What is VoIP?
Voice over IP (VoIP) is a type of phone system that uses an internet connection, rather than a traditional phone line, to transmit voice traffic. One of the most popular reasons for choosing VoIP is cost savings: VoIP service plans are typically less expensive than traditional phone system costs, systems require minimal maintenance, and costs are assessed as a monthly rate only- no long distance charges are applied when you use a VoIP system. VoIP service provides standard features like voicemail, caller ID, and call waiting, as well as advanced features like video conferencing, call tracking, and online system management.
To use a VoIP system, you’ll need three things: A high-speed internet connection, a VoIP service plan, and phone equipment. Most residences and businesses already have a broadband internet connection fast enough to accommodate a VoIP system- typically a bandwidth of 90 kbps is sufficient. Finding a VoIP service plan is easy if you know what to look for- VoIP vendors design service plans to suit small companies, large corporations with multiple offices, households, and every type of user in between. Most companies will require that you use VoIP-compatible phone equipment- you can purchase VoIP phones or VoIP adaptors, or use the microphone and speakers connected to your computer to make calls. Many providers also allow you to access your VoIP service account on certain mobile devices and cell phones.
Compare Price Quotes from Phone Systems Providers
How Do I Switch to VoIP Service?
Our free VoIP service comparison allows you to find the VoIP plan that’s the best fit for your business. We screen and review all providers to ensure that they match your requirements- you can compare price quotes and VoIP service plans easily, and find a provider whose plan offerings meet your budget.
Benefits of Using VoIP
Cost savings is the number-one reason most people switch from a traditional phone service to VoIP. The most basic VoIP service plans can be as little as $20/month for a standard phone plan that includes call waiting, unlimited minutes, and one phone line with several extensions. Larger companies or businesses can save big, too- using a VoIP service, you can virtually eliminate the equipment and maintenance charges that go along with owning a traditional on-site phone system.
VoIP service provides significant cost savings because calls are routed using an internet connection, not traditional phone lines. Since outgoing calls cannot be geographically located, there is no way to assess long distance charges. A call placed using computer/telephony integration will cost the same whether the destination is across the street or across the country- most users can save thousands or more in long distance charges alone.
Cost savings aren’t the only reason to make the switch. VoIP provides unique features, allows you to access calls from anywhere an internet connection is available, and provides valuable call tracking and system management features that can be easily accessed from a computer. Read MORE about the benefits of VoIP
VoIP Buyer Guide
So you’ve decided to switch to a VoIP service…now the real research begins! Armed with the right information, you’ll be able to quickly find the best system for your business. Download our VoIP Buyer Guide for a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to choosing system features, evaluating rate plans, and choosing a VoIP provider.
VoIP Cost Savings
How much can you really save using a VoIP service plan? Here’s a side-by-side comparison that breaks down the costs of a traditional phone system as compared to one using internet-based technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to keep a landline to use VoIP? Can you send faxes over a VoIP line? Before you switch, make sure you get all your questions answered- here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about VoIP service plans and VoIP phone systems.
Switching to VoIP
How do you know if VoIP service is right for your business? What types of companies benefit the most from using internet-based phone technology? Whether you’re looking for preliminary information or actively seeking to make the switch to a VoIP service plan for your home or business, here are a few signs that VoIP technology can help you save big.
VoIP Reviews
View Full Comparison Chart| Services: | Our Ratings: | Bottom Line: |
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Virtual Phone Service for Small Business |
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Affordable Phone Service |
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Business Phone Service |
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Website | Review |
Learn why over 18,000 Small Businesses |
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Website | Review |
Vocalocity-PBX Unlimited Extension |
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Website | Review |
Bandtel: Your Top VoIP SIP Provider for IP-PBX Deployment |
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