INTRODUCTION:
BENEFITS:
GETTING STARTED:
Can you explain what VoIP is?
VoIP stands for Voice-over-Internet-Protocol. VoIP phone, sometimes referred to as Broadband Phone and Internet Phone, is a phone service which operates using your high-speed Internet connection. There are two types of VoIP services: phone-based and computer-based. These services allow you to make phone calls using your regular phone, or a computer headset with a microphone, respectively. As opposed to a traditional landlines, when you use your phone or computer to call a number the call is sent over the Internet instead of over the old copper wires running out of your house.
How do you place or receive a VoIP phone call?
With a traditional phone-based service you would use VoIP the same way you currently use a regular landline. With a computer-based Internet Phone service, you can call using the appropriate software("Softphone"), and a headset with a microphone plugged into your computer. There are Softphones available for free by several companies.
Can I call any phone number or just other VoIP users?
Most VoIP service providers allow you to call any phone number in the world, whether that number be a local, long-distance, mobile phone, or international number. Again, it will be the same as your traditional landline. Please note that some computer-based providers may limit your included phone calls to other subscribers to that service (Known as “User to User”). For convenience, we list and test only those VoIP providers that 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 with VoIP?
The voice quality of VoIP has dramatically improved over the past few years, reaching a similar quality level of a landline phone service, and sometimes even exceeding that level. However, the voice clarity can differ from provider to provider, and will also depend upon the speed and quality of your Internet Service Provider's connection. Before signing up for one of the liste Internet Phone Service providers, you may want to consult your ISP to verify what upload and download speeds you are receiving. You can also visit a VoIP Speed Test.
Do I need a computer to make VoIP calls?
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. However, a computer would be helpful to utilize and manage different features offered by the provider; however, it is not needed. Most provide online control panels to manage your Internet Phone Service.
Is there a difference between making a local call and a long-distance call?
In terms of how you dial the phone number, there are no differences between VoIP and traditional landline phone services. Call charges, however, vary from plan to plan, and between VoIP providers. Rates for long-distance calls are usually quite low with VoIP. Most VoIP providers offer unlimited long-distance included in their monthly plan price.
What is a brief 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.
INTRODUCTION
BENEFITS
GETTING STARTED
What are the benefits of VoIP phone service over the traditional landline phone services?
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 Ineternet Phone service providers offer unlimited long-distance with their plans, which saves you the trouble of having to purchase long-distance phone cards. With everyone looking to save some money on their monthly bills, Internet Phone service providers allow you to save significant money on a typically expensive utility. VoIP service is best suited for you if you agree with any of the following:
- "I already have a high speed internet connection and would love to save money on my phone bills."
- "I make a lot of long-distance or international calls, and want to reduce those costs."
- "I run a small-medium business and my monthly phone bills make up a significant part of my overhead."
- "I would like to be able to take my phone number with me as I travel throughout the world."
- "I like to utilize features such as conference calling, voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, etc., at no extra cost to me."
- "I'm frustrated with the excessive taxes and fee that my current landline phone provider charges"
- "I live outside the U.S. but I need a local number for my business."
The benefits can be too many to list, but I feel the largest benefit would be the savings enjoyed by VoIP users.
Are there any disadvantages of VoIP phone service?
VoIP services typically do not work during power outages since you are utilizing your home or office's Internet connection, and the service provider may not offer backup power. Most Internet Phone Service Providers have a fail-over feature that will allow your calls to be forwarded to a cell phone in case of a service outage.
Does Internet Phone Service 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. To assure it will work properly, you may wish to contact your local Police department and they should be able to confirm if your area is able to support E911 calls. Please do not dial 911, as this is reserved for actual emergencies.
Can I keep my current phone number?
Most VoIP providers will allow free number portability so you can use the same number which is given by your current provider.
Can I get a phone number with an area code other than the one I live in?
Yes, your VoIP service provider may allow you to sign-up for service and permit you to select any area code different from the area in which you live. This means, if you live in Los Angelas and get a New York City number, you will NOT incur long-distance charges when calling New York numbers, regardless of the geography. However, if Long Distance calling is not included in the VoIP plan you choose, your "local" calls, in Los Angelas, will be charged long distance and your friends in Los Angelas will incur long-distance charges calling your New York Number.
Most VoIP service providers will offer virtual numbers (sometimes known as “extra numbers”). With this feature you may obtain a number from a different area code along with a phone number from your current area code. This will enable you to have friends and relatives living in another area code dial a local number to reach you, saving them the cost of long-distance charges. Another great cost-saving feature of VoIP.
Can I take my number with me when I travel?
Yes, most providers will allow you to use your VoIP service wherever you may travel as long as you have a high-speed Internet connection available and your phone adapter. Placing phone calls would then work the same as if you were dialing from your home or business, and you would not incur additional charges. Some VoIP providers do not allow for use when traveling Internationally, so it is always smart to check with the provider.
Are there trial periods with the service so I can try VoIP before switching?
Yes, many VoIP providers will offer a 30-day money back guarantee so you can try the service without any risk to see if it meets your needs.
What are some of useful features included with Internet Phone Service?
VoIP services offer many features. We have identified many of the different features available from the listed providers. Each service provider will include a variety of features, and you can decide which provides the most useful features for you. As well, many of the providers will offer add-on features(i.e. faxing) that may have a monthly fee in addition to your plan cost. To view which features are available, click on the link for the "Features" page.
How secure are VoIP calls?
There are a lot of discussions regarding the future security threats with VoIP. However, documented instances of VoIP security issues have been very rare. Also, the introduced of encryption for VoIP subscriber adapters have helped to alleviate many VoIP security questions.
How do I start using VoIP?
There are mainly two kinds of VoIP service providers. Those that offer phone-based services such as VoIPo and PhonePower, and those that offer computer-based(softphone) services such as Skype. Phone-based providers have different phone plans that are suited to meet different requirements and wants. Becasue most of the computer-based Internet Phone services are limited to their own customer base (their basic phone services do not allow you to call any phone user that doesn’t subscribe to the their VoIP service) we predominantly offer listing of phone-based VoIP plans. It is best to compare the different plans, features, and prices available to select the one that best suits your current needs.
Do I need to be a computer expert to setup and use VoIP?
For phone-based and computer-based VoIP services you do not generally need to be an expert with computers. All of the service providers listed here also have support available to assist you with the setup if needed.
What will I need to be able to use VoIP?
A broadband (high-speed Internet) connection is required. We recommend that this should 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 using your Internet connection, you will need a VoIP service provider. The Internet Phone 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 adapter. If you do not want an adapter, most service providers offer a softphone, which will give you the option to hook up a 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, or is it provided?
The equipment that is required, is often provided free of charge by the VoIP service provider. Most providers will require the equipment to be returned, or purchased, in the event you cancel the plan. If you already own an adapter, some providers will allow you to sign up for a Bring Your Own Device(BYOD) plan, and help you configure it.
How fast does my internet connection need to be to use VoIP?
The average DSL or cable connection is usually sufficient. A few providers offer service to dial-up internet customers, although it is not advised due to common complaints of poor voice quality and reliability. We would recommend that you check your connection speed here to determine the quality of your connection. We would reccomend a minimal connection speed of 128k for a quality phone call.
Can I use my computer during a call and does my computer have to be on all day to receive phone calls?
You are able to use the computer while making phone calls, although a router may be required depending on the adapter provided. Your computer does not need to be turned on if you are making phone calls with a phone and adapter, or a special VoIP phone. However, your broadband Internet connection must to be active. As an added note, you are able to use your computer while surfing the internet while talking on the phone without significantly affecting the voice quality.
How do I get started with Internet Phone Service Providers?
You first need to determine which VoIP plans best suit your current needs. There are many different plans, features, and pricing available from the listed providers. You can start a search for plans from our homepage.
Where can I find more info about VoIP and the Internet Phone Service providers listed on VoIPRanks.com?
If you have any questions about using VoIPRanks.com, please view our site's "Contact" page. If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, please fell free to contact me. I will respond as soon as possible. In addition to my personal reviews on VoIP providers, you may view other subscribers reviews of the featured VoIP providers at RankMyVoIP.com to learn about their experiences.
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