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.