More About VoIP

Since I mentioned VoIP in a recent post, I have received a few e-mails requesting more information.

I began using VoIP with some of the early Internet phones, both hardware and software, and a dial-up connection. Like many, I tolerated the dropped connections and service problems because it was a new technology, and the calls were, afterall, 'free'. Many users saw this as their way to protest the monopolies of the RBOCs.

Today, the service is much improved, and broadband is widely available, making the quality of service as good, if not better, than the PSTN (public network).

Several commercial offerings are widely advertised, and perhaps Vonage gets more exposure than its competitors. Vonage recently lowered their premium residential plan to $24.99 (USD) due to tighter competition. Most providers offer unlimited local and long distance service within the USA and Canada, have voicemail, call forwarding, and in some cases, follow-me-roaming features. This feature allows the subscriber to have simultaneous ringing on several phones (i.e.: home and cell). A user may answer whichever phone is more convenient or economical at the time (don't use airtime on your cell if the call also rings while you are at home, for example).

Packet8 has a similar offering for $19.95 unlimited, and many other regional players have jumped into the market. AT&T has CallVantage, and Verizon also has the service available, albeit at a higher price point than the others. I have used several of these services, and the technology is transparent to the user, as it should be. It works, and that should be your primary concern.

For a good comparison of the various services, both free and subscription-based, see this site: VoIP247 .

Enjoy the savings.