• Can you quickly explain what VoIP is?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP phone service, sometimes referred to as broadband phone service or digital phone service, is a phone service which operates using your high-speed Internet connection. There are mainly two kinds of VoIP services: phone-based and computer-based. These services allow you to make phone calls using either your regular phone or a computer headset with a microphone, respectively. As opposed to a traditional landline, when you use your phone or computer to call a number the call is sent over the Internet instead of over copper wires running out of your house.

• How does one place or receive a VoIP phone call?

With a phone-based service you would use VoIP the same way you use a regular landline, by picking up the phone to answer it or dialing a number to place a call. With a computer-based service, you can call using a headset with a microphone plugged into your computer.

• Can I call any phone or just VoIP phones?

Most providers allow you to call any phone number in the world, whether that number be a local, long-distance, mobile phone, or international number. However, some computer-based providers may limit you to other subscribers to that service (Commonly known as “User to User”). For your convenience, we list only those providers who allow their customers to call the regular phone network. Additionally, you may be able to speak with more than one person at a time using a feature typically titled either “Conference Calling” or “Three-way Calling.”

• How is the voice clarity?

The quality of VoIP voice has dramatically improved over the past few years, reaching the quality level of a landline phone and sometimes even exceeding that level. However, voice clarity may differ from provider to provider and will also depend upon the speed and quality of your broadband connection. Before signing up, you may wish to consult other VoIP users by visiting either our forums or the user reviews for each specific provider.

• Do I need a computer to call?

No, you do not need a computer for phone-based VoIP services. An adapter (often provided free of charge by the VoIP provider) connects the phone to a high-speed internet connection. A computer can be helpful to utilize and manage different features offered by the provider; however, it is not needed.

• What differences are there between making a local call and a long-distance call?

In terms of technology or how you dial the number, there are no differences. Call charges, however, vary from plan to plan. Rates for long-distance calls are usually quite low. Furthermore, many VoIP providers offer unlimited long-distance in which case the calls are free.

• Can you give me a technical overview of VoIP?

As the name implies, Voice over IP refers to calls that traverse networks using Internet Protocol (IP). The voice stream is broken down into packets, compressed, and sent toward its final destination by various routes (as opposed to establishing a single, 'permanent' connection for the duration of the call as with a traditional phone line), depending on the most efficient paths given network congestion, etc. At the other end, the packets are reassembled, decompressed, and converted back into a voice stream by various hardware and software elements, depending on the nature of the call and its final destination. For a more detailed technical overview of VoIP technology, please see our article: VoIP 101.

• 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.

• How do I get VoIP working for me?

There are mainly two kinds of VoIP service providers. Those that offer phone-based services such as Vonage and SunRocket, and those that offer computer-based services such as Skype. Each phone-based provider has different phone plans that are suited to meet different requirements. Since most computer-based services are limited to their own subscriber base (their basic service does not let you call any phone which doesn’t subscribe to the same service) we predominantly offer listing of phone-based VoIP plans. You can compare different plans available for your area and select the one that suits your needs best.

• Do I need to be a computer expert?

For phone-based services you do not need to be computer savvy. Even computer-based services are not too difficult to set-up.

• What kind of equipment do I need?

A broadband (high-speed Internet) connection is required. This can be a cable modem or a high-speed service such as DSL or a Local Area Network (LAN). To place a call into the regular (PSTN) phone network you will need a VoIP service provider. The VoIP service provider will send you an adapter that you can plug into your Internet connection and then you can plug your regular analog phone into the adaptor. Alternatively, you can hook up a relatively inexpensive microphone to your computer and send your voice through your computer and its high-speed Internet connection.

• Will I have to buy the equipment myself?

The equipment is often provided free of charge by the VoIP service provider. Such equipment is usually to be returned in the event you cancel the plan. Some providers also give you the option of keeping the equipment by letting you purchase it during sign-up.

• How fast does my internet connection need to be?

The average DSL or cable connection is usually sufficient. A few providers offer service to dial-up internet customers. VoIP service with dial-up is not advised due to common complaints of poor voice quality and reliability. We recommend you check your connection speed here to determine the quality of your connection. http://www.VoipReview/voipspeedtester.aspx

• Can I use my computer during a call and does it have to be turned on all day?

You can use the computer; depending on your service provider, a router may be required. Your computer need not be turned on if you are making calls with a phone and adapter or a special VoIP phone, but your broadband Internet connection must to be active. As an added note, you can use your computer and surf the internet while talking on the phone without greatly affecting voice quality.

• How do I get started?

You first need to determine which plans are available in your area and then select one you like best. You can start a search for plans from our homepage.

• Where can I find more info?

If you have questions about using this site, please view our Site FAQ (which immediately follows this article). In addition to our many articles on VoIP, you may view user reviews of different providers to learn about the experiences of those users or you can pose a question in one of our forums.