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You don't have to be a "techie" to utilize cost savings opportunities through VoIP. VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, uses existing internet technology to route phone calls over data lines. What does that mean? You can place phone calls both local and long distance through your computer without involving your local provider or cell phone service. This
equates to a significant savings when you bypass AT&T, Sprint or your local bell company!
Several companies exist that offer a small monthly fee for making this service available to you. TopConsumerReviews.com reviews and ranks the best VoIP companies available today.
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With the economy in its current state we're all looking to reduce our monthly expenses to make ends meet. One way that many people are saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year is by placing and receiving phone calls through their existing internet connection. VoIP services (Voice over Internet Protocol) allow this to occur with little to no software or special training.
Some estimates show that the majority of internet users will utilize VoIP for all their phone needs in as little as 5 years. Surprisingly, the required equipment consists only of a high speed internet connection and a computer, both a common staple at many homes. While some VoIP service providers require a special adaptor or phone, that is not the case across the board. The traditional call waiting, voicemail
and caller id are included in many of the services offered.
There are many advantages to switching your traditional phone service to VoIP. Still, before considering a VoIP company you should compare and contrast the services provided by the top companies available. Important aspects of the different service levels include:
• Fees. Is the cost monthly or a one time charge? Is this going to
be a savings opportunity given your personal needs?
• Services. Is caller id, voicemail, and call waiting available with my plan of choice?
• Equipment. Will you be able to use the equipment you already have, or will you need to purchase an adaptor or a special phone to utilize VoIP?
TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the top VoIP service providers available today. We hope you find these reviews helpful in determining which service is right for you.
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Vonage is the most recognized name in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services out there. They have proved to be a major competitor for landline services.
Vonage provides the longest list of features available. Some of those include caller ID with name, call waiting, voicemail plus, call transfer, call forwarding, 3-way calling, caller ID block, call return, do not disturb, anonymous call block, click-2-call, Vonage online account, and much more.
Vonage offers both residential and business plans. Their basic 500 minute plan starts at only $14.99 per month and covers the first 500 minutes of local and long distance calling in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The next plan up from this is the premium unlimited residential plan and this runs $24.99 per month. Business plans start at $39.99 per month for 1000 minutes
and go up to
$49.99 per month for
the premium unlimited plan. They also offer multiple domestic and international combination plans.
We found Vonage to be very customer-oriented and responsive. We liked the interactive video display that explains every part of Vonage from set-up, detail on the features, how it works and more. The video is very professional and we found nothing else like it on the other VoIP websites. The site also offered information on the 911 service and the e911 service.
Based on the professional website, the
product and service offered, and the bonus features Vonage has earned our highest rating.
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Lingo offers Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services for both residential and business customers. As long as you have a broadband internet connection, you can use a VOIP service. Lingo will send your phone calls across the internet through an adapter that will split your high-speed and internet connection. You can keep the
same phone number and Lingo can send calls to more than one phone.
Features of Lingo include: one price, voicemail, three-way calling, speed dial, call forwarding, simultaneous ring (one phone number and calls are routed to your cell phone, home phone, etc.), call waiting, caller ID with name, call return, caller ID block, anonymous call rejection, do not disturb, and last number redial.
Residential plans start at $7.95 per month for very basic service (subscriber to subscriber service) and go up to $21.95 per month and include features like unlimited minutes, multiple countries included in cost, and free equipment. You can even receive global coverage for only $34.95 per month. Lingo's business plans start at $39.95 per month with limited minutes and coverage
in the US and Canada only and then increase up to $79.95 per month with unlimited minutes and multiple countries covered.
Overall, Lingo provides a very economical solution that has the flexibility to meet most people's needs.
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ViaTalk offers both business and residential Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) plans along with a lot of flexibility. ViaTalk plans all include: enhanced voicemail, call record, outgoing caller ID with name, simultaneous ring, call waiting, operator services, internet forwarding, call return, 3-way calling, free 411 directory service, voicemail notification via SMS text messaging,
local and long distance dialing,e911 support, do not disturb, caller ID block, anonymous call rejection, and much more.
ViaTalk offers several different types of plans to choose from. Their vt500 plan starts with 500 minutes and (depending on whether you pay monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually, or two years) can cost $14.95 per month or as little as $9.95 per month. The vt_unlimited plan can be paid monthly or annually for $22.95 per month or $199 per year. ViaTalk also offers business plans
ranging from $34.95 per month to $42.95 per month depending on the plan you buy.
ViaTalk's website is professional and offered a lot of helpful information. We were able to see client testimonials, a lot of detail on all of the plan options, a frequently asked questions page that included detail on the e911 service - which is different than normal 911 service - as well as much more. It was easy to find support via online chat or an 800 number we called to test
out.
Based on the services provide, website ease of use and professionalism, and amount of information available, we have rated ViaTalk with 4 stars.
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VoIP Your Life is all about freeing you from expensive phone bills. VoIP Your Life offers several different types of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) plans for you to choose from. They also have a business plan application they offer.
Plan features include: anonymous call rejection, caller ID, call forwarding, call return, call waiting, caller ID block, do not disturb, find me/follow me, international call blocking, music on hold, speed dial, 3-way calling, and much more.
To use VoIP Your Life service plans you simply need a phone, a broadband connection, and a VoIP router. The Premier Basic plan starts at $14.97 per month with unlimited incoming and on-net calls. Premier Unlimited runs $23.97 per month and includes unlimited calling to US and Canada. Premier Global Unlimited costs $29.97 per month and includes unlimited calls to over 30 countries.
The main issue with this provider is that, depending on your service area, the 911 operator may not have access to your physical location when you call. This is very different from your landline or current cell phone 911 services and something you want to be aware of.
VoIP Your Life offers a user forum to help users help each other. There is also customer support available, frequently asked questions and
much more helpful information available on the website. Outside of the 911 limitations, this provider offers a decent service.
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Phone Power is a middle of the road provider of Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) plans for both residential and business customers. The initial rate of $9.95 per month seems like a great deal but it is only the three month promotional price. Phone Power offers many of the same services the higher ranked providers but at a slightly higher price.
All residential plans include features like block/allow list, Click2Call, call log viewer, call waiting, caller ID, call waiting ID, do not disturb, simultaneous ring, call forwarding, call hold, 3-way calling, speed dial list, music on hold, call return, and voicemail viewer. 911 services are available for some and not others. Please have this information verified before making a switch
to Phone Power.
Phone Power’s business plans start at $39.95 per month and include the same features as the residential service. The business plans run on a month-to-month contract.
Overall, we couldn’t find any one reason to choose Phone Power over the higher ranked providers. The service list is long but comes with a slightly higher price. 911 service is available to some and customer service was helpful but hours are limited. This company offers a decent service – no concerns with integrity.
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JoiPhone offers residential and business Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) plans. Features include such things as local and long distance dialing, low international rates, voicemail, 911 emergency service, call waiting, call forwarding, caller ID, speed dial, 3-way calling, voicemail forwarding, block anonymous calls, music on hold, simultaneous call, and much more.
Required equipment includes a phone, broadband connection, and the JoiPhone adapter and JoiPhone's basic plan starts at $6.95 per month. This includes unlimited calling between JoiPhone customers, 100 minutes free in US calling, and over 40 other features. For the unlimited plan you pay $14.95 and get unlimited calling in the US and nine other countries worldwide. Their worldwide
plan is $16.95 and includes over 40 countries. JoiPhone has plans that cover over 70 countries and go up in cost
to $43.95 per month.
JoiPhone also offers business plans starting at $29.95 per month. The plans are similar to the personal ones, but offer more business related services.
JoiPhone ranked lower in customer service support and responsiveness. We had some pretty basic questions that took a lot of effort to answer. Overall, JoiPhone caters to a wide audience but is not as customer oriented as our higher ranked service providers.
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Skype is a VOIP service provider that has been in existence since 2003 and is located in Germany. Generally not as well known as many of the other providers but is owned by E-bay. This brings some sense of strength and trust. Skype offers customers the option of one low monthly fee of $2.95 - $9.95 or Skype Credit which includes prepaid low-cost local, long distance and international
calling.
Common phone services we use in the US are not available with Skype. No 911, no caller id, and no call waiting with this provider.
Software requirements are lengthy with Skype which helps promote a high quality reception. Users should have Window 2000, XP, or Vista.Windows 2000 users require DirectX 9.0 for video calls. Broadband connections are best for call quality and Skype recommends a computer with at least a 1 GHz processor, 256 MB RAM, and a Webcam.
Customer service support is limited. Customers must rely on user guides for all products and services. If you continue to have a problem you may submit a request through a ticket system and check online for a response. Response timeliness can be periodically slow.
If you only require a bare bones phone service and aren’t anticipating any customer service needs, Skype might be the right plan for you. But, for only a little more money each month you can have a full service provider that meets all of your communication needs. We think most will prefer a higher ranked company.
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Ooma offers one type Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) at one annual fixed price. This provider has no charge for US calls, second line feature, broadband answering machine, online Ooma lounge, enhanced call-waiting, do not disturb, caller ID and caller ID blocking, low cost calls overseas, etc.
Much like the other VoIP services we have reviewed, all you need to use Ooma is a current phone, broadband connection, and their hub.
This small time provider had limited customer service and information overall. We couldn't get a straight answer on 911 services so we have to assume they don't exist.
Overall, Ooma providers fewer features for more money - we recommend choosing a higher ranked provider.
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VOIP.com is an internet phone service offering limited Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) plans. Service is restricted to residential plans and prices range from $9.95 for 200 minutes to $19.95 for unlimited usage.
VOIP.com offers more limited features than our higher ranked providers. Some of the features we could pinpoint were anonymous call rejection, call return, call waiting, caller ID, speed dial and a few more.
The functionality of the website was very limited and good luck getting your questions answered. We could tell this was a small shop because response time was very slow. But, they do offer a 30 day money back guarantee.
Overall, you can get a lot more for your money by selecting a company with a reputable name, more flexibility, better services and customer oriented feel.
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VOIP in the News
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