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Broadband phone service
enables
voice telephone calls to work over your
high-speed Internet connection. A
broadband phone (also known as a VoIP
(Broadband Phone) or
Internet phone) utilizes the same IP
network as your Internet service.
Hardware adapters connect a standard
telephone to the high-speed Internet
connection to create a broadband phone.
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Broadband Phone Service Provider
Internet Compatibility
Most broadband phone services work only
with DSL or cable modem Internet. If you
subscribe to dial-up, satellite or
wireless broadband, these telephone
services will likely not work in your
household.
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Broadband Phone Service Plans
Service providers offer many different
broadband phone subscription plans. As
with a cell phone, some service plans
for these telephones feature unlimited
local calling or large numbers of free
minutes. However, the cost of broadband
phone service is highly variable;
international, long distance and other
calling charges often still apply.
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Broadband Phone Reliability
Compared to an Internet-based broadband
phone network, the standard home voice
telephone network is extremely reliable.
Calls cannot be made with the broadband
phone whenever your home Internet
service is down. Additional failures
within the broadband phone service
itself will add to any downtime caused
by the Internet connection.
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Broadband Phone Number Portability
A popular feature associated with
broadband phones is number portability.
This feature allows you to keep the same
telephone number you had before
subscribing to the Internet-based plan.
However, this feature may not be
available depending on your number and
the local broadband phone company
involved. You are normally responsible
for requesting and paying for the
broadband phone number portability
service.
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Broadband Phone Service Lock-In
The contract you sign with a broadband
phone service provider may restrict your
ability to change providers at a later
time. High service fees may be charged
to change your telephone number, service
plan, or switch to another broadband
phone company. Likewise, the local
telephone compoany may charge high fees
to restore their service, should you
change your mind later.
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Broadband Phone Sound Quality
In years past, the sound quality
supported by broadband phone service was
significantly less than with traditional
telephone services. Though it can vary
by provider and location, in general the
quality of broadband phone audio is very
good. You might notice a small delay
("lag") between when you speak and the
other party hears your voice.
