Introducing VoIP
Are you tired of the high fees you pay your telephone company?
VoIP, or Voice Over Internet Protocol, offers an inexpensive
alternative to traditional telephones. By using your broad band
internet connection, VoIP helps you save money, especially for
long distance calls.
As VoIP gets more popular, more companies are beginning to offer
this service to its customers. Some think that VoIP will replace
the traditional telephone system. To help you make the switch,
here is a list of VoIP service providers and some general
information about what they have to offer.
Verizon
VoiceWing - Their plans start at $19.95 a month for 500
calling minutes to the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
If you already have Verizon DSL, they offer a discount on their
unlimited plan ($29.95 instead of $34.95).
(https://www22.verizon.com/ForYourhome/voip/voiphome.aspx)
Comcast Di gital Voice - They have both national
and international calling options. If you use Comcast for any
other services, you are eligible for their discounted rates. If
you have Comcast Cable and High Speed Internet, Digital Voice is
an extra $39.95.
(http://www.comcast.com/Benefits/VoiceBenefits.ashx)
Lingo - This seems to be one of the best services. They
offer your first month for free. Plans start at $19.95 for both
national and international calling. Their basic service starts
at $7.95 a month. (http://www.lingo.com) Vonage - Prices
start at $14.99 for their basic service and $24.99 for their
unlimited service. Long distance calling rates are listed on
their site, as they change depending on the country.
(http://www.vonage.com)
Earthlink - Even
Earthlink has begun offering VoIP service. TrueVoice offers home
internet phone for rates starting at $14.95 a month. If you also
use Earthlink for your DSL connection, yo u are eligible for
their package deal. Also check out Vling- a free software
download called Vling which allows you to talk with other Vling
users for free. (http://www.earthlink.net/voice/dslhomephone/)