Residential VoIP

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Click on the name of the Service Provider for more details on their services.

VoIP telephony services for the home, home office and micro business are offered by four different types of companies. 

Independent VoIP Network Operators focus on VoIP services running on top of an existing broadband connection that you generally need to pay for separately.

Pros:  Offer aggressive prices.  Extensive, evolving features.  Small business offers can include toll free numbers, hunt groups.

Cons:  Many are small firms that may not survive.  Voice quality and customer service can vary.  Need to do the install yourself.

Telephone Network Operators, such as AT&T and Verizon, who offer VoIP services often tied to their broadband access services (cable or DSL).

Pros:  Large organizations supporting the service.

Cons:  More expensive than the independents

Cable Based Multiple Service Operators (MSOs), own fiber networks built originally to deliver television that now offer high speed Internet Access and VoIP services.  The voice traffic travels across the MSO's own network.

Pros:  If you have the cable service already, adding telephony is easy.  They come and install it.

Cons:  More limited features.  Generally not for business use.  More expensive.

PC based VoIP Systems offer free or very inexpensive communications across the Internet.  Originally designed for computer based communication as an extension of Instant Messaging, using a headset, some now offer ways to connect physical phones and to call people outside of the network for a charge.

Pros:  The cheapest way to talk internationally - free!  No additional equipment required for computer based service.

Cons:  The free services are limited to calling others using the same system.  Requires computer microphone or device to connect a phone at extra cost.

Facts about VoIP for the home:

VoIP can help you reduce your personal communications costs.  More than 1 million people in the US now have VoIP service at home.  Many use VoIP as a secondary line, using their high speed Internet connection.  Some have switched their primary phone line to VoIP.

• You need high speed Internet access for all but the peer-to-peer networks.  Even then its recommended.  With cable firms it may come bundled.

• You can use your existing home telephone.

• You can call people on their regular phone - they don't have to be subscribers to the services (except for the free peer-to-peer services).  Dialing works as normal.

• You can choose a new phone number, in any area code the firm offers, or sometimes switch your existing number to the VoIP service.

• You can save money compared to typical line charges, long distance and international rates.  Taxes are also lower.  Generally no contract needed.

• Voice quality is similar to traditional phone lines.  Service can be vulnerable to power and service outages.

• Get all regular phone features - caller ID, call waiting etc., plus extras like voice mail, simultaneous ringing of other numbers, virtual numbers.

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