Kinds of VoIP Systems There are generally two kinds of VoIP systems (gateways) you can get. One is an adapter system where you get an adapter from your VoIP service provider, connect it to your Internet connection (like cable or DSL) and then plug your regular phone line into the adapter. This is usually the easiest to set up. Vonage and ViaTalk both use adapters so you can use your regular phones with your VoIP service. The other kind of VoIP system is one that requires a software program on your computer. Basically, your phone calls go through your computer. You'll need a headset, microphone and speakers or a special USB phone to use this type of system. If you are not very computer savvy, we recommend the adapter type system. In the "Compare Voip Providers" section on our web site we tell you how each featured provider works.

Can I use my existing phones? If your VoIP service company uses an adapter system usually you can. You still may wish to purchase a special VoIP phone as it has alot of features that are just for VoIP users. If you select a VoIP service company like Skype or NetZero that uses a software program running on your computer, you'll need to get a headset or a USB phone that you can plug into your computer although Skype is due to launch a Wi-Fi phone soon that you can pre-order. With it you could connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot instead of plugging a phone into your computer.

Can I keep my phone number? Most VoIP services do allow you to keep your phone number. Also, you generally can take your phone number with you to other locations which can be very handy when moving.

Talk Quality People generally find that VoIP voice quality is just as good if not better than traditional phone lines. But then this partially depends on the speed of your Internet connection too so be sure to get a fast connection.

Do I need to keep my computer on? If you use a VoIP service with an adapter (like ViaTalk or Vonage) the answer is no. If you use a computer software based VoIP service (like Skype or NetZero) then the answer is yes although Skype is due to launch a Wi-Fi phone soon that you can pre-order. With it you could connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot. If you don't have Skype service and one of their Wi-Fi phones you won't be able to make or receive calls unless your computer is on and hooked up to the Internet.

911 Service Most VoIP providers offer some sort of 911 emergency calling service however you should always check their web site for specific details and availability. Sometimes 911 services are limited to certain areas meaning that sometimes it is available and sometimes not depending on where you are located. In our "Compare VoIP Providers" section we have more information about the featured providers that offer 911 service but again, if this is an important feature to you be sure to check to see if your preferred VoIP service provider offers it in your area.

Voice mail, call waiting, etc.: With traditional phone companies each of the "extra" services cost extra. With VoIP companies you often get many "extras" for free. Some of these may include... -Voicemail -Voicemails sent via email -Caller ID -all Waiting -Call Forwarding -3-Way Calling -In-Network Calls -Area Code Selection -Call Transfer -Click-2-Call -Call Return -Caller ID Block -Repeat Dialing -Ring Lists

Area code selection Generally you will have many area codes to choose from. Availability of area codes varies depending on the VoIP service provider. However, the bigger the provider the larger selection they probably have to offer. The great thing about being able to select your area code is if you often receive calls from friends, relatives, etc. that are located in a different area code, they can call you without incurring long distance charges. If you select an area code that is not local for you, then you may want to consider adding a line which is often offered as an option for a small charge. Then you will have a line that you may use to make local calls.

Voip Softphone A Softphone is really a computer software program for your computer that allows you to make and receive phone calls on your computer. Basically you access the software to punch in a telephone via a display on your screen and then use your headset and/or microphone and speakers. The best way to think about it is that it is just a software program like the "calculator" program on your computer. If you have ever used the basic calculator that came with your computer it looks like a calculator and you use the mouse to click on the buttons. With a softphone, you click on the numbers to dial, hang up, etc. although it is more sophisticated than your pc calculator as many offer softphones have phonebooks, and other features that are really terrific. Some even have really cool "skins" that you can apply.

Voip Adapter Using an adapter allows you to use VoIP phone service without a computer. It is basically a 2-way converter meaning that it converts your voice as you speak into the telephone into data packets that can be sent via your Internet connection and and also converts the data packets you receive from the person on the other end of the line back to a format your regular telephone will recognize (analog). There are differences in adapters so it is generally a good idea to get an adapter directly from your VoIP service provider. That way you be assured that it will work properly with your VoIP service.

Take VoIP with you when traveling Another advantage of having VoIP service is you can take it with you when you travel. As long as you have a high speed Internet connection available you can make calls out and receive calls in. For example, if your area code is in Texas but you travel to California, people from your local Texas area code can call you without incurring any long distance charges. Keep in mind that if you have a softphone or computer software based VoIP service you will need to take your laptop with you in order to take advantage of your VoIP service. If you use an adapter, you'll need to take your adapter equipment with you.

How do I pick a VoIP Provider? Selecting the right VoIP provider is going to depend on your needs and preferences. Some considerations include the monthly cost, calling packages, international rates if applicable, ease of setup and use, whether you want to use a computer/software based VoIP service or one that uses an adapter, etc. To assist you with your selection, we recommend you use our "Voip Selector Tool" or review the carriers and their features in our "Compare VoIP Providers" section. Both offer a great deal of information that will be helpful in making your selection.

VoIP service plans / rates Rates and fees vary from provider to provider. Generally you pay a flat fee for a specified amount of minutes or an unlimited minute plan. However, you can there are a couple companies that offer "pay per use" plans and charge 2-3 cents per minute for US calls (higher per minute costs for international). For unlimited minute plans you can expect to pay approximately $10 to $25 per month. The lower monthly cost plans will generally have more restrictions and often require that you pay in advance for a period of time. Some providers offer a pretty substantial discount for prepaying or paying in advance for a period of months or even 1-2 years. Plans that have a specified number of minutes are usually 500 minutes however you can find 100 and 200 minute plans. Plan costs depend on how many minutes and will range from approximately $4.00 a month to $15.00 per month. For more information on rates and plans be sure to check out our "Voip Selector Tool" and also the "Compare Voip Providers" section on this web site.

Best way to order VoIP service The best way to order VoIP service is online. That way you have confirmations you can print out stating exactly what you ordered and when you ordered the service. If there is any question in the future you have a printed record you can refer back to if needed. We've provided links to the major VoIP service providers on this web site so that you can easily sign up online. See the next topic on this page for a list of VoIP service providers.

List of featured VoIP providers Earthlink True Voice iConnectHere Lingo Net2Phone NetZero Voice Packet8 Skype SunRocket Verizon VoiceWing ViaTalk Vonage

Who is the best VoIP provider? Don't have a VoIP service provider yet? Check out the "view stats" link on our new visitor poll. If you already have VoIP service, please be sure to vote so that everyone can benefit from your experience...your opinion does count!

Special promotions / discounts We want you to save money! That's why we have many special promotions and discounts listed on our "Promotions - Save $$" page so be sure to check it out! For providing you all this great information about VoIP and money saving promotions for VoIP services we simply ask that you please use the links on this web site when you sign up for your VoIP service. That way we can continue to provide the latest information to you and others about VoIP providers, discounts, etc.