VoIP internet phone service transports voice telephone calls over the internet by using a technology called packet switching. VoIP is actually a protocol that makes that communication possible. The service can be used with existing telephone id you attach each of them to an adapter box that plugs into the USB port on your computer. Alternatively, you can buy phones that are designed to use the WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) protocol and your compatible wireless router.

Besides the equipment needed to hook up your existing phone, the only requirement is that you have a broadband internet connection. VoIP services offer the same features as conventional service and usually for a flat rate local, regional and long distance service. Most have very reasonable international calling rates as well. Individual service can be found for between $15 and $50 dollars a month. Business services start there and go up depending on exactly what you need and want.

Service Providers

AOL Internet Phone Service

• Call Quality – very good
• 911 Support – must register phone
• Transfer existing number – yes
• Features – extensive options
• Support & Documentation – very good
• Cost – expensive because users must first subscribe to AOL
• Recommendation – excellent choice for AOL plus users but non-AOL members should look elsewhere.

• Call Quality – excellent
• 911 support – must register phone
• Transfer existing number – yes
• Features – extensive options
• Support & Documentation – very good
• Cost – more expensive than the others
• Recommendation – has consistently good quality connections and a long list of features included.

• Call Quality – decent
  911 support - no
• Transfer existing number – usually
• Features – less than most services, no fax capability
• Support & Documentation – very good
• Cost – low monthly rates include international calling
• Recommendation – if you don’t need fax capability or do a lot of international calling, it may be a good choice.

• Call Quality – poor
• 911 support - no
• Transfer existing number – yes
• Features – average, no Ethernet pas through ports of ATA
• Support & Documentation – average
• Cost – more expensive than average
• Recommendation – not recommended due to poor voice quality

• Call Quality – inconsistant
  911 support - no
• Transfer existing number – no
• Features – Web access to voicemail, call forwarding, calling-card and softphone options are included, low per-minute rates, no cancellation or hardware fees but No fax, call waiting or redial
• Support & Documentation – average
• Cost – average
• Recommendation – not recommended due to inconsistent voice quality

• Call Quality – inconsistant
  911 support - yes
• Transfer existing number – no
• Features – standard unlimited-minutes plan includes countries in Western Europe, offers an Asian calling plan and virtual numbers
• Support & Documentation – average
• Cost – lower than most other providers
• Recommendation – not recommended due to inconsistent voice quality but may be very appealing to people who make a lot of international calls

• Call Quality – good
• 911 support - yes
  Transfer existing number – yes
• Features – unlimited long distance, flat-rate international, normal options
• Support & Documentation – average
• Cost – excellent price
• Recommendation – good choice to replace your current phone service.

• Call Quality – significant variations in voice quality
• 911 support - yes
• Transfer existing number – yes
• Features – service includes two phone numbers, dual-handset phone system but only two free directory-assistance calls per month, no fax capability and doesn't support Firefox for voicemail playback.
• Support & Documentation – live online support
• Cost – very cheap
• Recommendation – potential choice replace your current phone service.

• Call Quality – average
• 911 support - yes
• Transfer existing number – yes
• Features – standard features
• Support & Documentation – good
• Cost – expensive
• Recommendation – decent choice for verizon DSL customers, otherwise look elsewhere..

• Call Quality – good
• 911 support - yes
• Transfer existing number – no
• Features – below average
• Support & Documentation – average
• Cost – excellent price
• Recommendation – not recommended.

• Call Quality – excellant
• 911 support - yes
• Transfer existing number – yes
• Features – very good feature set, both home and business palns available
• Support & Documentation –good
• Cost – average
• Recommendation – good choice to replace your current phone service.

• Call Quality – good
• 911 support - yes
• Transfer existing number – no
• Features – DSL only
• Support & Documentation – average
• Cost – average
• Recommendation – unless you are a DSL subscriber who wants a new modem and router, it is not a good choice.