The Benefits of Broadband IP Phone Service

Broadband IP (Internet phone) phone service is intended to provide users with direct local and long distance service, but without the help or involvement of a local phone company. Rather, all calls are handled through a high-speed broadband Internet connection. Broadband IP phone systems are frequently referred to as VoIP, Voice Over Internet Phone.

What You’ll Need

In order to make broadband IP phone calls, you’ll need three basic things: a broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or the like), a subscription to a broadband IP phone service, and a broadband IP phone. Neither dial-up nor satellite Internet will work with a broadband IP phone. You can actually use any normal phone with broadband IP phone service, but you will have to purchase a router if you don’t have one already.

Once the broadband IP phone is hooked up and turned on, you can use the phone just as you would any other phone, and you won’t have to turn on your computer to use it.

Broadband IP Phone Service Quality

The phone quality should be the same or better than the phone service you use now, and depending upon which broadband IP phone company you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy a host of exciting features that you would not be able to receive with regular phone service subscription. The only factor that could influence the quality of your broadband IP phone service is the amount of Internet traffic and the speed of your connection, but since you’re using a fast broadband connection, you’re likely to notice no difference between the quality you have now and the quality you’ll have with broadband IP.

Broadband IP Phone Service – Cost

The cost of your broadband IP phone service will vary a bit depending upon which vendor you decide you go with. On average, however, you should expect to pay between $14 and $50 per month for service. Most broadband IP phone companies offer enticing start-up packages with features like free dedicated fax lines, no annual contracts, and buckets of minutes for local and long-distance calls per month. There are typically no start-up fees or any taxes to worry about with broadband IP phone service either.

How to Choose a Broadband IP Phone Service Company

There are several things that should factor into your decision-making when choosing a broadband IP phone company. First, you’ll want to scrutinize the plans available to you just as you would with cell phone plans. Check to make sure that you don’t have to pay any extra charge for certain services, and that you get an adequate number of minutes. You’ll also want to make sure that the phone number you currently have can be transferred over to your broadband IP phone – this is almost always possible, but it pays to check before you commit to a service. Finally, check to make sure that you aren’t going to be locked into a contract that prevents you from switching providers if problems arise with phone service quality or reliability.