number for your business. Vonics Digital has a good reputation for their clear sound quality and they generally have a very good status amongst their customers. Vonics Digital definitely offers one of the better VoIP services out there, and once you take their extremely low prices into account, they come out as a very good all round choice.
VoIP.com
VoIP.com is a home VoIP provider available in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Their plans start at $16.58/month and include a free softphone as well as free voicemail. Although it is true that these guys have very competitive prices, the quality of the service itself is questionable with some people complaining of average sound quality (particularly on international calls) and poor customer support. That said, the fact remains that they do offer a ton of features for a very reasonable price, far lower than many of the competitors.