A broadband internet phone is a telephone connection using a broadband internet service. This broadband connection can be either cable or DSL and operate at speeds far greater than those of dial-up, are continuously connected to the internet and required to enable proper use of a broadband internet phone.

A DSL broadband connection operates through your telephone line by using a special broadband modem. The cable version operates through your cable television connection. Whichever method you chose, a broadband internet phone connection is now relatively cheap and easy.

There are numerous advantages with a broadband internet phone, the most popular of which is the availability of cheap calls, especially international and long distance calls. There are an increasing number of broadband internet phone service providers and each offer various levels of service and features within a number of service plans.

While broadband phone service uses VoIP not all VoIP is using broadband phone service, at least in the traditional sense. Companies with multiple office can communicate using VoIP over direct connections or over the public Internet. Even though between the remote offices they are communicating over VoIP when a call is made outside the company they can still use regular phone service (PSTN or T-1 service). This allows them to take advantage of Voice Over IP without the detriments of broadband phone service.

In addition to the features and services that each broadband internet phone provider offers, you should also look at their levels of customer service. Things do go wrong from time to time but Vonage offer full 24/7 support via their web site. If you are considering a broadband internet phone, Vonage may be the best place to start your research as given their renowned customer service, quality products and keen pricing you will have a solid base to move forward your investigations.

So why is broadband phone service so cheap? Would it surprise you to know you're traditional telephone company has been ripping you off for years? OK, so no big surprise there, but I'll give you the low down anyway. Turns out broadband phone, and traditional phone services use the exact same grid for transferring phone calls. The Internet. The difference is your traditional phone company has been charging you to send your calls to that grid, where with broadband phone service your DTA, or broadband phone adapter handles that for you and doesn't charge you a dime. You're truly just paying for the service.