Switching to Internet Phone and VoIP

Switching to Internet Phone and VoIP by Gen Wright

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is basically a way to transmit voice over existing computer networks. Most of the time, VoIP works with existing Internet connection to provide a transparent experience for the user. That is, you simply install software (or sometimes a physical device on your home or office network) and you're good to go. You don't have to be a geek anymore to reap the benefits of VoIP.

If you've ever thought about switching from your old phone service to VoIP (aka an internet phone), now is the time. In the past when wanting to get traditional phone service, you didn't have a lot of different options. With more and more people moving to VoIP phone service, though, there are a lot of options available.

Why You Should Switch

Technology changes. While sometimes it's dangerous to jump on the bandwagon with a new product, VoIP has been around 10 years now. And with a lot of companies competing for your business, now is a great time to make the plunge to broadband phone service.

Many businesses and corporations have already made the switch, but more and more private citizens and taking advantage of the new technology. You don't want to be in the group of grandmas who doesn't have VoIP yet, do you? It's easy and cost effective.

How You Can Switch

Ok, so you've made the decision to take the plunge and switch to broadband phone services ... now what? There are a lot of companies out there that offer VoIP. Here are a few places to get you started.

Vonage:

Vonage is a provider of broadband telephone services. They currently have over 2 million subscriber lines and are one of the largest companies that provide VoIP services. As a result, they're constantly upgrading their products and services. Last month they announced that they have received a patent for "Method and Apparatus for Enhanced Internet Telephony" (which according to their press release helps with dropped calls on the VoIP network.

Callcentric:

Callcentris is another good broadband telephone provider that uses Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). The company was founded in 2001 and includes a lot of basic and advanced features that you expect with your phone service including *69, speed dialing, call return, call waiting, voice mail, and more. Callcentric works with almost all known Internet Phone Adapters available on the market.

Packet8:

Packet 8 was started in 2002 and offers broadband telephone and videophone service for both residential and business customers. They use a Broadband Phone Adapter, which they supply to you when you purchase their internet phone services. That means you do not have to worry about the hardware compatibility issues when you subscribe to their services.

Stay tuned for other great information about VoIP phone networks and how it can help make your life easier including tips on how to shop for an Internet phone provider, what features to look for and more.