Did you know that the Internet can totally replace your existing phone line? With broadband phone service, you can make and receive telephone calls using a regular phone without the assistance of your local phone company. Instead, the phone plugs directly into a broadband internet connection, either cable or DSL. It's easy, fast and affordable.
You need two things to turn your internet connection into a personal phone line: a subscription to broadband phone service and any traditional phone (analog or digital). Most service providers charge between $20 and $30 a month, not including additional taxes and fees.
Once connected and installed, broadband phone service works just like a regular phone: pick up the phone and you will hear a dial tone ? dial a phone number ? wait for the person to answer ? and start talking. In most cases the person on the other line won't even know that you are using broadband phone service; the quality is that good.
Some of the benefits of using broadband phone service include: unlimited calling to the U.S and Canada, free features like call waiting, caller id, call forwarding, follow me ? find me, three-way calling, online bill pay, voicemail, voicemail to email notification, and the ability to choose your area code. This means that you can live in New York and have a California phone number. Most broadband phone service providers also offer a trial period or a 30-day money back guarantee.
Most, if not all, broadband phone service providers allow you to keep your current phone number; a process called local number portability (LNP). This process usually takes between six to eight weeks depending on the provider. If it takes any longer, most of the time it is the phone company that is releasing your phone number that is holding up the process.
Some additional features of broadband phone service are virtual numbers (a number in a different area code, that when dialed rings directly to your main number). Virtual numbers eliminate long-distance phone charges for anyone calling within that numbers' area code; and usually cost an additional $5 a month. Most broadband phone service providers also offer toll-free numbers and 411 directory assistance for a low monthly fee.
Due to the recent FCC regulations, all broadband phone service providers must have E911. What this means for you is that you if you subscribe to broadband phone service and dial 911, the call will be routed to the local public safety dispatcher with your address information pre-populating on their screen. When searching for a broadband phone service provider, ensure that they offer E911.
Broadband Phone Service Providers
Broadband video phones are the next level of communication using the internet rather than traditional phone lines and services. The broadband video phone will allow users to talk, send and received real time video. This technology uses a regular high-speed internet connection to send up to thirty frames per second. Most also include a full duplex speakerphone for the audio component.
Motorola
Motorola and WorldGate are working together to market a broadband video phone that works very similar to many online communication services offering voice and webcam services. The benefit of this broadband video phone is that the computer is not necessary as it would be with the headset and webcam option.
D-Link
D-Link offers several different styles of broadband video phones. The desktop model looks very similar to a regular corded phone but includes a five-inch colour LCD screen. It is designed for videoconferencing over the internet and does not require any connection to a computer.
The other models offered use a TV to provide the videoconferencing. One is wireless that allows easy portability and quick set-up. The wired model, like the wireless, does not require a PC to run, but does need an ethernet cable to be run from the router or broadband internet connection.
Viseon
Viseon is one of the first companies to market a home use broadband video phone. It operates on all high speed internet connections including DSL or cable modems. It features two way video telephony and allows the user to manage the service via an onscreen display.
Wooksung
The Wooksung video phone is a desktop phone featuring a high resolution 3.5 inch screen and a digital camera. For greater flexibility/mobility the screen swivels around its base. These feature makes it an ideal for travel. This phone has AV in/out jacks in the rear which can be used for projecting the picture on a larger screen.
What the future holds
The future of broadband video phones is heading towards more portable and more compact models. Several companies in China already provide video cell phones and this technology is on the move and is the wave of the future. Current models of broadband video phones range from around two hundred dollars up to five hundred dollars.
Deciding to use or not use a video phone depends on your comfort with technology, your ISP's VoIP technology, and your business or personal needs. Whether you choose to buy a broadband internet phone now or later, be prepared to see more options and models on the market.
Both Michael Brito & Mike Singh are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Michael Brito has sinced written about articles on various topics from Wedding Bells, Marketing and Broadband. To read more about Broadband Phone Service, go to: . Michael Brito is a freelance writer/internet marketer for a variety of consumer products and serv. Michael Brito's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.
Mike Singh has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, Fishing and Dental Insurance. Check out for more articles on. Mike Singh's top article generates over 368000 views. to your Favourites.
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