VoIP Phone FAQs
What makes VoIP so attractive?
Its cost--internet telephony is cheap. There are local and long distance dialing packages which can cost as little as $19.95 a month. You won't find any mainstream, traditional calling plans that meet these rates.
VoIP plans are also great for international dialers. Most plans offer rates to Europe of $.03 or $.04 per minute, while calls to Canada are treated like domestic long distance calls.
What do I need?
First, you need a reliable A high-speed internet connection. This can be a cable modem, or a super high-speed service such as ISDN, DSL or a T-1 link. The link you choose will depend upon the amount of telephone traffic you intend to use. A typical DSL link, for instance, is enough for eight simultaneous phone calls.
Second, you will need to install the telephony adapter (TA), which comes with the service. You can plug any existing home phone into the TA using a standard phone jack, then plug the TA into your cable or DSL modem using a standard network cable.
What if my power goes out?
Because DSL and cable connections rely on modems that need to be plugged in, when the power goes out, so do the modem and telephone adapter your VoIP phone relies on.
However, cable lines keep humming in the dark, even though the modems stop working.
If you are concerned about losing your phones during a power outage, consider buying a universal power supply--such as those from APC--that keep desktop PCs running during a power interruption. By plugging your broadband modem, telephone adapter, and any intervening network routers into that UPS, you'll avoid losing phone service during outages.
Can I call 911?
Yes, but it may not be what you think. Support for 911 is highly variable, depending on the provider and geographic location. Support for 911 is a moving target, however, and VoIP providers are improving 911 dialing. If this is a concern for you, make sure to ask these providers what level of service is provided in your area. The information on their Web sites may be out of date.
Can I keep my phone number?
Yes. Most providers offer what's called Local Number Portability (LNP), a program established to allow people to change cell phone providers without losing their number. The catch is that it'll take anywhere from a week to a couple months for your old number to transfer to your VoIP account. In the interim, your VoIP provider can issue a temporary number, so you can make outbound calls; and your existing landline will continue to perform normally until the transition is complete. The problem is, if the LNP process drags on, you end up paying for two phone services--your VoIP line and the landline--for the duration.
Will I save a lot on taxes?
You'll save some. A typical phone bill can carry $10 or $15 in tax and regulatory fees. By comparison VoIP providers may assess a dollar or two in regulatory costs. In November 2007 the FCC ruled that taxing VoIP services is a federal matter, meaning that, for now, VoIP users avoid paying many of the state and regulatory fees that traditional phone providers charge. It's impossible to predict the future, but for now the tax savings from VoIP services remain.
What's the best way to switch?
If you're able to, adopt VoIP for a second line--a home office or kids' phone, for example. That way you won't be in deep trouble should the service go south on you. In addition, you'll get a very good feel for all the quirks that Internet phone services can bring. If you are happy with the second line after three months or so, it's probably safe to switch your primary line over.
Can I connect on the road?
Yes. No matter where you connect your telephone adapter to the Internet, the service behaves like you are at home. For example, when you go on a business trip to California, you can plug your TA (telephony adapter) into a hotel broadband connection and make calls from your office phone.
Does the person I'm calling need to have VoIP service too?
No. You'll be able to use VoIP Service to make and receive calls just as you would with your regular phone service.
Can I browse the Web and make calls simultaneously?
Yes, the service allows you to use the phone and surf the internet at the same time.
Can I use more than one phone?
The easiest solution is to get a multi-handset cordless phone, plug the base into the VoIP TA box and then place the other handsets where you need them. However, if you want to run phones off of multiple wall jacks, it'll take a little doing.
Some still keep their traditional phone lines as well as their new VOIP phones for long distance and business to get the best of all worlds.
