Imagine making unlimited calls to anywhere in the world for as little as $25 a month. Are you pinching yourself yet to see if you’re dreaming? With VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, this low-cost telecommunications option is now a reality.
VoIP Plans: Easy, Cheap, and Work With Your Regular Phone
In the past, VoIP has been the realm of technophiles, online gamers, and the technologically savvy. Articles abound on the World Wide Web about setting up a PC-to-PC VoIP connection using complicated devices, and purchasing and installing expensive additional hardware. Luckily, several phone service providers are now offering VoIP plans that require only one additional device – the phone adaptor. Vonage is one of the most popular of these VoIP service providers, and will give you a phone adaptor for free when you sign up for their VoIP service plan.
What You Need to Use Vonage VoIP Phone Service
Before signing up for Vonage, make sure you have the following:
A broadband connection is any type of high speed Internet access, usually provided through a DSL or cable modem. You will need a broadband Internet connection to use Vonage or the calls will be jerky, low quality, and difficult to hear - dial-up and satellite Internet just isn’t fast or reliable enough.
If you’re not sure how fast your Internet connection is, try our Internet speed test to find out. If you are getting speeds of 90 Kbps or better, your broadband Internet connection will probably work well with Vonage VoIP service. If you are getting lower speeds, you may want to consider switching to cable or DSL; either type of provider is fine. You probably already have a touch-tone phone that you use with your standard phone service.
Cable and DSL Internet Connection: What it Is and How to Get It
Cable Internet uses a cable modem, and connects through the same cable that brings you Cable TV. DSL uses a DSL modem, and connects through a standard phone line at speeds much faster than dial-up. If you need Cable or DSL high speed Broadband Internet, you may want to try one of these excellent Broadband Internet service providers to upgrade your Internet service and begin making VoIP calls.
Ethernet Networks: What They Are and How to Get One
Ethernet is the most common type of network, and is the fastest and most stable home networking option. You can tell if you have an Ethernet network if your high speed Internet connection equipment is connected with cables that look like a slightly wider version of a standard phone cable. Many broadband Internet service providers will set up an Ethernet network for you when you sign up for their high speed Internet access.
How to Set Up a Vonage VoIP Connection to Make Online Calls
Setting up Vonage VoIP phone service is beyond easy. Once you sign up for a VoIP service plan with Vonage, they will send you a free Vonage phone adaptor and easy-to-follow instructions. Now that you have a high speed broadband Internet connection, an Ethernet network, and a touch tone phone, you will be ready to use Vonage VoIP in minutes:
- Simply plug your cable or DSL modem into the Vonage phone adaptor using an Ethernet cable. The modem should already be connected to the Internet.
- Plug a standard, touch-tone telephone into the Vonage adaptor.
Congratulations, you’re ready to begin making cheap, long distance VoIP calls!
