| or Voice over Internet Protocol, is poised to take the | | | | One advantage to VoIP over traditional telephone |
| telephone industry by storm. It works by using the | | | | service is that you can often transfer your current |
| Internet to direct telephone calls, rather than land-based | | | | phone number to your new service. This is not the |
| cable lines that are used with traditional telephone. | | | | case with every VoIP service provider, however. |
| Among the advantages are better affordability and | | | | Again, check into this if it is an important factor in your |
| greater functionality. Extra services that cost a great | | | | decision. The easiest way to keep your current phone |
| deal more with traditional telephone companies are | | | | number is to use high-speed Internet service through |
| often included in standard VoIP service, such as caller | | | | your cable company, rather than a DSL line. The DSL |
| ID, call waiting, and conference calling. In addition, other | | | | line requires a phone line, which will force you to keep |
| features can be used along with VoIP, such as video | | | | a land-based phone line for your Internet service. |
| conferencing and email forwarding to your phone. | | | | In the event of an emergency in your home, you want |
| Because of the boom in VoIP, there are getting to be | | | | to be able to call 911 for assistance. Many VoIP service |
| many VoIP service providers out there. It is important | | | | providers do offer some form of 911 services, but |
| to look at all the options and research each provider | | | | some do not. This is important information to know for |
| before signing up with one. | | | | future reference. |
| Some of the things that you should look for in a VoIP | | | | A final item to check when you are researching each |
| service provider include pricing, features offered, and | | | | VoIP service provider is the guarantee they offer their |
| guarantees. The costs for VoIP are traditionally lower | | | | customers. It is customary for providers to offer 100% |
| than with land-based telephone service, but the prices | | | | money back guarantees in the event of customer |
| can still vary depending on the options you choose and | | | | dissatisfaction. You will need to inquire about the |
| the service provider you go with. Usually, pricing starts | | | | specifics of each guarantee with the applicable |
| at around $19.95 for unlimited calling packages. It can | | | | providers. |
| go as high as $59.95, though. It is important to | | | | The best way to get information on a VoIP service |
| remember that while long distance is included in the | | | | provider is by doing research. Looking at provider |
| package price that often does not include international | | | | websites online is a great way to get basic information. |
| calling to some countries. | | | | You might also want to call each provider to speak to |
| The features available from VoIP service providers | | | | a representative, that way you can get a real feel for |
| are quite impressive, and the technology can be used | | | | their customer service and willingness to assist |
| for your home telephone service, as well as business | | | | customers. And, try to talk to another VoIP customer. |
| service because of the interactive features offered. | | | | Getting a first hand account of the experience of using |
| What features are offered it dependent on the VoIP | | | | this new technology will help you decide whether you |
| service provider, and that is why it is important to | | | | want to use it or not, as well as help you gather |
| explore the options before making a choice so that | | | | information about the best VoIP service providers out |
| you get exactly what you want and need. Comparing | | | | there right now. Taking advantage if VoIP technology |
| the features is just as important as comparing the | | | | can be an interesting, easy, and cost saving endeavor. |
| monthly costs. | | | | |