Define your Needs When Shopping for VOIP Services
After all the research you have finally gotten around to doing on the topic of VOIP and VOIP services, you are just about ready to take the plunge. Making the decision to go with VOIP, however, is only half the battle. There are a truckload of VOIP providers out there, each one telling you that their service is the best one since sliced bread, so how do you make an intelligent and informed decision about which one to go with?
The first thing you need to realize is that not all VOIP services are created equally. One of the limiting factors is your high-speed Internet connection, since that will be used for your home VOIP to make and receive calls. VOIP will work reliably with DSL or cable (or better), but is not recommended if all you have is a satellite high-speed Internet connection, and VOIP is not recommended if you have access only to a wireless connection.
The vast majority of problems with VOIP from virtually any VOIP provider comes down to a lack of a reliable high-speed Internet connection. Your Internet provider may CLAIM you are getting reliable service and a fast connection, but if you are having trouble getting something as simple as VOIP to work on it, then they are blowing smoke at you and it may be time to look for another Internet provider. In terms of the Internet connection part of VOIP, that is just about as simple as things will ever get, and your Internet provider should be able to handle it. If they cannot, they may have purposely blocked it because they want to sell you VOIP services themselves ... at twice the price!
Now you need to determine what VOIP features you need. Almost all the VOIP providers and VOIP plans provider caller ID, voicemail, and call waiting, so let's see what else needs to be considered, and this is where things start to differ and get quite interesting.
Almost all of them offer unlimited long distance calling in the continental US. But do you call Canada a lot, or make frequent calls to Puerto Rico? If so, there are VOIP providers who include Canada and Puerto Rico in their unlimited calling plans.
Do you have friends, perhaps your parents or a sibling that you talk to a lot but they do not have VOIP? Is it the case where they call you frequently? You may wish to consider a plan that includes a virtual number or where you can get a virtual number cheaply. A virtual number is a phone number in that city. Say you live in Detroit so you of course have a Detroit phone number on your VOIP phone. Say you talk to your sister a lot in Houston who does not have a VOIP phone. You can get a Houston phone number in addition to your Detroit phone number, so now your sister can make a LOCAL call to your Houston number, and when she does, your VOIP phone at your home in Detroit will ring so it doesn't cost her anything! Is that cool or what?
Determine your needs and then start comparing VOIP features to see which VOIP provider offers the most bang for the bucks, based on what you need. Don't pay extra for VOIP services that you will only use once in a blue moon.
Related Tags: voip, voip provider, voip providers, voip services, voip service, voip features
Jon is a computer engineer with extensive experience in telecom and VOIP Services. Get more information about VOIP, what to watch for and what to watch OUT for at his web site, http://www.voipinsideinfo.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Chip Resetter
Some printer manufacturers, such as Canon, HP, Epson and Lexmark, put a chip into their inkjet or to - Services, Benefits And Selection Of Conference Call Provider
If you are seriously seeking for a conference call provider then be very careful in selecting the mo - Making The Most Out Of Your Chosen Business Phone Service Provider
In the United States, many cheap business phone services are available, as well as the services of i - Essential Buyers Guide For The Iphone 4
Released in the UK on the 24th June 2010, the iPhone 4 is considered by many to be the latest must-h - Various Business Phone Service Provider Choices
Communicate with your trading partners and a customer with the most productive way that does not eve - Conference Calling Companies - What Should You Really Look For In Conference Calling Companies.
First, let us first determine exactly what a conference call is.A conference call is really a phone - Sim Free Mobile Phone- Freedom From Any Kind Of Sim Free Phones.
SIM free mobile phone is the most popular mobile phones as it is with various offers and plan like t - Professional Yet Cheap Cell Phone Service Through Internet
Today, the demand and needs of commercial business has changed drastically. Now, the business patron - New Cellphones - High Tech Mobile Phones With Wonderful Features
New cellphones have become the essential widgets for communication and enjoyment. Gone are the days - Using Your Smartphone As Wi-fi
Using your cell phone to provide Wi-Fi to your laptop or iPad has now become an everyday occurrence.
Most viewed articles in this category:
- LG U830: Flavor of Chocolate, Power of 3G
Taking cues from the award winning design of the LG Chocolate, the latest offering, the LG U830 is - T-mobile: Bringing World 'simply Closer'
A proud member of one of the world's largest mobile companies, T-mobile is the UK network of T-mobil - Dishnetwork Is Better Than Other Television Service Providers
With over 12 million subscribers and a ranking of number one in customer satisfaction from JD Power - Sony Ericsson W850i: Complete Musical Package
To remain competitive in the market and to add novelty in its Walkman series Sony Ericsson has broug - Se K800i: an Excellent Camera Phone
Sony Ericsson's K800i is the first handset that comes with Cyber-shot brand and gives a true picture - Dish Network Offers A Variety Of Programming Packages
Dish Network offers a variety of programming packages for everyone's wants, needs, and budgets. Even - The Power of Influence
Years ago, the Carnegie Institute of Technology analyzed the records of ten thousand people and conc - Choosing A Web Hosting Provider By Their Customer Service
When choosing a web-hosting provider, there will be tons of questions you need answered before settl - Shield your Family With Reverse Cell Phone Number Search
Free reverse cell phone number searches is a great method that can help you in making certain that y - Sony Ericsson K610i: a Delight for Shutterbugs
Over the years camera phones have evolved. From being an add-on into the mobile phone, it has now be