BENEFITS

• What can a VoIP phone do that a landline phone cannot?

A VoIP or broadband phone service can help you save up to 90% of your monthly phone bill. VoIP providers offer many features which are covered in the monthly fee, such as voicemail, caller ID, three-way calling, and call waiting. Many providers offer unlimited long-distance with their plans, which saves customers the trouble of having to purchase long-distance phone cards. Furthermore, most providers offer unlimited calling to other subscribers of the same service, allowing you to talk to those users for as long as you wish at no additional cost. VoIP service is best suited for you if you can relate with any of the following comments:
– “I have a high speed internet connection and would like to lower my phone bills.”
– “I make expensive long-distance or international calls and would like to reduce those costs.”
– “I run a small business and phone bills make significant part of my overhead.”
– “I like the convenience of taking my number with me as I travel anywhere in the world.”
– “I’d like to utilize attractive features such as conference calling, choice of any area code, voice mail, caller ID, call waiting, etc.”
– “I’m frustrated with excessive taxes and long-distance company monopolies.”
– “I live outside the U.S. but I need a local NYC number for my business.”

• What are the disadvantages of VoIP phone service?

Some VoIP services do not work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power. Also, some providers do not give you the option to list your number amongst the white pages of your phonebook.

• Does it come with 911?

Although most providers offer “Enhanced 911” (E911), it may be difficult for some VoIP services to seamlessly connect with the 911 dispatch center or identify the location of callers using VoIP. If you are troubled by this, you may wish to consider VoIP as an additional phone service instead of an alternative to a traditional phone line.

• Can I keep my number?

Most providers allow number portability so you can use the same number which is given by your traditional phone provider.

• Can I get a number of an area code other than mine?

Yes, your VoIP provider may permit you to select an area code different from the area in which you live. This means, if you live in Austin and get a New York number, you will NOT incur long-distance charges while calling a New York number regardless of geography. It also means that your “local” calls, in Austin , will be charged long distance and that your friends in Austin will incur long-distance charges calling your New York Number.
Additionally, most providers offer virtual numbers (sometimes known as “extra numbers”). With this feature you may obtain a number from a different area code in addition to your current area code. This would enable you to have relatives living in another area code dial a local number to reach you, saving them the cost of long-distance charges.

• Can I take my number with me when I travel?

Yes, most providers allow you to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high-speed Internet connection available and your phone adapter is with you. In this case, calling would work the same as if you were dialing from your home or business and you would not incur additional charges.

• Can I try a service for a limited period?

Yes, many providers offer a no conditions 30-day money back guarantee so you can try a service without risk to see if it meets your needs.

• What are other useful features?

VoIP services offer many features. We have identified about 70 different features. Note that by clicking on the name of each feature, the site will bring up a small window which provides the definition of that feature. To view which features are available under your desired plan, click on the link for your plans “Details” and then scroll down to “Advanced features.”

• How secure are VoIP calls?

Although the media likes to play up future security threats in VoIP, so far, documented instances of VoIP security breaches have been few and far between. Also, the recently introduced encryption for VoIP subscriber units laid to rest many VoIP security questions. For more information see our articles: VoIP Security and FUD, and VoIP Encryption.