If you want to make a phone over Internet call then you will need to sign up for one of the many different providers that make this possible. Making calls over the Internet is referred to as VoIPo, which stands for voice over Internet protocol, and is less expensive as you can save up to 75% over the traditional phone service that most people have and is just as easy to use and with great sound clarity.
Phone over Internet calls work with your regular telephones and for most services there is no software that is needed, nor do you use your computer. (There is one service called Magic Jack, but this does require that your computer is on, software installed, and adaptor plugged into USB port).
The only requirement for use of this type of phone calling is that you have a high speed DSL or Broadband Internet connection which is very easy to get and is much more economical these days as the prices have come down in recent years with more people choosing or switching to this connection verses dial-up Internet connections.
Residential Phone Over Internet Plans.
Residential phone over Internet plans can range in price from as low as $8.25/mo. to $29.00/mo. and depending on the different plans can provide unlimited phone calls within the US and Canada and certain time amounts to other countries before other small charges per minute kick in. Usually, phone over Internet plans include an adaptor that easily plugs into your high speed Internet connection and then you only need to plug your phone into that adaptor just as you would any other phone. A phone number is chosen from the area that you would be calling from, or in some cases, you can keep your original number, and your set up to call from the Internet! It is that simple to get going. Most providers will also have a customer service department to help with any installation questions or program features.
Some of the Phone over Internet features that can be included depending on the residential plan or business plan usually are:
Caller ID
Call Waiting
Advanced Voicemail
Online Voicemail Access
3 Way Calling feature
Online Call History
Custom Caller ID
Call Forwarding
E911
Telemarketer Block
Do Not Disturb
*69 Call Return
*67 Outbound Caller ID Blocking
There are also features such as virtual numbers that allow you to add different phone numbers that ring through on the same line as your primary phone number and can be easily added through your online account panel.
For those that would like a toll free number and have forwarded to your existing phone number that also can be had for additional charges.
Business Internet Phone Plans
Business plans can range in price from $39.95/mo and up which can include many of the same features as residential VoIPo plans plus other special features such as an additional line for the fax and hold and call waiting features.
The phone over Internet is a growing type of business and there are several different VoIPo companies to choose from. There are several companies that advertise on television or magazines, such as Vonage, for a higher price of $24.99/mo for this type of service. There are many other great high speed internet phone providers that give the same or more for your money than traditional phone service providers or the high profile internet providers.
How To Install A Phone Over Internet Connection
Yes this article says it all. And the number one reason for people signing up with VoIP is the cost. If you are a heavy user then you will save more. For those moderate users, I suggest get a VoIP service without monthly plans or minutes. Prepaid or Pay As You Go service like Onesuite.com VoIP is better because you don’t pay for a set of minutes per month, you ony pay for the actual minutes you use.
cool, think im going to get into this voip! thanks.
Excellent blog you have here. I’m a long time reader, but haven’t commented before, I just had to say how much I enjoy the site. Where did you get this idea? I really like it.
Voip phones are one of the best things I have ever found. I have a real estate business and make calls all day long all around the country (sometimes international). I went from paying $60+ per month in phone bills to a nice flat rate of $29.95 and I can call over 30 countries for free.
I have been doing some research on VoIP phones and which would you recommend:
a dedicated VoIP phone, a Softphone or just keeping my existing phone and going with an ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter) if I am thinking about replacing both my home and cell phone? Thanks for the info.
While VOIP seems like a good cost-saving solution, I am a bit concerned about 2 things. One is the E911 service. How effective is this service? I know its not the standard 911 call and I am concerned with its effectiveness. Also, VOIP doesn’t work in a power outage or if the internet is down. If your internet is spotty sometimes or if their is a severe weather emergency, you may be left without phone service.
VOIP is all about the cost savings. If you can deal with a little less quality, it’s a great option. Jerome makes a good point about the E911 service, though. Definitely something to consider if you’re exploring VOIP.
I prefer VOIP than regular phones. VOIP offers prompt and quality services to their customers at affordable price. As well as, their call quality is excellent too.