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VoIP: Phone Service via Internet

VoIP Phone Service: An overview of what you need to know

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is simply the use of your Internet connection to make phone calls instead of the traditional phone company's wired network. It is the use of digital technology instead of analog --- and is not all that dissimilar to the transition that has been going on in the wireless industry over the past 10 years.

VoIP phone service can save you $300 or more a year on your home phone service
The VoIP services discussed here let you make phone calls the same way you do today
You'll need high speed Internet (broadband) to subscribe to VoIP
VoIP gives you the same calling features you have today plus some cool new ones
There are a few other issues to consider before moving to VoIP service

Requirements for Internet Calling >>

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Important Tax/Fee Update!

As of July, 2006, the government will no longer collect the 3% federal excise tax on telecommunications. However, at the same time, VoIP providers will now be required to contribute to the Universal Service Fund, which helps subsidize service in rural and low-income areas. The contribution rate for this fund varies by quarter and can even vary by VoIP provider (because it is based on interstate call percentages). Initially, however, it is expected to be about 6.8%, and we have updated our tax/fee calculations accordingly.

As low as $7.95/month

World Unlimited $21.95
America Unlimited $19.95
America 500 $14.95
America 250 $7.95

Local & long distance calls to U.S. & Canada

Plans for all levels of usage, starting at $7.95/month. World Unlimitd plan includes unlimited calling to landline phones in the U.S. and 45 countries. For 250 & 500 minute plan, additional minutes are 4¢ each.

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As low as $14.95/Month with Commitment

Premium Monthly $19.95
Premium 24 Month $14.95

Local & long distance calls to U.S. and Canada

Pay monthly or save more by either prepaying for a year or paying monthly on a one or two year contract. 2¢ per extra minute on outgoing calls for exceeding 5,000 minutes in a month.

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The digital nature of VoIP enables a wide variety of features. At a minimum, these plans include voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding and online account management. See the provider's site for a full list of features.
Important information about 911 calls: Emergency (911) calls can be made via the VoIP providers we compare on MyRatePlan. At the same time, most VoIP services are mobile, meaning you can actually take your service with you on business travel or when you go to a vacation home, for example. In those cases, the address at which you are using the VoIP service will be different than your primary home (billing) address. Therefore, it is important that you follow your provider's instructions about registering the physical location where you will utilize their service.