Internet Phone Service

Technology has advanced in recent decades. Traditional landlines and cellular phone systems are fast becoming obsolete. One of the newest and fastest rising stars in the communications industry is that of Voice Over Internet Protocol, or more commonly known as VoIP. Basically, a VoIP service allows you to make normal voice telephone calls but over a high speed Internet connection with very little or no hassle. In fact, such a service has become so well regarded and so demanded by both business and residential customers that there are many broadband phone service providers offering such services today.

One of the most popular and well known broadband phone service providers is Vonage. Perhaps because Vonage has been around longer than many of its competitors or perhaps because they have very consumer friendly marketing schemes, the company is rated as one of the best providers in the industry. Vonage offers a variety of services and plans available for both residential customers and business customers ranging from about $14.99 per month for residential to $49.99 per month for the higher end business package. Their plans vary depending on minutes or unlimited usage. Additionally, Vonage offers great customer service as well as a plethora of hardware that one may need for successful VoIP use.

Another well known broadband phone service provider is QuantumVoice, which offers a variety of plans for both residents and businesses. This company's VoIP service plans range from about $9.95 per month to about $49.95 per month, depending on your particular communications needs. Great features such as 911 dialing, call waiting, voicemail, caller ID, softphone support, three way calling, call logs, call forwarding, call transfer, phone book, and call treatments, among many others, are included within each service plan. The company offers extensive customer support for assistance in learning how to use such features or any trouble with the VoIP process.

AT&T's CallVantage is an up and coming broadband phone service provider. AT&T, like many other traditional communications companies, are finding that to effectively stay in the game and offer competitive services to consumers, they must take technological advances in stride. CallVantage service plans range from about $19.99 per month to about $49.99 per month, with very low international calling rates. AT&T refers to their CallVantage service as their “digital phone plan”, however, that phrase can be used interchangeably with “VoIP” and “broadband phone service.” Because there are so many broadband phone service providers out there today, it is wise to shop around and compare the plans at some of the top performing companies. That way, you can be sure you are getting the most for your money with the best technology and service. The communications industry is highly competitive, so it is always in your best interest to do a little comparison shopping. You may find that some companies offer no sign up fees, or several months for free, just for choosing them. Other companies may offer new customers free hardware such as the ATA VoIP analog phone adapter or even a free VoIP phone.