Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)



Questionsand Answers

INTRODUCTION
Can you quickly explain what VoIP is?
Can I call any phone or just VoIP phones?
How is the voice clarity?

BENEFITS
What can a VoIP phone do that a landline phone cannot?
What are the disadvantages of a VoIP phone?
Can I get a number of an area code other than mine?

GETTING STARTED
How do I get VoIP working for me?
How do I get started?
Where can I find more info?

INTRODUCTION
Can you quickly explain what VoIP is?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIPphoneservice, sometimes referred to as broadband phone service or digital phone service, is a phone service which operates using your high-speed Internet connection. There are mainly two kinds of VoIP services:phone-based and computer-based. These services allow you to make phone calls using either your regular phone or a computer headset with a microphone, respectively. As opposed to a traditional landline,when you use your phone or computer to call a number the call is sentover the Internet instead of over copper wires running out of your house.
Can I call any phone or just VoIP phones?
Most providers allow you to call any phone number in the world, whether that number be a local, long-distance, mobile phone, or international number. However, some computer-based providers may limit you to othersubscribers to that service (Commonly known as “User toUser”). Foryour convenience, we list only those providers who allow theircustomers to call the regular phone network. Additionally, you may beable to speak with more than one person at a time using a feature typically titled either “Conference Calling” or“Three-way Calling.”
Howis the voice clarity?
The quality of VoIP voice has dramatically improved over the past fewyears, reaching the quality level of a landline phone and sometimeseven exceeding that level. However, voice clarity may differ fromprovider to provider and will also depend upon the speed and quality ofyour broadband connection. Before signing up, you may wish to consultother VoIP users by visiting either our forums or the user reviews foreach specific provider.

BENEFITS
What can a VoIP phone do that a landline phone cannot?
A VoIP or broadband phone service can help you save up to 90% of yourmonthly phone bill. VoIP providers offer many features which arecovered in the monthly fee, such as voicemail, caller ID, three-waycalling, and call waiting. Many providers offer unlimited long-distancewith their plans, which saves customers the trouble of having topurchase long-distance phone cards. Furthermore, most providers offerunlimited calling to other subscribers of the same service, allowingyou to talk to those users for as long as you wish at no additionalcost. VoIP service is best suited for you if you can relate with any ofthe following comments:
- "I have a high speedinternet connection and would like to lower my phone bills."
- "I make expensive long-distance or international calls and would liketo reduce those costs."
- "I run a small business and phone bills make significant part of myoverhead."
- "I like the convenience of taking my number with me as I travelanywhere in the world."
- "I'd like to utilize attractive features such as conference calling,choice of any area code, voice mail, caller ID, call waiting, etc."
- "I'm frustrated with excessive taxes and long-distance companymonopolies."
- "I live outside the U.S. but I need a local NYC number for mybusiness."
What are the disadvantages of VoIP phone service?
Some VoIP services do not work during power outages and the serviceprovider may not offer backup power. Also, some providers do not giveyou the option to list your number amongst the white pages of yourphonebook.
CanI get a number of an area code other than mine?
Yes, your VoIP provider may permit you to select an area code differentfrom the area in which you live. This means, if you live in Austin andget a New York number, you will NOT incur long-distance charges whilecalling a New York number regardless of geography. It also means thatyour "local" calls, in Austin , will be charged long distance and thatyour friends in Austin will incur long-distance charges calling yourNew York Number.
Additionally, most providers offer virtual numbers(sometimes known as “extra numbers”). With thisfeature you may obtaina number from a different area code in addition to your current areacode. This would enable you to have relatives living in another areacode dial a local number to reach you, saving them the cost oflong-distance charges.

GETTING STARTED
How do I get VoIP working for me?
There are mainly two kinds of VoIP service providers. Those that offerphone-based services such as Vonage and SunRocket, and those that offer computer-based services such as Skype. Each phone-based provider hasdifferent phone plans that are suited to meet different requirements.Since most computer-based services are limited to their own subscriberbase (their basic service does not let you call any phone whichdoesn’tsubscribe to the same service) we predominantly offer listing ofphone-based VoIP plans. You can compare different plans available foryour area and select the one that suits your needs best.
Do I need to be a computer expert?
For phone-based services you donot need to be computer savvy. Even computer-based services are not toodifficult to set-up.
How do I get started?
You first need to determine which plans are available in your area andthen select one you like best. You can start a search for plans fromour homepage.
Where can I find more info?
If you have questions about using this site, please view our Site FAQ(which immediately follows this article). In addition to our manyarticles on VoIP, you may view user reviews of different providers tolearn about the experiences of those users or you can pose a questionin one of our forums.